Yorkshire Ambulance Service marks 20 years of caring for patients across the region

The Trust was formed on July 1 2006 following the merger of South Yorkshire Ambulance Service, West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service and the North and East Yorkshire parts of Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity (YAS Charity) is also celebrating the milestone with a special birthday fundraising campaign to run throughout the remainder of 2026.

Since 2006-07, the Trust’s workforce has more than doubled, rising by around 113% from 3,600 to 7,700 full and part-time staff, while annual ‘999’ calls have increased by around 130%, from 544,000 to 1.25 million in the last year.

Staff and volunteers have responded to changing patient needs, rising demand and major developments in healthcare, technology and clinical practice, while continuing to provide compassionate care to people when they need it most.

Since its formation, Yorkshire Ambulance Service has dealt with more than 18 million ‘999’ calls, carried out almost 20 million non-emergency journeys and answered over 21 million NHS 111 calls.

Peter Reading, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “Reaching our 20th anniversary is a proud moment and a chance to recognise the difference our people have made to millions of patients in communities across Yorkshire and the Humber.

“Every day, our staff and volunteers are there for people in urgent and often life-changing circumstances — whether providing emergency care, safely transporting patients or offering health advice through NHS 111.

“Although the way we deliver care has changed significantly over the last two decades, our purpose remains the same: to be there for people when they need us.”

The anniversary will be marked by celebrating the milestones and memories that have shaped the Trust and YAS Charity since 2006.

The YAS Charity is also calling on the public to help make 2026 the best fundraising year yet.

The charity supports initiatives that go over and above the work funded by the NHS. It provides life-saving CPR training to thousands of people across Yorkshire every year, with the aim that as many individuals as possible know how to respond in a medical emergency.

Since the launch of Restart a Heart Day in 2014, the charity has supported over 311,432 students during more than 1,397 school visits to learn CPR. In the same year, the YAS Charity started to install life-saving defibrillators in areas across the region that did not have them. This work has continued and in the last three years alone, the charity has supported the installation of 54 defibrillators across Yorkshire.

The charity creates brighter futures for vulnerable people by providing education and training opportunities, whilst also going the extra mile to support the health and wellbeing of YAS staff and volunteers.

Carey Taylor, Head of YAS Charity, said: “As we mark our 20th birthday, we’d love for you to celebrate with us by joining us in our fundraising mission for 2026. By supporting the YAS Charity, you are not only showing your appreciation for our life-saving staff and volunteers, but you are also being a life-saver yourself by helping to fund vital equipment and training which can make all the difference in a medical emergency.

“We are hugely grateful to anyone who has donated to the charity over the last 20 years and appreciate your continued support for the future, so we can keep doing our important work.”

There’s lots of ideas to help plan a fundraiser - from a sporting challenge to a quiz or karaoke night, or a bake sale - in the YAS Charity 20th Birthday Fundraising Pack, simply email [email protected] for your copy. Or to make a one-off donation of £20 for 20 years visit YAS Charity 20th Birthday Fundraiser - JustGiving.