The McQueen charter

The McQueen Charter is designed to guide Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) on the best way to support the mental health of those who work in any role within the sector. Around 99% of it would be applicable in any organisation.

The Charter is named after Dr Carl McQueen who worked in the air ambulance community and died by suicide in 2016. Carl was a brilliant clinician, an advocate for learning and a compassionate and caring human. It was important to him to make a difference.

Every time the Charter is downloaded, his legacy lives on.

The Charter bears Carl’s name as his case was the catalyst for change. The document itself however encompasses so much more and addresses a much bigger picture. It aims to give employers a thorough guide on how to improve the entire employment experience and encourage genuine reflection on opportunities to understand and improve workplace practices.

The McQueen Charter has made a huge impact at East Anglian Air Ambulance, encouraging timely and honest conversations with all staff on the subject of mental health, and we are always interested to hear from other people and organisations who have learned from it or have best practice to share.

If you would like further details on the Charter please contact info@eaaa.org.ukor phone 03450 669 999.