THE MAGAZINE OF
FOR
EHAAT.UK.COM
AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Flight
THE ESSEX & HERTS AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
FLYING
HIGH HOW OUR PILOTS MADE THE GRADE
’S JACK CKT BA O MEE
T AM THE TSEAVED WHO LIFE HIS
MORE INSIDE:
>> NEWS STORIES >> WHAT’S ON AND EVENTS! AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
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Jane’s welcome As 2015 draws to a close this issue of Flight for Life offers a great opportunity to reflect on what has been a very busy year. We received a welcome windfall back in February with a £250,000 donation from the LIBOR fund, raised from fines levied on banks. I was lucky enough to meet the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and thank him personally for the much needed funds. The Chancellor said: “It is absolutely right that we use funds from those who demonstrated the worst values to reward those who demonstrate the best, like our hardworking air ambulance crews.” In March we moved into a new Trust Head Office on Earls Colne Business Park. This welcome move into a larger and more practical space for our staff and volunteers was made possible thanks to our very supportive landlord Eric Hobbs and his family, Medical Aviation Services, Sibley Electrical Ltd, GCS Fire & Security Systems, Premier Signs & Display, Hillarys Blinds and Peter Makewell and his team at PMI who donated over £10,000 worth of furniture! At the official opening ceremony, it was a real joy to welcome former patient, 3 year old Maisie Moon as our very special guest. Thanks also to Wilkin & Sons of Tiptree for supplying our delicious celebratory cream teas! In June, I was extremely proud to welcome Professor James Manning from the University of North Carolina and Professor Iris Grunwald of Southend University Hospital to our 6th Aeromedical Conference at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Chelmsford. The internationally acclaimed professors captivated and inspired over 200 delegates from across the UK and helped ensure our clinical team and partners continue to push the boundaries in pursuit of excellent patient care. Thanks to sponsors ARU and Medical Aviation Services. We hope you enjoy reading our latest jam-packed issue – it’s wonderful to read about all the different ways you have been supporting our Charity – whether through playing our Lottery, joining our dedicated team of volunteers or getting involved in events and fundraising activities in your county – thank you! On behalf of the Trust, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. Jane Gurney
WHAT’S INSIDE? 4
News from across our counties
6
Meet our Superdraw winners
8
Young Jack meets the team who saved him
10 Our Motorcycle Run Review 12 Three cheers for Volunteers 14 Working together for safer Essex roads 16 Meet The Pilots 18 Post bag 20 What’s On in 2016?
Essex General Enquiries: 0345 241 7690 Herts General Enquiries: 0345 504 0055 Email: ContactUs@EHAAT.uk.com Website: EHAAT.uk.com Lottery Hotline: 0345 241 7688 Lottery Website: FlightforLifeLottery.uk.com To advertise in Flight For Life magazine call: 0178 722 6116 Published by: Symbian Print Intelligence www.symbiancreate.co.uk Editor: Jackie Brown Jackie.Brown@EHAAT.uk.com Cover shot: Thanks to Clare Calder Registered Charity number: 1108989 Branding and selected photography reproduced by kind permission of Perception.Co
Chief Executive Officer Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
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YOUR NEWS FROM ESSEX AND HERTS
Wheels of fortune
A determined cyclist from St Albans became the first British solo female to complete Race Across America (RAAM), considered by some to be the world’s toughest endurance bicycle ride – all in aid of Herts Air Ambulance. Shusanah Pillinger cycled over 3,000 miles across mountain ranges on an epic ride from California to Maryland that took 12 days and 9 hours to complete. Our Critical Care Paramedic, Erica Ley was part of Shu’s support team - helping her ride over 250 miles each day! Shu said: “I train for many hours on country lanes and am aware of accidents where a driver, cyclist, pedestrian or horse rider needed emergency attention. I was lucky to have Erica in the Crew who acted as my own personal paramedic. During the race Erica’s expertise was also called on to help out another cyclist who collapsed something that probably saved his life. Knowing what these guys can do in an emergency made it very easy for me to decide which charity to support this year.” Congratulations and a huge thank-you to Shu who, over two years, has raised over £17,450!
Cuppas for ‘copters A whole lot of brewing and baking took place this summer as many of our supporters shared tea and cakes with family and friends as part of our ‘Afternoon Tea’ fundraising campaign. Sarah Gall of Berkhamsted set herself an ambitious target to raise £2,000. Sarah said: “I hosted a tea party at home for around 50 of my friends with sandwiches, scones and cake. I asked everyone to donate £5 to the Charity with extra donations for Pimms and bubbly! It’s a really worthwhile cause that I knew my friends would be keen to support.” Afternoon Teas across Essex and Hertfordshire raised almost £12,000 – Tea-riffic! Why not brew up for our ‘Royal Afternoon Teas’ next June? See back page for details. 4
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“It’s a really worthwhile cause that I knew my friends would be keen to support.”
In Brief: • Witham Rotary Club supported Essex Air Ambulance (EAA) for the 6th year by hosting a River Walk – raising £1,180. This brings their grand total to over £8,400. Keith Harman
Legs eleven This summer, 11 keen walkers each clocked up over 50 miles in our Base2Base Challenge – a three-day fundraising hike along the Essex Way between our two airbases at North Weald and Earls Colne. It’s a journey that only takes 15 minutes in our helicopter but a gruelling three days on foot! Cherry McKean of Earls Colne said: “I am proud to have completed this challenge. The highlight was a fly by from the Essex Air Ambulance, reminding us just why we were putting ourselves through this! I can’t wait for next year, maybe the blisters will have gone by then!” Thanks to event sponsors Alstons Upholstery and Medical Aviation Services as well as Lodge Coaches, Go Outdoors of
told us they frequently see the Air Ambulance fly over Witham and realise how important the service is relying totally on public support. • After his wife witnessed the Air Ambulance land at the scene of a motorcycle
Colchester and Mr & Mrs Jones of White Notley for allowing us to camp on their farm. A big thank you too to our campsite volunteers who set up the campsites at the end of each day. Our intrepid team of walkers together raised over £14,450 – well done! Next year’s Base2Base takes place 15-17 July. To take part email: Events@EHAAT. uk.com
accident, it prompted Steve Cowling to do something to help. He sold his motorbike on eBay and donated the full amount of £2,000 to EHAAT. • A Grand Ball hosted by Gosfield School PTA raised over £2,000 for EAA.
To showcase this year’s Summer of Open Gardens, we were
We showcased 11 beautiful
delighted to open the gates to
gardens in Hertfordshire and raised
the grounds of the beautiful Bride
over £6,000 – a big thank you to
Hall Estate near Wheathampstead,
everyone who got involved!
home to 300 acres of stunning
Now we are planting seeds in
formal gardens, orchards and
preparation for 2016 – and bringing
surrounding woodland.
Open Gardens to Essex too!
Thanks to Herts Volunteers, Keith
Blooming lovely
and wonderful staff of Bride Hall.
If you are proud of your peonies,
and Carol Tizard for making it all
delighted with your dahlias or
possible, as well as Jill Thomson,
loving your lawns we’ll help you
The Digwell Horticultural Society,
showcase your success in 2016.
Liz Draper at The Cross Keys pub in
For more information, contact Jen
Harpenden, Roger Beeching MBE
at Jen.Wall@EHAAT.uk.com or
and his wife Jean, and the owners
call 0345 241 7690
AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
5
Our Lucky Lottery Winners A big thank you to all our readers who help to keep our life-saving helicopters flying by playing our weekly Lottery and Superdraw – it makes a massive difference to our Charity and without your support we simply couldn’t continue to fly.
Here are some of our recent winners who scooped top Superdraw prizes!
! R E N N I W £21,118! • WINNER • Marion and Dave Piper from Bishop’s Stortford won over £20,000! Dave said: “We’ve never won anything above £50 in all our lives and we’re thrilled. We do the Lottery to support the Charity as you never know when you’re going to need it. We won’t stop playing it!”
• WINNER • Jennifer Wilson from Halstead won over £10,000! Jennifer said: “After speaking with a canvasser and hearing all about the good work the Charity does, I decided to join the Flight for Life Lottery there and then. We are not sure what we will be spending our winnings on at the moment so will be putting it into savings until we decide.”
WINNER!
£10,000!
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WINNER! £3,560!
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Please help us save money
Switch to Direct Debit today!
Why not make your life simpler and switch to Direct Debit?
• WINNER • Philip and Gillian Hall from Hemel Hempstead won £3,560 in the Superdraw! Philip said: “We are very glad to be a part of this worthy cause that helps save the lives of local people. Winning this lottery has helped us to purchase a wheelchair friendly car which I’m very thankful for.”
WINNER!! £10,816
• WINNER • Rodney Hampson from Hitchin won over £10,800! Rodney said: “I signed up to the Flight for Life Lottery because I think the Air Ambulance is a really worthwhile cause. We’re putting some towards a house we are renting in Southwold for Christmas where there will be 12 of us celebrating the festive season!”
It’s easy and convenient to do and means no more reminder letters for you! You can help us save vital funds too – switching to Direct Debit helps us lower our costs!
Save us money Save yourself time Help us continue to save lives Sign up to Direct Debit today and claim your free shopping bag! To switch, simply call the Lottery Team on 0345 241 7688
Just the ticket – Support our Christmas raffle This October we invited our supporters to take part in our Christmas raffle – with the chance to win £2,000 in time for the New Year. If you haven’t received your raffle tickets in the post and would like to play, please contact the Ticket Hotline: 0845 601 6936 All stubs must be returned by 11 December; the draw takes place on 18 December 2015. If you have unwanted tickets – please simply recycle them.
AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
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Young Jack meets the Air Ambulance Crew who saved him
A
nine-year-old boy from Boreham has met the Air Ambulance crew that saved his life. Jack Setterington of Boreham, along with his parents Amy and Malcolm, met our Pre-hospital Care Doctor, Naomi Pritchard and Pilot, Nick Clarkson at the
Naomi said: “When we got to Jack, he
today, against
was the sickest
all odds, he is
child I had ever
back at school
dealt with, so I
and making
am so thrilled he has come back to visit us.
Herts Air Ambulance Airbase at North
“The ability to bring a
Weald this summer.
hospital’s critical care unit
Jack was involved in a serious accident
of survival yet
to the scene is what makes the Air
remarkable progress. On the day she met Jack, Naomi was working her last shift with Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
earlier this year on Plantation Road in
Ambulance service so special and meant
Trust after a 12 month secondment to
Boreham, after being hit by a car as he
we were able to start Jack’s treatment at
the Charity. She added: “It was so very
crossed the road with his parents.
the roadside. We undertook emergency
special to meet him - Jack is definitely
ventilation to hold off any brain swelling
one of the cases our service should be
Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team
and we put in place all the measures
most proud of this year.”
were at Jack’s side within 15 minutes
we could to prevent any further brain
of take-off. Dr Naomi Pritchard and
damage, including administering an
Malcolm, said: “We don’t know how
Critical Care Paramedic Adam Carr were
anaesthetic. Once we had treated and
to start to try putting into words how
immediately able to begin treatment
stabilised Jack at the roadside we were
truly grateful we are for the care
that was to save Jack’s life - working
able to speedily get him to the paediat-
Naomi, Adam and Laurie gave to our
together with the East of England
ric intensive care unit at Addenbrookes
son and the quick response of the Air
Ambulance Service and Critical Care
Hospital.”
Ambulance. From the bottom of our
The Herts Air Ambulance Helicopter
Paramedic Laurie Phillipson.
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Jack was given only a 5% chance
Jack’s mum and dad, Amy and
hearts we are truly grateful.”
What’s app? If you are planning to be out and about this winter – be safe and download our FREE, life-saving phone app. on your phone and should you find yourself in an emergency in an unfamiliar place and need to dial 999, tell the call handler the grid reference when they ask for your location.”
However you enjoy the great outdoors, whether on foot, bike or horse-back, in the event of an emergency, the app will give you an immediate six-figure grid reference to enable the Emergency Services to pinpoint your location and get to the scene more quickly. As the EHAAT app is designed to use your phone’s built in GPS tracking, you won’t even need an internet connection - just a network signal to make a phone call.
Stuart Elms, our Clinical Director, said: “We’re saying ‘be prepared’, just get the app
The app also acts as a mini mobile website giving a wealth of information on latest news, events and different ways to support the Charity. To download the FREE app simply search for ‘Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust’ on your mobile or tablet’s Apple App Store or Google Play App Store.
✁
How can you help? Simply return this form to: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, Flight House, The Business Centre, Earls Colne Business Park, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2NS. Or email the area(s) which interest you with your contact details to: ContactUs@EHAAT.uk.com or telephone 0345 241 7690. For more information about donating online, please visit us at EHAAT.uk.com. Thank you for your support. FULL NAME
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At Ford Dunton Technical Centre Bolddog Freestyle Motocross (FMX) wowed the crowds with their spectacular stunts!
ESSEX AIR AMBULANCE
motorcyclerun & HARWICH FAMILY FESTIVAL
TORQUE OF
Sunny skies prompted a record turn-out for our 16th Motorcycle Run and Harwich Family Festival this September. Over 5,000 bikers took to the tarmac for the 60 mile ride from Ford Dunton, near Basildon to Harwich.
The event, which saw crowds of up to 8,000 at Harwich, raised over £40,000 – a massive boost to keeping the Air Ambulances flying. It really was an exciting and memorable day, and we look forward to seeing you all again at the next Motorcycle Run in 2016! Julie said: “We’re first time riders – we really
“We often attend events where we have to call the Air Ambulance so it’s nice to be able to give something back to help them.” Trevor with Ruth. Volunteers
enjoyed it once we got on the road and we had great support all along the way.”
with St John Ambulance, Manningtree Division
“I’ve been coming here for 8 years and love Isla and Noah, with nan, Christine enjoy an ice-cream
Finley and Harley from Colchester 1 0 EHAAT.UK.COM
everything about it.” Calvin with dog, Bambam
Dave Thomas from Harlow won the Golden Ticket goody bag courtesy of Ferry Motors.
Dancing to the live band, Foogle
“This is the first time I’ve joined the ride.It’s been great fun and I’m delighted to win such a great prize.”
Over 2,000 spectators including the Mayor of Harwich and special guests, greeted riders as they crossed the finish line at Harwich
THE TOWN Thanks to our headline sponsors, Woodland Group and Jack Lilley Motorcycles. Thanks also to our many valued partners and business supporters, who include: Devitt Insurance, Ford Motor Company, Harwich Connexions, Essex Police Motorcycle Unit, Essex Highways, Essex GoldWings, Hythe Hill Motorcycles, Colchester Kawasaki, Jim Aim Motorcycles, Pole Position Motorcycles, Sorrymate.com, T K Cope Motorcycles, Harwich Motorcycle Club, Total Advanced Training and Ferry Motors of Harwich. All played a huge part in making the event a great success - we really couldn’t have done it without them.
The star of the show? Our life-saving helicopter!
“I love seeing all the different motorbikes – I like the Harley Davidsons” Toby with brother Jake and parents
Michaela and Christopher with Murphy the dog David Griffiths of Essex Police, with Elias, 4, said:
“The crowd and the Air Ambulance Charity make this event really special. We have friends in Harwich and we love to come here every year.” John Bouwknecht of the Café Cruisers from Breda in Holland
DIARY
DATE
“We come down every year, it’s a great family day out and we like to support the Air Ambulance.”
“It’s nice to come down and support the local Air Ambulance.”
HERTS MOTORCYCLE RUN from Welwyn Garden City to North Weald – SUNDAY 1 MAY 2016 ESSEX MOTORCYCLE RUN & HARWICH FAMILY FESTIVAL – SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2016 AUTUMN / WINTER 2015 1 1
Volunteer of the Year THREE CHEERS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS Across Essex and Hertfordshire our ‘army’ of around 250 volunteers bring a diversity of skills, advice and support to the Charity – support that is vital in keeping our life-saving service in action. From our annual ‘Vision for Volunteers’ meetings to our Learning and Training Days, we celebrate and support the work of our volunteers wherever we can. So we’re delighted to congratulate our dedicated volunteers, Kate Oliver and Olive Nathan, who have both been shortlisted for ‘Charity Volunteer of the Year’ at this year’s Association of Air Ambulances ‘Awards of Excellence’. The results will be announced at the Awards Ceremony which takes place in Kensington this November. Good luck ladies!
Kate the great In 2010 Kate Oliver was 20 years old and working as a croupier in London when a serious car accident in Welwyn Garden City caused her to suffer a traumatic brain injury and left her fighting for her life. At the scene, our Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team administered life-saving treatment and airlifted Kate to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge
Flying High in Burnham Olive Nathan was ten years into her retirement when she decided to join forces with her late brother-in-law George Woodman to start up a Charity shop in aid of Essex Air Ambulance. Using their own funds, ‘Flying High’ was opened in Burnham-on-Crouch in 2006. Since then the shop has moved twice and is now located at 50 Station Road.
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where she would remain in a coma for three months. When Kate awoke she was unable to walk or talk and, over the next 12 months, spent extensive periods in rehab determinedly embarking on her long road to recovery. So it’s incredible that since her accident Kate has clocked up over 18 months as a Herts Air Ambulance volunteer.
To date, the successful shop has raised over £280,000, and Olive has clocked up over 13,000 hours of volunteering for Essex Air Ambulance! Now, Olive has made the decision to retire (again!) for a well-deserved rest and to enjoy more time with her six grandchildren. She now hands over the reins of her thriving shop to Essex Air Ambulance. Thanks to everyone who has supported the shop over the years.
“It’s a privilege to be nominated for Charity Volunteer of the Year and I will undoubtedly support Herts Air Ambulance forever.” Kate Oliver Kate Oliver: I will always be grateful to the Doctor and Paramedic who were with me that day – they resuscitated me twice before they were able to fly me in terrible weather conditions to the hospital, all within one hour of the accident happening. They undoubtedly saved my life and without their skill, expertise and speed I would not be recovering as well as I am. When I was well enough to visit the airbase with my family we learned all about the Charity. Like most people we had assumed it was government funded and were shocked when we discovered this was not the case. I vowed to help in as many ways as I could to help raise the
much-needed funds to keep the aircraft flying. As soon as I became more mobile, I volunteered to work in the office for one day a week. This was just the beginning and, over the years, I’ve helped organise lots of fundraising events. I’ve also attended lots of functions and corporate events telling my story to try and encourage more support from individuals and companies. I absolutely love being a volunteer for EHAAT and not only do I get the chance to help raise funds but I meet some amazing people and have made some wonderful friends who are helping me on my road to recovery. I will never forget that without their help that day I would not be here!
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEERS! Whatever you enjoy doing, whatever skill you would like to offer and however much time you have free we can find a volunteer role for you - every little helps.
We are looking for Community Ambassadors, collection tin volunteers, drivers and those able to help in the office with marketing or events activities. We’ve also created a Schools
With Kate’s support, staff at Sainsbury’s Welwyn Garden City voted Herts Air Ambulance as their Charity of the year.
Ambassador role which will help us work more closely with our local schools. Plus, we’re looking for help with bucket collections for our ‘Big Christmas Campaign’.
Call Jen Wall, Volunteer Manager on 0345 241 7690 or email Jen.Wall@EHAAT.uk.com
Ware Opening Soon Christmas shoppers in Ware will be in for a treat from 1 December when Herts Air Ambulance opens the doors to its first charity shop. Mel Hitchcock, our Shop Co-ordinator said: “We are all so excited to open our first charity shop in Hertfordshire. The shop will be a great way to spread more awareness to the public as we rely on their support to keep flying. Please bring and buy so we can fly!” You’ll find us at 3, High Street, Ware – there’s free parking nearby to make it easy to drop off your donations.
Mel Hitchcock prepares for the new shop opening.
Our Air Ambulance Pre-hospital Care Doctors, Critical Care Paramedics and Pilots see first-hand the devastating impact road traffic accidents have on the injured, their family and friends. That’s why we’ve joined SERP – the Safer Essex Roads Partnership. It’s ground-breaking road safety initiative that aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads to zero. SERP believes it is everybody’s responsibility to make sure everyone using the road makes it home safely. The Small Changes Pledge encourages us all to make a small improvement in our driving, riding or walking behaviour, so that together we can lessen the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads. Our partners at SERP include Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Thurrock Council, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Highways England
Small changes for safer roads Our Air Ambulance Pre-hospital Care Doctors, Critical Care Paramedics and Pilots see first-hand the devastating impact road traffic accidents have on the injured, their family and friends. That’s why we’ve joined SERP – the Safer Essex Roads Partnership. It’s a ground-breaking road safety initiative that aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads to zero. SERP believes it is everybody’s responsibility to make sure everyone using
the road makes it home safely. The Small Changes Pledge encourages us all to make a small improvement in our driving, riding or walking behaviour, so that together we can lessen the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads. Our partners at SERP include Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Thurrock Council, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Highways England.
A rapid response – whatever the weather
We were proud to be part of the launch of SERP at Hylands House in Chelmsford this September.
To find out more visit: www.saferessexroads.org Twitter – @saferessexroads
Thanks to a donation of £33,000 from the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) we have been able to purchase a new Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for Essex. This brings our fleet of RRVs to four, giving us a greater ability to reach more patients across Essex and Hertfordshire whatever the weather. Like our helicopters, the RRVs carry full life-saving equipment and drugs, enabling our Pre-hospital Care Doctors and Critical Care Paramedics to deliver the most appropriate and advanced level of care at the scene. Unlike our helicopters, the RRVs can go out and about in all weathers, and into the hours of darkness. So, as winter brings poorer weather and fewer daylight hours, we can continue to provide a robust and resilient service that will continue to touch countless lives.
Nicola Foster, Chairman of Safer Essex Roads Partnership and Jane Gurney, CEO of EHAAT with Stuart Elms, Clinical Director of EHAAT and the new Rapid Response Vehicle.
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Business Briefs THANKS TO: • Balfour Beatty Skanska for choosing to support the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, over the duration of working on the M25 J30/A13 Corridor Relieving Congestion Scheme. • All the staff at Sainsbury’s in Braintree, Colchester (Priory Walk), Harpenden, Buntingford and Welwyn Garden City for choosing Essex & Herts Air Ambulance as their ‘Charity of the Year’.
Gary’s Story It was a glorious summer’s day in August when motorbike enthusiast Gary Hawksworth set off on his Norton Commando to enjoy a ride around East Anglia. When a bend in the road loomed on the outskirts of Hadleigh in Suffolk Gary touched the brakes whilst travelling at around 45 mph and, in his own words, “the next thing I knew I was sliding down the road.” Disaster then struck as the bike skidded into the path of an oncoming car and collided. Having landed in a nearby field the Air Ambulance Crew found Gary in a bad way. Ian Tyrrell-Marsh, Pre-hospital Care Doctor, said: “Gary had broken a leg and three ribs and had already lost an awful lot of blood so it was important that we packaged the leg carefully. With the helicopter
we were able to ensure a smoother, speedier journey direct to the trauma centre at Addenbrookes - the most suitable place for the injury he had sustained. Gary spent four days in intensive care and had three operations which sadly resulted in the loss of his lower right leg. Gary said: “It’s strange how life can appear to stay the same for a long time and then change in an instant. The fact that the Air Ambulance was able to get me to a major trauma centre and have the right medical staff waiting for me made a huge difference for which I will always be grateful.” Gary is now well on the road to recovery and has returned to work. He added: “I have raised £3,100 for the Charity and have registered as a volunteer to ensure the service is there for the next person that needs it in their life changing moment.”
• Wilko whose nine stores supported Essex Air Ambulance last year and raised £20,432. Now seven stores are continuing to support us for a further year! • All the staff at Borras Construction Limited, St Albans who paddled 50 miles by Kayak along the river Thames and made a splash by raising a fantastic £11,000! • The Griffin PH in Halstead who chose to support Essex Air Ambulance this year and are holding various fundraising events. • Mount Hill Garage who have held our collection tin on their counter for 13 years and have raised over £4,000. Nice work!
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This summer the media spotlight fell on the Duke of Cambridge when he embarked on his new career as pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Like all Air Ambulance pilots in the region, Prince William will be responding to the most critical 999 calls made to the East of England Ambulance service – Emergency Operations Centre. We thought we’d take the opportunity to shine a light on our four pilots who fly the EHAAT Explorer Helicopters across the skies of Essex and Hertfordshire as part of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team of Pilot, Pre-Hospital Care Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic.
PILOT
PROfiles Birthplace: Walthamstow First solo flight: Aged 23
Mark Holmes
Early career: Helicopter handler at Aeromega Helicopters at Stapleford Airfield age 17.
Became a helicopter flying instructor after flying the Robinson R22 at London Southend Airport. Later added the Robinson R44, Jet Ranger and Long Ranger to licence. Undertook the commercial flying course at Manston Airport, Kent and returned to Stapleford Airfield as a commercial pilot.
Air Ambulance pilots must have: • A minimum of 1,000 flying hours • Experience flying in challenging conditions • Experience landing in restricted sites
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“I’d always wanted to be a helicopter pilot and a ‘pleasure flight’ aged 11 at Pickett’s Lock, Lee Valley confirmed my ambition.” Highlights: My first commercial flight was flying Viscount Linley to Cheltenham Racecourse. I asked him for a ‘racing tip’ and he replied ‘keep your money in your pocket!’ I was a member of an international team of pilots and camera operators who provided the aerial footage of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Joined EHAAT: 2014 EHAAT highlights: Fulfilled my ambition to become an Air Ambulance pilot and use my flying skills to help others. Downtime: Photography, miniature steam railways, cars, theatre and cinema.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority grants Air Ambulance pilots special permissions to fly over, land and take off from congested and built up areas and allows the HEMS pilots to fly in worse weather conditions than private helicopter pilots. These special permissions are used carefully to land the Doctors and Paramedics as close as safely possible to the patients.
Daily routine
✓Check helicopter is fit to fly ✓Check weather, calculate weight and balance for the aircraft
✓Get aircraft out ✓Brief the crew ✓Wait for a call ✓Wash the compressors at the front of both engines at the end of the day
✓Friday is aircraft and rapid response vehicle wash day
at Lockerbie on the Pan Am air disaster, at the Piper Alpha oil rig and the Zeebrugge ferry disaster.
Birthplace: Croydon First solo flight: Glider aged 16 / powered aircraft aged 17. Early career: Royal Air Force at 17 RAF helicopter pilot from 1984 until 2008.
Joined EHAAT: 2008
David Kerr-Sheppard ‘DKS’
Highlights: Flew RAF Search & Rescue Sea Kings and flew rescue missions in the Falkland Islands,
Nick Clarkson Birthplace: Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Favourite places: St. Albans but terrible for landing a helicopter. First solo flight: 1989 aged 27 Early career: “I love flying the Airport fire-fighter at Explorer Helicopter, Coventry Airport. First commercial It’s very dependable helicopter job and just feels like was in the North Sea with Bond one of the team.” Helicopters. Worked in Nick Clarkson Trinidad for a year before returning to the UK to fly for South Wales Police and later West Midlands Police.
EHAAT highlights: Working with exceptional pilots, doctors and paramedics.
On the Explorer Helicopter: A simple aircraft to fly especially when compared to the Sea King.
Downtime: Photography.
Birthplace: Rochford, Essex First solo flight: Firefly T260M in 1997 Early career: Joined the army in 1993 as a military policeman and applied to become an army helicopter pilot. Selected to fly the Lynx helicopter, one of the most manoeuvrable and the fastest in the world, flying on operations in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iraq, Belize and Norway. Left the army in February 2006 to become an air ambulance and police pilot. In 2009 became an offshore helicopter pilot Captain for the gas industry.
Paul Curtis
Highlights: Bringing humanitarian aid to refugees during the Balkans conflict in 1999. Flying in white out conditions in the Norwegian Arctic circle and flying over and landing in small jungle clearings in Belize, Central America. Joined EHAAT: July 2015
Joined EHAAT: October 2013 - the job of my dreams!
EHAAT highlights: My years of army experience of low level flying in mountainous terrain, sweltering desert conditions, freezing arctic winters and tropical jungles, coupled with the ability to think on one’s feet to time critical changing scenarios are well suited to the rewarding work of EHAAT.
EHAAT Highlights: Flying as part of a HEMS team has been everything I expected and more, some very challenging flying and some tasks are not so nice. Whatever the outcome I always feel that the best was done. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Downtime: I enjoy traveling and cycling the roads of Essex.
It’s very difficult to get into police or Air Ambulance flying with no military flying background so I had to work extra hard to prove myself.
On the Explorer Helicopter: It is well suited to landing in confined areas without a conventional tail rotor.
WIN AER HAMPTH WOR
£50
Countdown to new aircraft In less than two years the lease on our helicopters comes to an end so we are already looking at new state-of-the-art helicopters to ensure we continue to bring our first class life-saving service to Essex and Hertfordshire in 2017 and beyond.
We would like your help to guide the look of our future aircraft – can you help us decide what colour our new helicopters might be?
Everyone who responds to the survey below by 14 December will be entered into a free prize draw to win a luxury ‘Tiptree Jam’ hamper worth over £50, courtesy of Wilkin & Sons Ltd.
Traditionally, the Essex helicopter is branded predominantly yellow and the Herts helicopter is branded predominantly red. 1. Would you be MORE or LESS likely to support your local Air Ambulance if it were predominantly one of the following colours? BLACK
PLEASE TICK ONE BOX ON EACH LINE
GREEN
ORANGE
WHITE
RED
YELLOW
MORE likely to support LESS likely to support Makes no difference
2. If it were up to you, which colour or colours would you choose for your local Air Ambulance? 3. East of England Ambulance Service Trust road ambulances are predominantly yellow and green. Should your local Air Ambulance be: Different colours
The same colour
Makes no difference PLEASE TICK ONE
4. If both helicopters were branded in the same colours would this make you more or less likely to support your local Air Ambulance?
1 2 3 4 5
PLEASE INDICATE ON A SCALE OF 1 – 5 (1 BEING VERY UNLIKELY / 5 BEING EXTREMELY LIKELY)
Please explain your response to Q4:
Are there any other comments you’d like to make?
Thank you for taking part in our survey FULL NAME ADDRESS POSTCODE
TELEPHONE
BY GIVING US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS YOU AGREE THAT WE MAY EMAIL YOU INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHARITY
Age bracket
(18 – 24)
(25 - 34)
(35 – 44)
(45 - 54)
(55 – 64)
SIGNATURE
(65+) DATE
OCCASIONALLY, THE CHARITY WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU ADDITIONAL NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT EHAAT IN THE POST. PLEASE TICK IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE CHARITY NEWS. PLEASE BE ASSURED YOUR DETAILS WILL NOT BE PASSED ON TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
Thank you for your valuable feedback. Our Prize Draw will be drawn on 16 December when the winner will be notified by post or email. YOU CAN READ OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AT:
EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com/about-us/magazine.aspx HertsAirAmbulance.uk.com/about-us/magazine.aspx
✁
Please return your completed survey to: FREEPOST ANG 999, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, Flight House, The Business Centre, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2BR – Thank you!
Post bag My fiancé had a motorbike accident on an uneven piece of road in May causing him to come off his motorbike and into a lampost. You arrived really quickly and treated him on the scene and then airlifted him to Addenbrookes. Now, thanks to you all, he is back on his feet and back to his healthy self and we are getting married in September. Pauline Mitchell from Harwich Thank you for your rapid response and excellent care when you attended after my horse riding accident in Chorleywood (I had three broken ribs and a collapsed
lung). I was very impressed with your skills, care and professionalism and grateful that you were able to get me so quickly to The Royal London Hospital where I also received first class care. You do an amazing job. Andrew McFarlane from Chorleywood On 17 August, I suffered a heart attack and was taken to Norwich hospital by the Air Ambulance. At the time I was in considerable pain and frightened as to what may happen and would like to say that the care and kindness I received from the
crew and medical staff provided me with the reassurance and relief that I needed. I would like you to pass all my thanks on to them for their professionalism and dedication in delivering me safely and alive to the hospital. Christopher Wolton We cannot thank you enough for helping to save our grandson’s life. Dr Naomi Pritchard and all the crew were fantastic and our grandson is making a very good recovery. Our heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful work you all do. Anonymous
Corporate Thank Yous Thanks to all the businesses in Essex and Hertfordshire who have supported our events this year, including: Acrobatic Days: Palmers Motor Company - Hemel Hempstead and Waterhouse Cars, Chelmsford. Colne Valley Cycle Ride: Wilkin & Sons of Tiptree and Global Communications. Entrepreneurs Challenge: Anglia Ruskin University, E Hobbs (Farms) Ltd, James Hallam Insurance and ADM Milling Ltd. Essex Motorcycle Show: Hyside Motorcycles Heli Hounds Dog Walks: David Watson Transport, GDL Interiors, International Food Link Ltd, Millennium Vets – Braintree, NFU Mutual, Trans K9, The Balloon Room and Peter Makewell Installations – welcoming Bubble Pet Parlour, Earls Colne and O’Donovan Waste Disposal for 2016.
Berry, Merry Christmas! Our new Christmas card collection is out NOW!
Run, Santa, run Christmas is coming and we’re getting set for the annual Charity Santa Run in December. Our supporters will join over 3,500 Santas from up and down the country at Victoria Park, London
in a Christmas run to raise £1,000s for UK charities, including EHAAT. To find out more call 0345 241 7690. Good luck to everyone taking part – and a very Happy Christmas to all our readers.
GET IN TOUCH We love hearing your fundraising news and receiving your feedback.
Available in packs of 10 and priced at £3.50 for small square cards and £4 for larger cards, plus postage and packing. All profits go to the Charity. To view and order, visit EHAAT.uk.com or call the Fundraising Team on 0345 241 7690.
Write to us: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, Flight House, The Business Centre, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2NS Call us: 0345 241 7690
Email us: ContactUs@EHAAT.uk.com Follow us on Twitter: @Essexairamb @Hertsairamb /Essexairambulance /Hertsairambulance
What’s on in 2016? MARCH
05
24/100 Challenge Can you raise £100 in 24 hours?
06
Heli Hounds Dog Walk Charity dog walk from our Earls Colne Airbase
11
Strictly Air Ambulance At Charter Hall, Colchester – Book now: www.charter-hall.co.uk
APRIL
20-24 London to Paris Charity Cycle ride Four-day charity ride to the heart of Paris
April – September
Summer of Open Gardens Across Essex and Hertfordshire. Why not showcase your garden for a great cause?
MAY
01
Essex Motorcycle Show At North Weald Airfield
01
Herts Motorcycle Run A 50 mile ride from Welwyn Garden City to North Weald Airbase
22
Colne Valley Cycle Ride 3 mile, 20 mile & 50 mile marshalled rides for all ages
JUNE por sup t y
r ou
Afternoon Tea
life- saving
c
rity ha your LOCAL Raise funds for Charity! Air Ambulance
To celebrate HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday celebrations in June – we’re dedicating the month to our ‘Royal Afternoon Teas’ campaign. Why not share a good old British cuppa with friends and help raise vital funds?
26
EARLY BIRD!
ONLY REGISTER NOW FOR
£199!
Herts Cycle Ride A 50 mile, 20 mile & 12 mile family ride
JULY
Early Bird ends 14/12/15 target required Minimum fundraising
15-17 Base2Base Walk
A 3-day, 50 mile walk between our Herts and Essex Airbases
SEPTEMBER
11 For your FREE info
Motorcycle Run & Harwich Family Festival We’re revving up for 2016, hope you can join us!
17-22 Slovenian Alps trek
pack call
email 0345 2417690 or Trek@EHAAT.uk.com
Registered Charity
1108989
Explore the dramatic and breath-taking scenery of Slovenia on this action-packed challenge as you fundraise for a good cause. Book by 14 December for Early Bird offer!
To find out more or to register for any of our events, please call
0345 241 7690 or visit: essexairambulance. uk.com or hertsairambulance. uk.com