Air Ambulance crew trainer recognised as Advanced Practitioner

EMRTS has its first CCP to validate within their health board as an Advanced Practitioner.

Critical Care Practitioner Education and Training Lead Kate Humphries, who has been with the service for nine years, underwent a comprehensive review by a multidisciplinary verification panel consisting of senior Health Board representatives, university colleagues, and members of the EMRTS team. During the review she demonstrated clear capability and confidence in working at an advanced level in the four pillars of advanced practice - clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research - to meet the high standards required for annotation.

EMRTS Clinical Operations Manager Jason Hughes said: “I’m delighted to share the fantastic news that Kate Humphries has recently been verified as an Advanced Practitioner within Swansea Bay University Health Board.

“As a result, she will now be formally recognised and annotated as an Advanced Practitioner within SBUHB.

“This is a significant achievement and reflects Kate’s dedication, expertise, and continued commitment to providing high‑quality care.”

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who crew the Wales Air Ambulance, bringing hospital-standard treatment to accident scenes.

Before working with EMRTS, Kate worked with the West Midlands Ambulance Servie and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

In her current role, Kate delivers advanced prehospital care to critically ill and injured patients across Wales. She works predominantly in CCP-led teams, providing interventions beyond the standard paramedic scope, including the administration of blood products. Her expertise is underpinned by a Master’s degree in Advanced Critical Care Practice. She is also one of the few paramedics in the UK to hold the Diploma in Retrieval and Transfer Medicine with the RCSEd, and is now an examiner for them.

Last year, she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Wrexham University for her incredible dedication to advancing the development of paramedic students, and commitment to trauma informed practice.

Jason Hughes added: “We are also keen to support other senior practitioners within the service to celebrate their hard work and to progress through the verification pathway.

“To help with this, Kate will be sharing her experience with interested colleagues, offering valuable insight into what is required and how best to prepare.

“Please join me in offering a huge well done to Kate on this well‑deserved accomplishment.”