HEMS Action is an interactive map-based platform that visualises helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) activity across the UK. It combines flight tracks with usage statistics from all UK Air Ambulance services.
The platform uses publicly available aviation tracking data collected from ADS-B and MLAT receivers across the country.
Flight data is gathered from a network of volunteer and professional receivers, then processed into clear individual flight tracks showing route, duration, and distance.
Coverage is strongest in densely populated areas and weaker in remote or rural regions. As a result, all metrics should be interpreted as best-available estimates rather than absolute figures. Specifically, large parts of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland & Northern England have very few 'feeders' and, as such, HEMS services in these areas will show gaps in their tracks.
If you're concerned that ADS-B coverage in your area is patchy or under-represented, you could make a real difference by becoming a feeder. Feeders contribute receiver data to an open-source network, helping to build a more complete picture of air ambulance activity across the country — and it's surprisingly cheap and straightforward to set up. If you're interested in finding out more, get in touch using the contact details on this site.