Flight for Life - Autumn/Winter 2017

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS THE AGUSTAWESTLAND 169 IS SET TO SOAR!

LONDON MARATHON

STRICTLY AIR AMBULANCE

BASE2BASE CHALLENGE

MASTER MONT BLANC

13 runners took part and raised thousands for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

Six amateur dancers and their partners put their training to the test!

A group of fundraisers brave the rain and wind on a 50 mile hike through Essex.

Do you have what it takes?

Join us to journey over three countries in three days!

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS AND SPONSORS...

MDS CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD

Waterhouse Cars

GET IN TOUCH We love hearing your fundraising news and receiving your feedback.

EMAIL US: contactus@ehaat.org CALL US: 0345 2417 690 WRITE TO US: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, Flight House,

The Business Centre, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2NS

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

@Essexairamb @Hertsairamb / EssexandHerts AirAmbulance

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? 04 The AW169 is unveiled!

06 News

WELCOME

TO THE FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE

08 Features 10 Flight for Life Lottery 12 Volunteers 14 Fundraising 16 Events 18 Patient stories

JANE GURNEY Chief Executive Officer ESSEX & HERTS AIR AMBULANCE

As we get closer to Christmas, it’s time for us to look back at all we’ve achieved this year. After a summer of celebrations – including our special event at Audley End House, our week-long Heli Tour, the training and operation of the new AgustaWestland 169 (AW169), and the arrival of our newly branded fleet – we’re ready to start thinking about what 2018 holds in store.

We officially welcomed our new Chair of Trustees, Jonathan Trower, to the fold this September. After a thorough search for the right individual for this position, it’s a privilege that Jonathan has chosen to join us. I am confident he will be able to lead us through the exciting times to come for the Charity.

I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond to our Keep in Touch campaign so far.

The law will be changing for charities soon, meaning we won’t be able to contact our supporters without their explicit permission. If you haven’t

19 Clinical news

received a Keep in Touch letter and would like to update your contact preferences, you can do so by going online at www.ehaat.org/keepintouch or phoning 0345 2417 690.

If you’re looking for some great ways to support us this year, you can find our fundraising and events calendar on the reverse of the magazine.

Whether you’ve embraced your festive side and taken part in Lights for Flights, or you’re looking ahead to A Very British Afternoon Tea, there’s something for everyone to take part in!

For more information you can visit our website and find your favourite way to fundraise for your local life-saving Charity.

THANK YOU, from all of us at the Charity, for your enthusiasm and support at our Celebration Event and Heli Tour. The reception for the new AW169 has been unprecedented, and we couldn’t have purchased this new life-saving Air Ambulance without your donations.

CONTACTS ESSEX GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

0345 2417 690

HERTS GENERAL ENQUIRIES:

0345 5040 055 EMAIL:

contactus@ehaat.org WEBSITE:

www.ehaat.org LOTTERY HOTLINE:

0345 2417 688

– PUBLISHED BY:

Focus Integrated www.focusintegrated.co.uk EDITOR:

Kayleigh Bonner kayleigh.bonner@ehaat.org COVER SHOT:

Alex Cornes

CHARITY NUMBER:

1108989

www.ehaat.org

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NEWS

THE AGUSTAWESTLAND 169 IS UNVEILED!

Around 3,000 people attended our Celebration Event at Audley End House & Gardens near Saffron Walden on Sunday 25th June 2017, which marked 20 years of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance saving lives.

The varied entertainment on the day ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy. This included live music from singer Gabby Rivers, The Ensemble Choir and Saffron Walden School Jazz Band as well as a helicopter simulator, a luxury

bration p, at the Cele rs, SVC Grou so on sp t en Ev

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Event

sports car display, a bird of prey display (featuring an owl from the Harry Potter movies), face painting and delicious artisan food stands. The spectacular highlight of the day was the unveiling of the new Essex & Herts Air Ambulance fleet – including two Rapid Response Vehicles and the Charity’s first-ever purchased helicopter, the AgustaWestland 169 (AW169), which made a dramatic entrance flying in over Audley End House whilst being introduced by Su Harrison from Heart Essex and Dave Monk from BBC Essex.

This was the first time the Charity’s new helicopter had been seen by members of the public and press, following a three-year search for the most suitable model for the Air Ambulance’s needs.

Support from the public and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire ensured that the Charity was able to invest £5 million of donations towards the newly purchased helicopter. When the Government’s LIBOR fund donated

FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

to Air Ambulances in 2016, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance used their £1.5 million to complete the purchase of a new helicopter. We saw this free-toattend event as the opportunity to say thank you to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire who helped us reach this monumental moment.

“The AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) is the perfect helicopter for the Charity, and it’s a privilege to be able to afford our first-ever helicopter as opposed to leasing the aircraft. The AW169 will be in service with us for many years, and this sustainability means we can start looking forward to the next 20 years of saving lives and future-proofing the Charity. We couldn’t have

purchased this aircraft without the generosity and goodwill of the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.”

commissioned Winch Design – who specialise in aviation, architecture and yachts and have a trusted track record – to bring the fleet to life.

Cliff Gale – Operations Director

Finally, we would like to thank the staff of English Heritage and Audley End With a versatile, new generation twin engine House and Gardens for helping us to and classified as a light intermediate host this very special event. We also category helicopter, the 4.6/4.8 tonne AW169 wouldn’t be able to put on the event is the only new generation aircraft in its without the help of our sponsors: category for nearly 30 years. It incorporates Specialist Aviation Services, Leonardo several new technology features – having Helicopters and SVC. As well as our been designed to allow modern, efficient and media partners for this event, Heart cost-saving maintenance to maximise mission Essex, Newsquest and BBC Essex, who effectiveness, reliability and safety. raised awareness of the Charity and our very special day.

Earlier this year, we developed a new look for the Charity which unites the Air Finally a huge thank you Ambulances of Essex and Hertfordshire into a single distinct identity. By redesigning the goes to everyone who has look of our fleet, from helicopters to Rapid supported us in getting to Response Vehicles (RRVs), we ensure the this stage of our emergency Charity stands out and that our vehicles are medical service, we really easily recognisable to the public and other emergency services. The Charity can’t fly without you!

THE CREW CARRY ON...

After the excitement of its unveiling ceremony at the Celebration Event, there was no rest for the new helicopter and Air Crew who – the very next day – embarked on a week-long promotional tour. The Heli Tour used free promotional flying hours from Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) to fly to 20 locations in Essex and Hertfordshire, making two to three stops a day to give as many people as possible a rare opportunity to meet the Air Crew and see the new helicopter up close. No clinical functions were affected by the Heli Tour as the aircraft could not go operational until September, when all training and conversion had been fully carried out.

Sponsored by:

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FUNDRAISING NEWS

LONDON MARATHON SUCCESS! An enormous well done and huge thank you to the amazing runners who took part in the 37th Virgin Money London Marathon on 23rd April 2017 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

The 13 runners managed to raise an astounding £37,982.51 (including Gift Aid) – a massive contribution to keeping us operational!

Our gold bond places were filled by Laura Marfleet, Ross King, Janet Grudzien, Thomas Canfield and Paul King.

Stephen May, Amy Lesiak, Martin Doyle, Jamie Worrell, Leanne Donovan, Joyce Berry, David Sherman and Ollie Garbas ran in aid of the Charity in their own places.

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

MINDS MATTER We decided to tackle the taboo of mental health in the pre-hospital world at this year’s industry-focused Aeromedical Conference.

A wide host of topics were raised and discussed during the conference. From a patient’s experience of major trauma, to the mental health repercussions of dealing with major incidents, the training processes for pre-hospital stress and how it can change – as well as the importance of a good cup of tea between work colleagues.

Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive, with one delegate saying: “This is the best conference I have ever been to worldwide. Brave to make Minds Matter the theme and for the speakers to open up and talk so honestly. It will stay with me for a long time. Thank you.”

I feel incredibly proud of EHAAT to have kickstarted the conversation on the important topic of mental health throughout the pre-hospital sector.

This year’s Aeromedical Conference highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, looking out for yourself and your team and, most importantly, that it’s okay not to be okay when you’re dealing with major trauma on a daily basis. I hope that these sentiments will continue to be shared across the sector, and that the vital conversation about mental health continues, both privately and publicly.

NOW IS THE TIME TO KEEP IN TOUCH! The law will soon be changing for charities. This means that we won’t be able to contact our supporters without their explicit permission. The Keep in Touch campaign is our way of finding out what you’d like to hear about and how you’d like to hear it.

We’d really like to say thank you for taking the time to respond to our campaign and choosing to stay up to date about our life-saving work.

If, at any time in the future, you would like to change your contact preferences, you can do so by phoning 0345 2417 690 between 9am-5pm from Monday to Friday or by visiting www.ehaat.org/keepintouch.

If you are reading this and haven’t responded with your contact preferences yet, you can still get in touch using the details above.

From all of us at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance – thank you for your continued support.

Jane Gurney Chief Executive Officer for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

INTRODUCING AAAC AND THE FORESTERS FRIENDLY SOCIETY The Association of Air Ambulances Charity (AAAC) is a Charity designed to coordinate national donations and place them into individual Air Ambulance charities.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, along with other Air Ambulances across the UK who are members of the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA), continue to benefit from generous organisations who support the overall Air Ambulance mission.

This summer, the Foresters Friendly Society began their partnership with AAAC, which will run for a year. A number of products such as calendars, pins, ties, mugs, magnets and tea towels have been produced and will be on sale at Foresters Friendly Society events throughout the year, with all profits being split between Air Ambulances countrywide.

Liz Campbell, Chairman of the AAAC said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be selected as the Foresters Friendly Society charity partner and look forward to working with them throughout the year. Air Ambulances across the UK will benefit from the funds raised, enabling them to continue their lifesaving work and further enhance or develop their services. This is turn will benefit the patients they serve within their local communities.”

NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES FOR EHAAT Following an in-depth and comprehensive search, we have appointed a new Chair of Trustees.

Jonathan Trower, who has been one of our Trustees since September 2016, takes over from Acting Chair, Rob Forsyth.

Jonathan is a Managing Director at DC Advisory, a City-based corporate advisory firm. He and his wife also own a small farming business on the boundary of Hertfordshire and Essex. He is involved with a number of other local charities and was High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 2015. Having lived most of his life in Hertfordshire and Essex, he was delighted to have been asked to take on the role of Chair.

“I am honoured and humbled to be taking on this role.

I know how much the people of Essex and Hertfordshire care about their Air Ambulance, the evidence is there in both the quantity and quality of the support that we get across the two counties. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Essex & Herts Air Ambulance continues to serve the needs of our two counties.”

Jonathan Trower Chair of Trustees

Previously, Acting Chair Rob Forsyth led the Board after our founder and Chair, Brian Shipley sadly passed away in December 2015.

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FEATURE

QUICK“I’VE BEEN THINKING CALLED A CPR SAVED MIRACLE MYMILLION LIFE A TIMES” 18-year-old Anna Spekini was recovering from a Road Traffic Collision when she had a medical emergency in April 2017.

11 days prior to our Air Ambulance being called out, Anna and her partner were driving home when she lost control of the car.

Anna recalls: “The car went into a spin and then slipped. After being cut out of the car by the fire brigade, I was transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where I was treated for several injuries including a liver laceration.”

Anna had four blood transfusions and was discharged nine days later. After a few days of relaxing at home, she had a sudden “agonising” stomach pain.

“I told my mum I needed to lie down on the sofa,” Anna remembers. “By the time I’d come in from the garden I was at death’s door and needed an ambulance. It felt like my insides had just gone ‘bang!’ and collapsed. I honestly thought I was dying.

I remember telling my mum ‘this is it, I’m going to go now’.”

Community First Responders arrived to assess Anna’s condition. When she began vomiting blood clots – a sign of severe internal bleeding – Essex & Herts Air Ambulance was dispatched.

Pre-hospital Care Doctor Ainsley Heyworth and Critical Care Paramedic Adam Carr came to Anna’s aid, administering strong painkilling drugs to ease her pain.

“They did an amazing job,” Anna says. “When I was waiting for them I thought I was dying, but when they turned up I knew I’d be all right.”

Ainsley and Adam worked quickly to ensure Anna was clinically stable and that staff at Addenbrooke’s

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would be ready to receive her. Anna was then airlifted back to the hospital she’d left just a few days earlier.

“Hospital staff told Anna that if she had been driven to Addenbrooke’s she probably wouldn’t be alive.”

“I remember Adam talking to me and holding my hand the whole way there to calm me down. The Air Crew did an amazing job and I feel very, very lucky that they were there to help.”

At Addenbrooke’s Anna was taken in for a CT scan and emergency keyhole surgery. One of the main arteries in her groin had burst due to the liver laceration from her accident 11 days prior, and she was fitted with a stent.

Hospital staff told Anna that if she had been driven to Addenbrooke’s she probably wouldn’t be alive. “I’ve been called a miracle a million times,” she admits. “My surgeon said there was one point where he thought the damage was unfixable, but here I am with just a few scars.”

Earlier this year, Anna and her family came to meet Adam Carr at our North Weald Airbase. Having been the Critical Care Paramedic on the day of Anna’s accident, he was delighted to see her progress: “It’s nice to see Anna looking so well after the last time I saw her! Her case was quite unusual for us, and she was clearly very unwell when we got to her. We worked as quickly as possible to get her back to Addenbrooke’s, where we knew she would have the best care. It’s been great to meet her again and discuss her incident, as well as sharing more about what we do as a Charity.”

Anna and her sister Sophie took the opportunity to do their best Pilot (and Co-pilot) impressions during the visit. Anna summarised: “It was amazing to come and see the Air Ambulance. Getting in the helicopter was great, and so was being able to remember being in a helicopter!”

With the help of her employers, O’Byrne & Kennedy, Anna is planning a black tie fundraiser for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance in 2018.

FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

FEATURE

For the first time in history, four Air Ambulance charities from across the Eastern Region and the Capital came together for National Air Ambulance Week to raise awareness of the emergency pre-hospital care they bring to patients in their time of need.

Thank you for all your support throughout National Air Ambulance Week. As well as our general message to raise awareness, we asked fundraisers to pick a colour and participate in Go Red Go Yellow. Companies, schools and community groups took part from across both counties, and we’ll be able to update you on the amount they’ve raised in the next issue.

In 2016 alone, East Anglian Air Ambulance, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, London’s Air Ambulance and Magpas Air Ambulance were called out to 6,787 incidents, providing advanced critical care at the scene.

As well as creating a video to raise awareness and collaborating on Air Ambulance pin badges (which can still be found in MRH retail stores), the four helicopters managed to get together for a picture!

AIR AMBULANCE CHARITIES UNITE

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE LOTTERY

MEET SOME OF OUR LUCKY WINNERS...

OVER 15,000 WINNERS IN THREE YEARS! With more than 165,000 chances to win, the Lottery has raised £18 million in the last three years alone. There have been over 15,000 winners in that time, who have won a share of over £2 million in prize money.

OF

RICHARD BARRY from Hockley, Essex

For the first time, you can now sign up to our Flight for Life Lottery online in a few quick and simple steps.

Simply visit our website www.ehaat.org/lottery and sign up for the Weekly Lottery for your chance to win up to £1,000. You can then choose to add the Superdraw and win up £25,000! Select how many weeks you would like to play and then add to your basket.

Payment will be instantly withdrawn but please allow a further 14 days for your sign up to be processed.

A letter welcoming you to the Flight for Life Lottery will notify you of your Lottery account being set up.

The Lottery Application Form is still available if you do not wish to sign up online. You can either download it from the website or phone our office and we can send you a form in the post.

£4283.58

Richard Barry, from Hockley, Essex, has been playing the Flight for Life Lottery since 2010 after signing up via a canvasser. Richard never expected to win anything, let alone £4283.58, and only signed up to support the Charity.

Richard visited the Earls Colne Airbase in September with his son and two of his friends who were fascinated to learn more about the aircraft and their local Air Ambulance Charity from Patient Liaison Manager, Adam Carr and Pilot, Leigh Patrick. Whilst on the visit the group learnt about the costs involved in maintaining the helicopters and were surprised to learn how vital the role of the Lottery is as the main source of income for the Charity.

Richard has big plans for his prize money and is going to treat himself to a brand new set of teeth! Something his son and friends will be ensuring happens.

Congratulations Richard!

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

SUMMER RAFFLE 1ST PRIZE WINNER Nicole Wastell, Lottery Manager, welcomed Sandra Wood and her husband Alan to the Earls Colne Airbase to celebrate Sandra winning the first prize in the Summer Raffle: A VIP trip for two people to Italy!

SANDRA WOOD from Earls Colne, Essex

The trip includes an ‘access all areas’ tour of the Leonardo helicopter factory, birthplace of the Charity’s new helicopter, the AgustaWestland 169, as well as flights, transfers, accommodation and meals – all thanks to Leonardo Helicopters – and £500 spending money.

Sandra and Alan can’t wait to take the trip; especially as they haven’t been abroad since a trip to Ireland 10 years ago.

Sandra has been playing the Flight for Life Lottery since 1999 and always does her bit by buying raffle tickets whenever she can but she never expected this and says the call to say she had won came ‘completely out of the blue’.

Sandra and Alan hope to take the trip in Spring 2018 to tie in with Alan’s birthday.

Congratulations Sandra!

And thank you to all those who support us by playing our raffles.

Sandra Wood and her husband Alan, at Earls Colne Airbase

Richard (centre) and his friends celebrate at Earls Colne Airbase

To find out more about the Flight for Life Lottery and sign up online, visit our website

www.ehaat.org/lottery

Please note a change to our Lottery Terms and Conditions: In those cases where the member is deceased, the Executor or next of kin should apply to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance for repayment to the Estate. To reduce costs the Charity has a de minimus rule; amounts under £20 will not be refunded to an Estate but treated as a donation to the Trust.

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VOLUNTEERS

IT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND SAVE SOMEONE ELSE’S To find out more about joining our fantastic team of volunteers go to:

www.ehaat.org/volunteer or call 0345 2417 690

WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY...

‘‘

After EHAAT attended to me following a motorcycle accident, I felt the least I could do would be to pay for a flight for another person. By running my own events and taking part in other work for the Charity, I have paid for almost two flights.

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“Volunteering for the Air Ambulance allows you to give as much or as little time as you choose. Some people do far more than I do but I do what I can working full time and fitting in with my other commitments.”

– GARY HAWKSWORTH

FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

‘‘

What I enjoy most is the opportunity to be part of a unique team of people volunteering as and when we can. It is an opportunity to continue to meet people and talk to them about their experiences and about EHAAT. “We (Volunteers) all share the same values in achieving the best we can from the voluntary work we do for the Air Ambulance.

The biggest plus is that we all enjoy volunteering together and especially with our lovely manager.”

– ALAN ADDISON (ADDO)

‘‘

‘‘

My wife and I were coming

up to retirement and were thinking about where was best to volunteer. A few months after, my wife had a bad day and was found unconscious. In my mind there is no doubt that had she travelled by road to the hospital, the outcome could have been very different. When we finally decided to volunteer last year, EHAAT was the obvious choice and the right one to go for.”

– DEREK SMITH

‘‘

I personally enjoy giving talks to organisations, schools, businesses and other charities. I enjoy the interaction from the audience, learning about the work of other communities and groups. I obtain real satisfaction if I can engage to a level where an individual or organisation signs up to our Charity.”

– PHIL MILLARD

‘‘

It gives me great pleasure when people come up to you and say the Air Ambulance helped their friend or family member.”

– ROSEMARY PURCELL

Being in the Emergency Services for 32 years, I attended numerous critical incidents and often an Air Ambulance would attend. Having retired and seen first-hand the work EHAAT do, I decided to volunteer and help fundraise. I enjoy the variety of events and meeting the public. I have met many ex-patients at talks and at events who have been helped by EHAAT or know someone that has – it’s incredible listening to their stories.”

– MIKE SIMONS

‘‘

I’ve been volunteering for EHAAT for six years now and still keep coming back for more! The Staff and other Volunteers make every event feel sociable and you really feel you are helping.”

– GRAHAM HARRIS

‘‘

Having been a speaker and trainer in communications, I get a lot of satisfaction from promoting Essex & Herts Air Ambulance – both as a speaker and helping with the Vision for Volunteers newsletter.

Although having osteoarthritis has meant that I can’t do a lot of walking about and standing for long periods of time, I still enjoy being one of the EHAAT team.”

– LESLEY MORRISEY

A BIG THANK YOU! A huge part of what we do is only possible thanks to our team of dedicated Volunteers who give their time, energy and skills to our cause.

If you speak to people who already volunteer with us, they will tell you they do it because they love it.

Whether you are looking to give something back, meet new people or even to give your career and CV a boost whilst having fun at the same time – why not support a cause you care about? We really can’t fly without you; even a few hours of your time can make all the difference.

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FUNDRAISING

MASTER MONT BLANC!

Do you think you could take on three countries in three days? Join us to journey through the beautiful Alps, ticking off France, Switzerland and Italy in 72 hours!

2017, from then the registration fee will go up to £199.

We’re proud to announce that our 2018 Charity trek will be to Mont Blanc, and you can now register to take part for an early bird fee of just £150! Our early bird fee ends on 15th December

To find out more, or get advice on how to reach your £2,100 fundraising target, visit our website or call 0345 2417 690.

From valleys to waterfalls, glaciers to Fenêtre d’Arpette – the views on this trek will be absolutely unbelievable, and the short time frame means that it will challenge everyone on the team.

WELCOME BACK TREKKERS! Look forward to reading about the African adventure in the next issue.

BASE CAMP IN SIGHT North Weald-based Fire Fighter and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance fundraising supporter, Ben Usher, is gearing up for a two week trek in the Himalayas to reach Everest Base Camp.

Having already raised £3,301.51 for us through a variety of fundraising activities, including taking part in the Mount Kilimanjaro trek in 2015, Ben has his sights set on dizzying new hiking heights.

Ben is currently training to get ready to reach base camp in March 2018.

The experience will take him to heights of 5,450 metres and see temperatures reaching potential lows of -20 degrees Celsius! We wish him all the best of luck and can’t wait to see the dramatic pictures of Everest.

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

Fundrais ing sup porter B Mount en Ushe Kiliman r on the jaro tre k in 201 5

THE TIME TO CELEBRATE At our Audley End event this summer, we kicked off the A Year of Celebrations initiative. Until 30th June 2018, we’re looking for your stories.

Our first Celebration of the year comes from Mr and Mrs Huckle, who donated the proceeds from their Diamond Wedding anniversary party. Instead of receiving gifts, the couple raised an amazing £500 for us!

If you’re celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, wedding or a personal milestone, we would like to invite you to celebrate with us! If you have everything you need, we would welcome your donation – and you could even ask family and friends to help out too. Whether it’s a pound for every year of your life, or just what you’d spend on presents anyway, it’s never too small to help save a life.

If you are throwing a party this year, you can request one of our ‘Celebration’ collection boxes to encourage donations from your guests throughout the event. Not only will you receive a special pack with balloons, tips on throwing a great party, and more, but you’ll also be able to download posters and invitations from our website.

To find out more you can visit our website or get in touch with a member of our Fundraising Team on 0345 2417 690.

Christmas is just around the corner, and we need you to light the way for our festive fundraising!

You can illuminate your home this Christmas for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Whether you want to go full-on Winter Wonderland, or some tasteful fairy lights, you can get in touch with our Fundraising Team on 0345 2417 690 to find out how this can raise funds for our flights!

If Christmas lights don’t work for you, why not try another festivethemed fundraiser? You could start a Christmas gift wrapping service for those friends who use a whole roll of Sellotape for one present, throw an office Christmas jumper day or donate your unwanted Christmas presents to one of our Charity shops.

Whatever you choose, we hope you’ll join us this Christmas to raise funds for your local life-saving Charity.

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EVENTS

START YOUR ENGINES Throughout the year, thousands of bikers have grabbed their helmets and gone for miles – all in aid of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

This May, our Welwyn to North Weald Motorcycle Run doubled in attendees, with 800 bikers being accompanied by members of Hertfordshire Constabulary across the county border to the finish line at North Weald Airfield.

Event sponsors, SVC , at the Motorcycle Run

Visitors poured into the Airfield throughout the day; watching a sponsored Ambulance Pull by two female Paramedics, revelling in live music from Missing Cat, Honest John and Just For Kicks, and being left in awe by stunt displays from 2Bros Stunt Team and Essex Motogymkhana.

The growth of this year’s event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Woodland Group and Palmers (Hertfordshire Triumph). Thank you for your support.

line, the bikers were greeted by heaving crowds at the Harwich Family Fun Day. Here they could listen to live music from Lord Toffingham, play on classic pier-style amusements, or try their best tricks on the helicopter simulator.

Martin Day, breakfast show presenter at Heart Essex, spoke to the crowds and welcomed to the stage Tim Slavin, a former airlifted patient who had been injured on the Motorcycle Run last year after a Road Traffic Collision with a trailer. His wife, Sue, stood by his side and supported him through the speech. Whilst Tim hasn’t been back on his bike yet, he is making a continuous recovery every day.

The Family Fun Day also saw the first promotional outing of the Charity’s newly-branded MD902 Explorer, which landed on the beach to allow the public to get up close and personal to their local life-saving Air Ambulance and Air Crew.

Combined, our Motorcycle events have raised over £42,000 this year. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part, our brilliant headline sponsors Woodland Group and SVC, to Devitt Insurance, who gifted three vouchers for The Bike Shop in Stevenage for some lucky bikers, and of course, to Tim and Sue for being brave enough to share their story.

More recently, over 3,000 bikers joined us for our 18th annual Ford Dunton to Harwich Motorcycle Run on Sunday 10th September.

Before bikers left Ford Dunton, they had entertainment from acrobatic superstars, Team Kinetix and at the finish

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

cycle Run p, at the Motor Woodland Grou Event sponsors,

ONCE A BIKER, ALWAYS A BIKER! Don and Yvonne James, from Thorpe-le-Soken, have been taking part in the Motorcycle Run every year since 2005. This year is Don’s 80th birthday and it was great to see him, Yvonne and his Harley Ultra Glide at this year’s Ford Dunton to Harwich Motorcycle Run.

A massive happy birthday and thank you for your continued support!

SPINNING SUCCESS Hundreds of participants cycled in the sunshine across both Essex and Hertfordshire to raise money for the Charity in our sponsored cycle rides.

The Colne Valley Cycle Ride, which took place in May, saw over 300 cyclists take on a variety of routes near Colchester in Essex, including an option for a family route around the Earls Colne Airfield, where our Charity Office and MD902 Explorer live.

The 2nd July was a special date for the Summer Cycle Ride. Not only was it the final stop on our week-long Heli Tour, but it also saw our new start and finish point of Welwyn Rugby Club and three entirely new routes! After taking on their chosen route, over 150 cyclists were treated to family entertainment, a hog roast, and a visit from the Air Crew on the AW169!

A massive thank you to our Cycle Ride sponsors MDS Civil Engineering and Spire Harpenden Hospital. Combined, the Cycle Rides made an income of over £13,900.

Will you pack your best Lycra and join us for next year’s spinning success?

BASE2BASE From 21st to 23rd July, a group of brave fundraisers took on the Base2Base challenge, taking in the beautiful sights of the Essex Way from our airbase in North Weald to our Earl’s Colne base.

Although it was a wet and windy walk, the team didn’t let it dampen their spirits.

Their 50 mile hike took place over three days, complete with camping, flyovers from

our aircraft, and a two-day visit from Heart Essex’s Su Harrison who did a great job of keeping the team’s spirits high.

After managing to power on through the bad weather and the blisters, our brave team raised over £3,700 for the Charity!

We hope they inspire you to lace up your walking boots and join us for our next challenge.

STRICTLY AIR AMBULANCE A glittering night of ballroom dancing raised over £16,000 for EHAAT in March. Just under 1,000 people were enthralled as six amateur dancers and their professional partners put their training to the test by performing everything from the Viennese Waltz and Quickstep to the Jive and Paso Doble in front of celebrity judges, Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara.

The prized glitterball was presented to Gaynor Wareham, a Critical Care Paramedic for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, and her professional dance partner – and reigning Strictly Air Ambulance champion – Sam Jeffreys who performed the Quickstep and a show-stopping Jive to Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’.

Performing alongside winners Gaynor and Sam were five other couples: Peter Barber, a retired businessman and management consultant, and his professional partner Hannah Noone; Bill Wilson, a Director of event sponsor Jamesons Accountants, and his professional partner Julia Westlake of Julia Spencer’s School of Dance; Keely Cosby, a dog groomer from Chelmsford, and her professional partner John West; Julian Naylor, Managing Director of Tower Lotteries, and his dance partner Terri Richmond; and the youngest ever Strictly Air Ambulance contestant, 18-year-old Laura Robinson and her professional dance partner James Fenton.

Jen Wall, Volunteer and Events Manager for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, said: “The night would not have gone as smoothly as it did

without the unwavering support of our volunteers and staff, and of course to everyone who bought a ticket to the show, a raffle ticket or made donations. Our brilliant event sponsors helped to make the evening possible, so a huge thank you goes to Countryside Properties, GCS Alarms Ltd, Jamesons Chartered Accountants and SVC Group.”

Our professional dance judges, Strictly Come Da ncing’s Janette & Aljaž.

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR ON THE BACK PAGE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!

www.ehaat.org

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PATIENT STORIES

REAL LIFE STORIES...

You can read these stories in full by visiting our website www.ehaat.org/real_life_stories

‘‘

I cannot explain how vital Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is – without them I don’t even want to think about what would have happened to us as a family.”

Claire Smith, mother of baby Milli who was airlifted at just 20 hours old.

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Michael Birch, FIRST driver whose bus was hit by a 15-tonne steam engine, causing critical injuries.

I will forever make the effort to spread the word about Essex & Herts Air Ambulance – they’re my life-saving Charity!”

Matthew Berry, cyclist injured in a fall from his bike after colliding with a pothole.

‘‘ ‘‘ ‘‘

I just want to say a massive thank you to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. There is no doubt in my mind that without them I wouldn’t be here today. I had a massive list of injuries and yet the Crew gave me the best chance.”

We don’t know how to put into words how grateful we are for the care Naomi, Laurie and Adam gave to our son, and for the quick response of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. From the bottom of our hearts we are eternally grateful.”

Amy Berry & Matt Settlington, parents of 9-year-old Jack Berry who was seriously injured after a Road Traffic Collision.

If it wasn’t for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, I’d never have made it.

I can never, ever thank them enough because without them I wouldn’t be here.” Kate Oliver, airlifted after a Road Traffic Collision.

Without the brilliant Doctor and Paramedics on board that day, and the Pilot who flew in atrocious weather conditions, Kate would not be here now making the remarkable recovery that she is today. I would like to thank the Air Crew who saved my daughter’s life; I shall be forever grateful.” Clare, Kate’s mum.

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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE / AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

CLINICAL NEWS

In preparation for the arrival of the AgustaWestland 169 (AW169), our Critical Care Team put together an in-depth training programme for the Air Crew. Clinical Operations Manager, Scott McIlwaine, tells us more…

Can you explain how you came up with the process of our AW169 training?

Research and working in partnership with other Air Ambulances.

We visited our colleagues in Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust and spoke with their Operations team because they’ve had their AW169 for a year, so went down to visit. One of our Chief Pilots, Jim Lynch, has also been flying with Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance who have an AW169. We decided to take bits of best practice from all of them and put it into a small, manageable package for the team here.

What did the training look like?

Jim produced a CRM-lite course, which took the Air Crew through the basics of aviation. They had the capabilities of the new aircraft explained to them, and then they were introduced to our new medical kit bags. Finally, we took them out to the aircraft so that they could familiarise themselves with it.

Everything’s new with the AW169 – from doors and handles, to where they sit, how the seatbelts work, where the kit bags go and what’s in them. There’s also a new stretcher system and a lot of new kit.

Everyone had to start from scratch.

Did anything stand out as being particularly difficult?

I think everyone’s adapted really well. We’re still learning as we go, as we will be for months to come and we’re still ironing out little bits. We’ll be having review meetings every few months. The most important thing is that our clinical care remains at the highest standard. We must always ensure that the aircraft, Critical Care Team and above all the patients are safe.

Could you explain why you changed the kit bags?

With the arrival of the new fleet we saw an opportunity to review our clinical equipment and pharmacy. We looked at what is necessary and what is used occasionally. The equipment which is used less frequently is kept in a separate bag which can be brought to the scene by the Co-pilot if needed. This change is allowing us to work lighter, faster and smarter.

When I was on shift recently, there were only three of us, but we ended up fighting over who was carrying the kit bags! We had to beg to carry something, whereas before we all had something to carry – it was just bizarre, but in a good way.

The previous issue of Flight for Life discussed how EHAAT were in the process of recruiting new Critical Care Paramedics. The strenuous interview process began back in October 2016 with 127 Paramedics from East of England Ambulance NHS Trust (EEAST) applying for the four available positions.

Seven months later, in May, four Critical Care Paramedics were welcomed into the Critical Care Team. After a further two months of intense training and a final assessment, the successful candidates have at last been equipped to become operational members of the EHAAT Air Crew.

Meet the new Critical Care Paramedics...

James Samouelle “It’s amazing to be a part of the HEMS team, I get to learn from brilliant colleagues every day who are at the top of their game.

Prior to EHAAT, my work for the East of England Ambulance Service took me to the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) in 2011.”

Joe Dowsing “Before joining EHAAT, my journey with the East of England Ambulance Service saw me in a variety of roles over nine years, including three years as a clinical educator.

It is a real privilege to work as part of the Charity’s HEMS team, and I like the fact that people are always pleased to see us!”

Chris Keeliher “Overall, I’ve worked for the East of England Ambulance Service for 14 years. I’ve been a Paramedic for 11 of those years. My job is amazing, and it’s a privilege to know that I have been able to do everything in my power to ease someone’s suffering.”

Colin Treece “From joining the Ambulance Service in 2008, I always hoped to get the chance to work with EHAAT. Being able to bring enhanced medical care to patients as part of the Charity’s HEMS team is very rewarding and the people of EHAAT make the job for me – working with such a skilled, dedicated and supportive team is fantastic!”

www.ehaat.org

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EVENTS

WHAT’S ON IN 2018 17th February Throughout March

CASINO AND CURRY

Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club THE BIG PUB QUIZ

Across Essex and Hertfordshire

4th March

HELI HOUNDS

24th March

STRICTLY AIR AMBULANCE

29th April

COLNE VALLEY CYCLE RIDE

20th May Throughout June Date TBC July

Earls Colne

Charter Hall, Colchester

Earls Colne MOTORCYCLE RUN & NORTH WEALD FAMILY FUN DAY

A VERY BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA

Across Essex and Hertfordshire

SUMMER CYCLE RIDE

Hertfordshire

6th – 10th September

MASTER MONT BLANC

9th September

MOTORCYCLE RUN & HARWICH FAMILY FUN DAY

10th – 16th September

NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE WEEK

14th October Throughout December

Across Essex and Hertfordshire HELI HOUNDS

Hertfordshire FESTIVE FUNDRAISING

Across Essex and Hertfordshire

To find out more or to register for any of our events, please call

0345 2417 690 or visit

www.ehaat.org