Post collision techniques that could save more lives - the official launch of IMPACT
Reducing the leading cause of death and disability worldwide: An ambitious target, but it’s one that IMPACT – the Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation - has in its sights.
The Devon-based centre, which officially launched on Wednesday 25 June, delivers research and education and develops policy that measures the impact of road traffic collisions and, crucially, looks at how physical and psychological outcomes can be improved for those involved.
Devon has one of the highest rates of serious road injury in England when adjusted for population. Every year, Devon Air Ambulance responds to around 200 serious road traffic collisions, and more than half of the trauma patients it attends are injured on the roads. Devon also has the highest rate of medical events at the wheel in the country and is among the worst areas for road injury involving children and young people.
IMPACT was founded by Devon Air Ambulance, harnessing the charity’s clinical and research experience and commitment to innovation. It is entirely grant-funded, meaning that any public donations to Devon Air Ambulance continue to support its frontline operations.
The launch brought together partners and funders involved in IMPACT’s development, including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, The Road Safety Trust, the Office of the Police and Crime Commission, highways teams and researchers.
Professor Tim Nutbeam, IMPACT’s Director and Devon Air Ambulance Doctor, said: “At IMPACT, we believe that real change comes from multidisciplinary, multi-professional sharing and research. Impact is the result of an innovative collaboration between clinicians, fire and rescue professionals, police, data experts and policy leads.
“We owe it to our patients to keep asking difficult questions, to challenge long-held assumptions, and to work side-by-side across sectors to find better solutions. “It’s an absolute privilege to collaborate with such dedicated and inspiring colleagues—and exciting to celebrate the power of teamwork, shared purpose, and evidence-led innovation.”
Since beginning work in late 2024, IMPACT has been nominated for national awards, delivered leading research and collaborates closely with Vision Zero South West, the Road Safety Trust, and international partners to drive change.
Greg Allen, Chief Executive of Devon Air Ambulance, who introduced the launch and welcomed everyone to the event, said: “The official launch of 'IMPACT - The Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation' is a pivotal moment.' he said,
“Professor Tim Nutbeam is leading this pioneering and award-winning team, which is already reaching out across Devon and internationally, and translating world class research into best practice. As part of Devon Air Ambulance, and in collaboration with the wider system of relevant agencies, the work of IMPACT is saving lives with its expertise in post-collision care innovation.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, and Chair of Vision Zero South West, added: “At Vision Zero South West we are determined to stop people dying or being seriously injured on our roads. We aim to firstly reduced the number by half by 2030.
“The work of Tim and his team will help us achieve this ambition by working out ways to save lives if we can't stop a collision. We are relentlessly focussed on enforcement and education but this work will be a game changer.”
Louise Palomino, Grants and Impact Director at The Road Safety Trust, said: “We are tremendously excited about the launch of IMPACT centre and we’re proud that we could contribute to this important life-saving work through our funding.
“The commitment to a broad partnership-based approach, rigorous evidence-based practice and a passion for saving lives shines through and we are confident that significant strides will be made in road safety and post-collision care as a result.”
A film showing the human impact of the pioneering work carried out by Tim and his team at IMPACT has been released.
It tells Freddie's story - of a serious road collision on a road near Wellington almost resulted in the death of an 18-year-old boy, had it not been for the time-critical intervention of Tim and the emergency services attending the incident.
27 June 2025