Operational

Specialist Aviation Services (SAS) has been providing helicopters, pilots and aircraft maintenance for emergency services for over 35 years and is recognised as one of the leaders in the industry. SAS and our representatives meet regularly, including twice a year to formally review the contract arrangements and ensure compliance. We have been trading with SAS since 2008, and we monitor the industry more widely to ensure that we continue to receive value for money for a safe, secure and high-quality service.

We operate from our airbases at Earls Colne and North Weald airfields, where we ensure a safe working environment which complies with stringent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Health and Safety requirements. This operating structure enables us to be more effective and has many cost-saving benefits for the charity. Our service is operational seven days a week. Each base works a twelve-hour helicopter shift when daylight hours allow. The shift continues in a rapid response vehicle (RRV) when daylight hours are reduced. The airbases and the flying operation are regularly inspected and audited by the CAA to ensure compliance with regulations and safety. The four RRVs, all Volvo XC90s, are specially equipped to support our HEMS operation. Two are located at each airbase and are used when the helicopter is unavailable due to weather, daylight limitations or helicopter maintenance. An additional night RRV shift is provided from North Weald, which means the airbases work together to provide optimum cover for both counties and surrounding areas 24 hours every day of the year. The year saw the introduction of two hybrid RRVs with the intention to replace the remaining two vehicles with a similar specification during the next year.

The new airbase at North Weald and upgraded facility at Earls Colne have proven to be superior environments to work, train and deliver the service, as well as help reduce our carbon footprint due to the modern design and materials used. They have also improved the rest facilities available to the crew, aiding their wellbeing.

Our partnership working with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) continues to strive for effective tasking (activation) of the clinical crews 24/7 through the Clinical Coordination Desk (CCD). The CCD is responsible for tasking all specialist assets, including helicopters, across the East of England region. Our critical care paramedics form part of the rota that staffs the CCD.

The effectiveness of the tasking continues to be monitored at operations meetings involving the charity, EEAST, and our neighbouring air ambulances, Magpas Air Ambulance and East Anglian Air Ambulance. It is also subject to a monthly ‘key performance indicator’ (KPI) monitored by the trustees.

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued throughout this year, resulting in additional safety measures being maintained. These included operational and aircraft modifications to ensure crew safety. These are monitored on an ongoing basis and changed or upgraded where necessary to provide the best protection for personnel.