Devon Air Ambulance’s Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation (IMPACT) has today (Tuesday, 25 November) been awarded the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, recognising its outstanding contribution to improving global road safety.
IMPACT is the world’s first centre dedicated exclusively to improving outcomes from road injury through post-collision research, innovation, and translation. Its work spans original research, global capacity-building, mentorship, and practical tools that are already transforming emergency response and post-crash care worldwide. Among its most influential achievements are the internationally recognised Road Injury Chain of Survival and the U-STEP OUT algorithm, which provide structured guidance for responders and bystanders to improve survival rates.
“This award is a huge honour for IMPACT and for everyone who has contributed to our mission,” said Professor Tim Nutbeam, IMPACT lead and Devon Air Ambulance doctor. “It recognises the importance of post-collision care in saving lives and highlights the role of research and collaboration in driving global improvements.”
IMPACT’s award-winning EXIT project revolutionised vehicle extrication guidance, reducing the time patients remain trapped and improving survival rates. Today, IMPACT leads research across all phases of the Road Injury Chain of Survival, tackling critical gaps in bystander care, gender equity, and care in low-resource settings – areas where emergency services have limited equipment, training, or infrastructure, and where simple, practical solutions can make the biggest difference.
The centre’s bystander care workstream, funded by the Road Safety Trust, includes more than ten linked studies exploring early recognition, safety, and scene intervention.
Ruth Purdie OBE, CEO of the Road Safety Trust, said: “We are very proud to support IMPACT’s pioneering work. The Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards recognise initiatives that make a meaningful contribution to reducing deaths and serious injuries. IMPACT’s recognition reflects the value of strengthening post-collision care and the difference this research is making in the real world.
“This work is an important contribution to improving outcomes after road collisions, both here in the UK and internationally. Professor Nutbeam’s leadership has been absolutely central to the programme’s reach and success. We are extremely pleased to have played a part in supporting this achievement.”
Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, is also chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.
Commissioner Hernandez said: “Our partnership recognises the importance of Post-Crash Response and Care, which is why we have invested in the IMPACT team. This vital learning will help save more people’s lives.
“There is no doubt that the great work of IMPACT and the dedication of Prof Tim Nutbeam will have a profound effect on road safety, not just in Devon & Cornwall, but internationally too.
“We strongly believe this work could be a game-changer in helping us achieve our ambitious target of reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads to zero.”
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About IMPACT
IMPACT is led by Professor Tim Nutbeam, supported by a multidisciplinary team including clinicians from Devon Air Ambulance, academic partners at the University of Plymouth, and collaborators from international trauma and emergency medicine networks. The centre also works closely with organisations such as the Road Safety Trust, the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, and global NGOs to ensure its research translates into real-world impact.
Its work spans projects including:
- EXIT Project: Revolutionised vehicle extrication guidance, reducing the time patients remain trapped and improving survival rates.
- Bystander Care Workstream: Funded by the Road Safety Trust, this programme includes over ten linked studies exploring early recognition, safety, and scene intervention.
- Utstein Guidance for Road Injury: Applies a proven international framework to post-collision care for the first time, creating a global standard for reporting and improvement.
- Global Mentorship & Capacity Building: IMPACT supports clinicians and emergency systems in low-resource settings, ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions.
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