Here at Ruth Lee, we know that volunteer rescue teams are the unsung heroes of our communities. You give up your time to keep others safe, often without the recognition – or resources – you truly deserve. That’s why we’re so proud to announce the launch of the National Volunteer Heroes Fund 2025, created exclusively to support UK volunteer teams with access to the very latest in training equipment and technology.
In 2024, 44 incredible volunteer rescue teams received manikins through the programme, helping them to take their training to the next level. But for 2025, we’re going even further. Instead of simply awarding financial support or standard equipment, we’re giving you the chance to apply for two of the most advanced training tools we’ve ever created – tools already trusted by professional emergency services around the world.
What’s Available in 2025?
We’re offering six opportunities for UK volunteer teams to win one of these ground-breaking products (three of each):
RL360 Mixed Reality Training Software & Hardware Package (3 available)
This is training like you’ve never experienced before. RL360 isn’t VR – it’s mixed reality, blending the real and digital worlds to create an incredibly immersive training environment. Using an HTC VIVE headset and trackers, RL360 brings your Ruth Lee manikin to life with digital overlays that simulate everything from visible injuries to vital signs.
Imagine being able to see and respond to catastrophic bleeding, airway blockages, or patient deterioration in real time – all while working on a physical manikin in front of you. This transforms the way you practice emergency care, making your training more realistic, dynamic, and memorable. If your team wants to push the boundaries of what’s possible in trauma training, RL360 is the tool you’ve been waiting for.
Find out more about RL360 here.
Trauma Rescue Manikin RLNTR30 (3 available)
The newest addition to the Ruth Lee family, the Trauma Rescue Manikin is the most advanced physical rescue manikin we’ve ever produced. Built with the same durability and realism you know us for, this manikin is designed specifically for advanced trauma care training.
Key features include:
- Bleeding control & tourniquet application – practice vital life-saving interventions.
- CPR capability – integrate resuscitation training into complex scenarios.
- Full airway management – develop skills in managing obstructed airways.
- Realistic weight and handling – ensuring rescues feel as close to real life as possible.
This manikin will give your team the chance to develop advanced trauma care skills that go far beyond basic rescue drills.
Find out more about the Trauma Rescue Manikin here.
Why Apply?
Volunteer rescue teams are often self-funded, relying on community donations and goodwill to cover essential costs. We want to break down some of those barriers by giving you direct access to the same advanced tools used by professionals – helping you train smarter, faster, and with more realism than ever before.
How to Apply – Don’t Miss Out!
Applications open today (Monday 15th September) and close on Friday 17th October 2025. That gives you just five weeks to submit your entry.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in the application form on this page.
- Tell us about your team, what equipment you’d like to receive, and why you deserve this support.
- Remember – each application can only select one prize (either RL360 or the Trauma Rescue Manikin), but you can submit multiple applications if your team would like to try for both.
Winners will be announced at the end of October 2025.
This is a unique opportunity to access training tools that could genuinely transform the way your team prepares for rescues. Don’t let it pass you by – apply now and give your team the chance to be recognised as one of our 2025 Volunteer Heroes.
👉 APPLY NOW before it’s too late!
