We’re delighted to share that all three recipients of the Trauma Rescue Manikin through our Ruth Lee Volunteer Heroes 2025 programme have now received their new training equipment and it’s already beginning to make an impact.
The Volunteer Heroes initiative recognises and supports volunteer-led rescue and response organisations across the UK and internationally, helping them access high-quality training equipment that may otherwise be out of reach due to limited funding. Each year, we select a small number of teams whose applications demonstrate exceptional commitment to training, community impact, and operational need.
This year’s Trauma Rescue Manikin recipients are:
- Order of Malta Ireland – Ambulance Corps – Armagh Unit
- Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team
- Tees River Rescue
Order of Malta Ireland – Ambulance Corps – Armagh Unit
The Armagh Unit recently took delivery of their Trauma Rescue Manikin, which marks the very first Trauma model delivered to OMAC in Ireland.
In their own words:
“This will certainly increase everyone’s skill set… Weighing in at 30kg, your people moving skills will certainly be utilised. Femoral haemorrhage facilitation also. Again, a massive THANKS to Ruth Lee Ltd for your generosity to voluntary organisations.”
The unit highlighted how the manikin will support the wide variety of event cover they provide, enhancing both casualty care and manual handling skills. We’re incredibly proud to support their continued development.
Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team
Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team were also successful in their Volunteer Heroes application and have already begun integrating their new manikin into training.
During a recent visit from Mountain Rescue England and Wales CEO Andy Buchan, the team demonstrated how the manikin will be used to deliver high-fidelity simulations of airway management and major trauma scenarios in remote environments.
The team shared that:
“The manikin will enable the team to train in high fidelity simulations of airway management and to practice major trauma situations in remote environments.”
For a mountain rescue team operating in challenging terrain, realistic trauma simulation plays a crucial role in preparedness and we’re thrilled to see the manikin already being put through its paces.
Tees River Rescue
Tees River Rescue have also received their Trauma Rescue Manikin and are preparing to introduce it during an upcoming team training night.
They told us:
“We have received the manikin, thank you, and it looks amazing! We are planning a training night in a few weeks where we can use it with our team.”
We’re looking forward to seeing it in action and sharing more as their training begins.
What Volunteer Heroes Is All About
Volunteer Heroes exists to support the incredible volunteer teams who dedicate their time and expertise to protecting their communities – often with limited budgets and self-funded equipment.
By providing access to advanced training tools such as manikins or the latest training technologies, we aim to help teams enhance realism, improve skill retention, and build confidence in high-pressure situations.
Seeing these manikins now delivered and being integrated into training programmes is exactly why Volunteer Heroes exists.
Interested in Volunteer Heroes 2026?
If your volunteer organisation would like to be considered for the next round of Volunteer Heroes funding, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Register your interest for Volunteer Heroes 2026 here
We’re proud to continue supporting volunteer rescue teams around the world and we can’t wait to see how this year’s recipients continue to put their new equipment to work.