Devon Air Ambulance’s Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation (IMPACT) has 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.
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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