Air Ambulance Week 2026 takes place from 7–13 September, bringing together the UK’s air ambulance charities like KSS to raise awareness and vital funds for the lifesaving pre-hospital care they deliver every day.

As national Air Ambulance Week gets under way, TV’s Dr Hilary Jones MBE, newly-appointed Ambassador for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), is backing the charity’s efforts to inspire young people to acquire lifesaving skills through its brand-new KSS Mission Badge, an exciting educational programme which will provide children aged 5 to 14 with a unique insight into the work of the charity’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

This year’s campaign message – “Every Mission Starts With You” – puts the spotlight on the public. Every donation, fundraiser, or act of support plays a crucial role in making each mission possible.

The new KSS Mission Badge is aimed at children and young people aged 5 – 14 years and is free to take part in. Through a series of fun, age-appropriate challenges, participants will learn what happens when someone calls 999, how to respond in an emergency, the basics of CPR and defibrillator awareness, aviation skills and the vital lifesaving work of KSS across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.  

Dr Hilary Jones MBE said: "The KSS Mission Badge is an excellent way to inspire young people to learn lifesaving skills, understand how emergency services work and gain confidence in helping others. Every child who takes part will come away with knowledge that could make a real difference one day. I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to get the children in their family, school or community involved in this fantastic initiative." 

The KSS Mission Badge has been developed for three age groups, with activities tailored for Key Stage 1 (5 to 7 years), Key Stage 2 (7-11 years) and key stage 3 (11 – 14 years.) The KSS Mission Badge has been developed for three age groups, with activities tailored for Key Stage 1 (5 to 7 years), Key Stage 2 (7-11 years) and key stage 3 (11 – 14 years.) The programme builds on the success of the charity’s highly successful Scouts Challenge Badge and Girlguiding Mission Badge. 

Participants can choose from five engaging mission areas, covering:

• What happens when someone calls 999
• How to help in an emergency
• Basic aviation knowledge
• The importance of medical research
• The lifesaving role of KSS

To earn a certificate and specially designed KSS Mission Pin Badge, participants need to complete three missions. The programme is free to take part in, and those completing the required challenges can receive a free certificate or purchase a commemorative pin badge for £2.50.

Young people who complete all five missions, including a fundraising activity, will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to meet members of the KSS crew and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit.

Fran Vale, Senior Kent Community Fundraiser at KSS said: “The KSS Mission Badge is a fantastic way for young people to learn more about our lifesaving service while developing skills that could one day help save a life. We wanted to create something fun, interactive and educational that gives children and young people a real insight into the world of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. We hope participants enjoy taking on the missions, learning new skills and becoming part of our growing army of lifesavers."

KSS works to saves lives across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex when every second counts. Every day, its helicopters bring the emergency room to the scene fast, delivering lifesaving care to those who suddenly become injured or critically ill.

The charity’s highly skilled team of doctors and paramedics perform lifesaving procedures - like open-heart surgery, blood transfusions, and emergency anaesthetic - right at the scene, giving patients the best chance of survival. 

The KSS Mission Badge pack is available now and can be accessed online at KSS Mission Badge - Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex. Participants can sign up to receive their mission pack, complete the challenges at their own pace and share their achievements with the KSS Community Team.