Devon Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive, Heléna Holt, scooped a Special Recognition Award at the 2024 Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence.
The 2024 Awards of Excellence, sponsored by Kwik Fit, were hosted by Air Ambulances UK’s ambassador Charlotte Hawkins at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Thursday (28 November). This annual event celebrates the remarkable achievements and dedication of those who bring their specialist lifesaving skills to the air ambulance sector across the UK.
Heléna Holt was awarded the prestigious Special Recognition Award for the impact she has made on Devon Air Ambulance during her 17 years at the helm.
An incredible legacy
Read by Charlotte Hawkins at the culmination of the awards ceremony, Heléna’s nomination stated: ‘As CEO for 17 years, Heléna has been a transformative force in the sector, leading Devon Air Ambulance through remarkable growth. The charity became the UK’s first fully independent air ambulance and completed an impressive 2,226 missions last year alone. Heléna’s visionary approach has not only improved patient outcomes but also driven a digital transformation, ensuring the charity is future-proofed for technological advancements and strategic success.
‘Under her leadership, the charity has changed beyond recognition. The impact of this transformation, and Heléna’s legacy, can be felt across Devon – by every patient, every family, and every community served.’
Her achievements include the introduction of doctors on board and enhancing the clinical skills and knowledge of the team’s specialist and advanced paramedics.
Heléna said, ‘It has been such a privilege to work with the fantastic and talented Devon Air Ambulance Team, both staff and volunteers, for the last 17 years. Every day they achieve amazing things, from frontline staff saving lives to all the hundreds of staff and volunteers who make it possible. I was honoured to receive this award and accept on behalf of us all’.
Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said, ‘Congratulations to our 2024 Awards of Excellence winners. Our judging panel was once again met with the challenging task of selecting this year’s winners. Thank you to all in our air ambulance community for your dedication to the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK.’
