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A DAY
WITH RAY CELEBRITY PATRON, RAY WINSTONE GETS INVOLVED
JOB NUMBER
MOTORCYCLE RUN RECORD
NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE WEEK
NEVER TOO YOUNG TO LEARN CPR
LOTTERY LANDMARKS
An incredible turn-out as the Motorcycle Run event raises thousands.
A fun-filled week of raising donations and awareness is a great success.
The paramedic-led Skills for Life: CPR in Schools scheme gets underway.
A record number of members are supporting the Lottery and a jackpot winner is announced.
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A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS AND SPONSORS… ALLIANZ INSURANCE
LEONARDO HELICOPTERS
ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY
LLOYD COOPER MOTORCYCLES
BERESFORDS GROUP
MAGNUM AND HI-TEC
BERRYWORLD
MDS CIVIL ENGINEERING
BIKESAFE
MILLENNIUM VETERINARY PRACTICE
BISHOP’S STORTFORD VETERINARY PRACTICE
MOORES MOTORCYCLE
BLUE BEAR ANIMAL REHABILITATION CMS HERTS COLCHESTER KAWASAKI DAVID WATSON TRANSPORT EPSON UK ESSEX MEDIA FIN & FUR, PET & AQUATIC CENTRE FORD MOTOR COMPANY GCS ALARMS HAMPDEN & CO. BANKERS HARRODS AVIATION HYTHE HILL MOTORCYCLES IOD EAST OF ENGLAND JUST WHEEL REPAIR
MRH RETAIL NATTA BUILDING COMPANY NORTH WEALD AVIATION POLE POSITION MOTORCYCLES REDROW HOMES ROSSI ICE CREAM RSM UK TAX AND ACCOUNTING SAFER ESSEX ROADS PARTNERSHIP SORRYMATE.COM SPECIALIST AVIATION SERVICES SWINTON GROUP TK COPE MOTO WATERHOUSE CARS WILKIN & SONS WOODLAND GROUP
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 2018
CONNECT WITH US: @ehaat_ / EssexandHerts AirAmbulance ehaat_
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? 04 News
WELCOME
TO THE FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE
08 Features 10 Lottery 12 Fundraising 15 Events 18 Volunteering / Retail
JANE GURNEY
20 Clinical / Operations
Chief Executive Officer ESSEX & HERTS AIR AMBULANCE
22 Features
Looking back on our 20th anniversary year, we can reflect on an amazing programme of events that was well supported by the people of Essex and Hertfordshire. Our Year of Celebration drew to a close in May with a very special Evening of Celebration at Chelmsford Cathedral. It was a privilege to welcome so many of you to this unique event and reflect on just how much progress the Charity has made over the last twenty years. Our Flight for Life Lottery continues to play a vital role in raising funds. Its success means that in time we will reach the £10 million annual sales turnover limit set by the current lottery regulations. The team has been working hard over recent months to lobby Members of Parliament on the issue and we are hopeful that a recent consultation on society lotteries issued by the Government will lead to the changes we would like. We have also made preparations to restructure our existing Lottery in case the regulations are not changed. A busy few months has seen us open a new shop in Hitchin and a Warehouse and Donation Drop-off Point in Stevenage.
In this issue you can also read about our newly established E-commerce Team and eBay shop. Their work is helping to make sure we get the best possible price for your donated items. So far items have even been sent as far as Russia and the United States! If you have any unwanted items which might help us raise funds, remember that you can drop them into any of our shops. You can find your nearest shop at ehaat.org/shops or by calling 0345 2417 690. I’m delighted to say that the fantastic relationship with our celebrity patron Ray Winstone continues. Ray kindly volunteered a day of his time and acting talents to support the Charity, and you will be seeing and hearing the results of this over the coming months. We value the contribution made by all our Volunteers, so please do consider whether you can spare us some time.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Flight for Life. Thank you for your continued support of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT). Without you, we couldn’t continue our life-saving service.
CONTACTS ESSEX GENERAL ENQUIRIES:
0345 2417 690
HERTS GENERAL ENQUIRIES:
0345 5040 055 EMAIL:
contactus@ehaat.org WEBSITE:
ehaat.org LOTTERY HOTLINE:
0345 2417 688
– PUBLISHED BY:
Focus Integrated www.focusintegrated.co.uk EDITOR:
Kayleigh Bonner kayleigh.bonner@ehaat.org COVER SHOT:
Geoff Lawrence CHARITY NUMBER:
1108989
Thank you.
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NEWS
OUR FIRST DONATION DROP-OFF POINT AND WAREHOUSE OPENS
Images from top to bottom: Matt Seccombe, EHAAT Head of Retail; Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland; Jane Gurney, EHAAT CEO; and Cliff Gale, Operations Director. Jane Gurney, EHAAT CEO; Pam Stuart, Mayor of Stevenage and her consort, Tony Turner. Kerie Lovelock, EHAAT Warehouse Manager with Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland.
On 16th May we officially opened our new facility in Stevenage which allows supporters to donate goods to the Charity’s shops via its new Donation Drop-Off Point.
goods online. To read more about the exciting collectables, antiques and high price items which have already passed through their hands into the virtual world, please turn to page 19.
The premises were opened by Pam Stuart, Mayor of Stevenage who said: “It’s a very worthy cause, I’m really pleased you are in Stevenage to bring the Charity to our attention.”
If you are having a clear out why not pay us a visit. From clothes, bric-a-brac, household items, collectables and antiques to bubble wrap, shoe boxes and old newspaper for wrapping up fragile items – all your donations are much appreciated.
Pam Withrington, Director of Fundraising & Marketing said: “This is a milestone in the development of our retail plan. At present we have six shops across Essex and Hertfordshire, with more planned. They all play a vital part in supporting our lifesaving work. We really appreciate the donations we get from supporters, and having premises where they can be checked and sorted will allow us to make the best use of them.” Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland, also paid the premises a visit and told us: “Local people are incredibly generous and this new facility will make it much easier to donate items in support of our Air Ambulance. I look forward to popping back soon to see it in action!”
The Donation Drop-Off Point is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and can be found at Unit 2–3, Access Business Park, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2GR. Alternatively, if you are able to spare any amount of time we are in need of Volunteers to help with sorting through and packing items, assisting our driver with deliveries and selling goods in any of our shops. Please call the Volunteer Team on 0345 2417 690 or email contactus@ehaat.org if you are able to help.
As well as offering the facilities to receive many donation items which will be distributed to and sold through the Charity’s shops across Essex and Hertfordshire, the Warehouse also houses a new E-commerce Team who sell donated high value and collectable
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If you cannot make it to the Donation Drop-Off Point in Stevenage or to one of our Charity Shops, we now offer a FREE collection service. Please call 01438 a collection.
532037 to arrange
TOUCH DOWN AT BASILDON HOSPITAL’S NEW HELIPAD Patients we airlift to Basildon Hospital now arrive via a newly-constructed helipad at Basildon Golf Club.
cardiothoracic issues, making it a highly frequented hospital for EHAAT.
The new helipad was constructed free of charge by Natta Building Company. Previously patients who needed to go to Basildon Hospital by Air Ambulance were flown to South Essex College, off Nethermayne, before being transported by land ambulance to the hospital.
“We cannot thank our partners enough, especially Basildon Golf Course for providing the land for the helipad and Natta for constructing it for us and working tirelessly to make this happen.”
Cliff Gale, Operations Director at EHAAT said: “After successful campaigning from the community and a strong proposal submission from the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we are thrilled to be able to use the new helipad at Basildon Golf Course. “Basildon Hospital is the most suitable place in the region for patients who are critically injured and require the best possible care for
Callum Baines, Project Manager at Natta Building Company commented, “The project involved creating a new landing site and access road for the Air Ambulance in close proximity to the Basildon University Hospital. The team and I enjoyed working on the landing site. When we see the Air Ambulance around the area, we are proud that we helped in giving it a safe place to land.” EHAAT is continuing to work with Basildon Hospital to explore ways to further improve landing facilities, ensuring patients receive the best possible care as quickly as possible.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR CARDIAC SURVIVORS Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK and Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre have heard back from Guinness World Records that their attempt to break the record for the most cardiac arrest survivors in one place has been approved and they are now “Guinness World Record Holders”! 127 survivors aged 11 to 80 (plus their families) came from all over the country on Saturday 9th June to take part in the event. The day was not just about breaking the record, but about bringing as many people together to share their experiences and to help them realise they are not alone. Tony Stone, Critical Care Paramedic and Patient Liaison Manager at EHAAT said: “This was a really special occasion and I was proud to assist on behalf of EHAAT. Seeing so many cardiac arrest survivors in one room was just amazing and it highlights what can be achieved
when early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care is brought to the patient at the time of collapse. “A number of the survivors present on the day were former patients of ours, and I was immensely proud to see them all doing so well. It was a privilege to be involved and a special thank you to Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK and Basildon Cardiothoracic Centre for organising such a special day.”
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NEVER TOO YOUNG TO LEARN CPR As part of our continuing ‘Skills for Life: Bringing CPR to your School’ programme, Critical Care Paramedics Adam Carr and Tony Stone will be making regular visits to schools across Essex and Hertfordshire. The first of these took place at the Richard Whittington School, Bishop’s Stortford.
Critical Care Paramedic Tony Stone really enjoys helping children to learn CPR:
The programme aims to equip school pupils with potentially lifesaving skills.
“The training sessions include learning how to use the defibrillators that are found in public places, such as train stations, supermarkets or gyms. I am always amazed how quickly and safely
Youngsters of all ages are taught the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to carry it out. CPR helps to pump blood around a person’s body when their heart is unable to, and greatly increases their chances of survival. Pupils receive a certificate to show they have undergone the training sessions, which are offered free thanks to The Brian Shipley Fund, which has been granted to us by the family of the late Brian Shipley who worked so hard to get EHAAT established.
“Teaching school children of all ages has been hugely rewarding. The children are quick to learn basic techniques that could quite literally save someone’s life.
the children work out how to use it – we just hand it to them and tell them to work it out! “Public access defibrillators are designed to be used by members of the public and this just highlights to me how anyone, regardless of age, can help save a life.” We are also supporting CPR by installing defibrillators outside our Charity Shops.
AIR AMBULANCE CEO RECEIVES TOP HONOUR Jane Gurney has been named Director of the Year in the Public/Third Sector category by the Institute of Directors (IoD) for the East of England. Jane received her award from IoD Director General Stephen Martin at a celebratory lunch in June, held in the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. Her success means she has been shortlisted for the IoD National Awards in London later this year. Nominations for the award were received from IoD branches across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire. She said: “I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has helped to make EHAAT what it is today. Being recognised in this way is a validation of the work my
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team and I have put in to growing the Charity and this award will help raise the profile and increase awareness of our life-saving work. “It is a privilege to lead such a committed and dedicated team and to be able to share this success with them and our supporters.”
FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
A DAY WITH RAY We were delighted to kick off National Volunteer Week at the beginning of June with a visit from our celebrity patron, Ray Winstone. Ray has a ‘hard-man’ image on the big screen with roles in films such as ‘The Sweeney’ but has a soft spot for his local life-saving Charity. The screen and TV star donated a day of his time to film videos and record messages that will be used over the coming year to boost support for the Charity across Essex and Hertfordshire. Staff who met Ray during the day reported back that he was incredibly fun to work with, and keen to do as much as he could during his time with us. During a visit to the studios of Heart Radio, Ray recorded messages that will be used across radio adverts and included on videos shared across social media to support fundraising initiatives. He also took part in a photo shoot which has given us images of Ray that can be incorporated into a range of advertising campaigns. You may have seen some of these during National Air Ambulance Week in September when his familiar face appeared in press advertising, on billboards and on the EHAAT website.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to volunteer with EHAAT, they always make me feel welcome with a bacon sandwich on arrival!” During his day with the Charity, Ray expressed surprise at how much money the people of the two counties donate each year in order to keep the service operational. “This Charity needs over £6 million a year, unbelievable – I don’t think many people realise they don’t receive central Government funding.” Jane Gurney, CEO said: “Ray is a huge star, so we are incredibly grateful that he continues to find time in his busy schedule to help us. “It’s been amazing to see such a talented actor at work, and I look forward to sharing the results with our Staff, Volunteers and Supporters over the coming year.”
A NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH ESSEX MEDIA LTD We are extremely pleased to have signed a three-year partnership deal with Chelmsford-based Essex Media Ltd. The deal, which is worth nearly £100,000, will cover the cost of one life-saving mission each month and see Essex Media’s logos appear on our fleet of two helicopters and four Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs). The company also plans to support EHAAT by getting involved in fundraising initiatives and events. To celebrate the launch of the partnership the staff of Essex Media Ltd paid a visit to the Charity’s Earls Colne Airbase back in May, where they met members of the Charity’s Critical Care Team, Directors and Fundraising Staff. Pam Withrington, Fundraising & Marketing Director said: “We are delighted that Essex Media Ltd is sponsoring our Fleet over the next three years. “This is a really exciting opportunity for us. As our 20th anniversary
year draws to a close, Essex Media Ltd’s contribution will help us with the next stage in our development as EHAAT moves towards providing a 24/7 service using RRVs. We are very much looking forward to working with them and developing our relationship.” Nathan Martin CEO and Founder of Essex Media Ltd said: “Essex Media Ltd is delighted to be supporting EHAAT as their official Fleet Sponsor. We’re incredibly proud of our local life-saving Charity and the first class pre-hospital emergency medical service they offer to the communities of Essex and Hertfordshire. “We know they cannot survive without donations so we want to help ensure our local community continues to have access to this life-saving service through our sponsorship and charitable works.” Based in Chelmsford, Essex Media Ltd is an international company delivering a mix of business to business conferences, exhibitions and seminars for global industries.
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FEATURES
NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE WEEK Staff and Volunteers had another successful week of raising awareness and collecting donations for the life-saving Charity during National Air Ambulance Week (September 10th to 16th). EHAAT’s Collection Crew was out and about across Essex and Hertfordshire as part of a national initiative in which Air Ambulance charities across the United Kingdom collaborated to publicise their work. The week saw over £25,000 collected on behalf of EHAAT with Staff, Volunteers, Corporate Partners and Community Organisations all donning distinctive National Air Ambulance Week tabards. As part of our publicity drive, EHAAT again teamed up with our three neighbouring Air Ambulances; Magpas, East Anglian Air Ambulance and London Air Ambulance. The Collection Crew were joined by members of the Critical Care Team, and this year we introduced life-sized cut outs of two of our Critical Care Paramedics, Tony Stone and Gaynor Wareham which attracted lots of attention out and about at our collections. From town centres to shopping malls, supermarkets to garden centres, the list of locations was more varied than ever. In total there were 57 collections throughout Essex and Hertfordshire! At Essex County Cricket Ground the Collection Crew joined spectators for the final home match of the season, raising a total of £1,901 at this location alone. In Stevenage town centre collectors from the Rotary Club of Stevenage were joined by dancers from Identity Dance and performers from Putteridgebury Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Singer and pianist Rachel Brooks also kept the crowds entertained. Local MP Stephen McPartland was among those who gave some time to collect on behalf of EHAAT. Cllr McPartland said: “It’s always a pleasure to support our local Air Ambulance and help collect during National Air Ambulance Week. It was great fun and a great cause that lots of people helped contribute to.”
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Natasha Robertson, Hertfordshire Fundraising Manager at EHAAT said, “Thanks to all of the Volunteers who agreed to help us this year and made National Air Ambulance Week a success! “National Air Ambulance Week is a great opportunity for us to talk to people in the community about how their donation really does make a difference.”
“THE AIR AMBULANCE CREW WERE BRILLIANT IN THE WAY THEY DEALT WITH THE SITUATION” In May Johnny Wright, age 10, was coming to the end of a karate competition at Hatfield when he was hit on the head.
about the aircraft and how much it all costs. Dr Ali was able to explain to us exactly what had happened but I don’t think Johnny realises how serious it was. That’s probably a good thing.
Feeling dizzy and nauseous, Johnny collapsed to the floor and stopped breathing. Fortunately a doctor on duty at the competition was able to administer mouth to mouth resuscitation.
“I think it was scarier for my husband John, to see his child stop breathing. He said the Air Ambulance Crew were brilliant in the way they dealt with the situation. They spoke to him while they were working on Johnny, explaining everything and made him feel calm. They were brilliant and we are really thankful that they were there to deal with Johnny.
They called 999 and EHAAT’s Critical Care Team were quickly on the scene. Johnny was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital where his head and spine were scanned. Fortunately, there was no lasting damage, but Johnny’s mother Nadine says the day is one the family will never forget.
“My husband John, who was with Johnny, was in shock when he heard that the Air Ambulance had been called. It was such a scary situation. One minute Johnny was okay, the next he was struggling for breath.”
“Johnny is doing fine now. He had to do some school tests a few weeks later and found them difficult. He couldn’t do sport for six weeks, but he’s now back playing rugby, football and basketball. “I didn’t really know much about the Air Ambulance until this, but as a family we now have the greatest respect for what the Charity does.”
Nadine says Johnny knew nothing about what was happening. “Afterwards he told us he had enjoyed the view from the helicopter, but I don’t think he saw anything until he was lying in the hospital bed! “He was quite excited about the idea that he had flown in the helicopter. I think he wished he could have enjoyed it more.” During a recent base visit Johnny met Pre-hospital Care Doctor Ali Watts and Patient Liaison Manager Tony Stone. “Both Johnny and his younger sister Amelia were really excited,” Nadine explained. “They bombarded everyone with questions
Johnny Wright and fam
ily with Pre-hospital Car e Doctor Ali Watts
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LOTTERY
TWO LOTTERY LANDMARKS It’s been a special few months for our Flight for Life Lottery, which has reached a record total of 100,000 members who are in with a chance of winning each week. Additionally, July was particularly memorable for Lottery player Angela Carter, who became the first person in three years to win the maximum jackpot of £25,000 following a series of rollovers in the Superdraw. A few weeks later Angela and her friend Myrtle, who both started playing the Flight for Life Lottery in 2015, visited our Earls Colne Airbase, with Angela’s friend and neighbour David Tyerman who drove them to the Airbase for the visit. Both ladies, who live in Watford, say that seeing the EHAAT AW169 helicopter flying overhead made them aware of our work. “You never know when you might need them,” said Angela who is sharing her winnings with family and friends, while keeping some aside for a holiday in Germany with Myrtle.
LOBBYING FOR CHANGE TO LOTTERY LAWS Our Flight for Life Lottery has been so successful that within a year it is likely to reach the £10 million annual turnover limit set by current lottery regulations, which were designed to protect the National Lottery. In a bid to get these regulations amended we have been busy lobbying politicians at Westminster. During the summer the Government issued a consultation on society lotteries which recommended an increase in the maximum draw prize from its current limit of £400,000 to £500,000. The consultation also asked for views on increasing the number of tickets society lotteries can sell to a value of £100 million per year and the amount they can raise per draw to £5 million. Nicole Wastell, Lottery Manager at EHAAT said: “Unless the regulations are changed, we will be forced to restructure our existing Lottery, at an estimated total cost of £100,000. As a Charity which
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receives no central Government funding we believe our supporters across Essex and Hertfordshire would prefer us to spend this money delivering our life-saving service. “Each year our Critical Care Teams are called to over 1,000 life-threatening incidents. Each one costs approximately £2,500, so £100,000 could fund 40 missions.” Look out for updates on this issue via future editions of Flight for Life and on our website.
FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
2017 SUMMER RAFFLE WINNERS FLY OFF TO MILAN Thanks to the generosity of Leonardo Helicopters, the company which manufactured our new AW169 helicopter, the winners of our 2017 Summer Raffle picked up an extra-special prize to coincide with the Charity’s 20-Year Celebrations.
Stresa where they were met by a guide who escorted them to two islands on the lake. First stop was Isola Madre, home to a charming 16th century Mansion which took over 40 years to build and to this day is still owned by the same family. “Everything was beautifully kept and in spite of the very warm weather, very green. It seems it is kept this way by a complicated self-watering system drawn from the lake. We were impressed with the banks of hydrangeas which unlike the UK, were in full bloom.” Next they took a boat to Isola Bella, or Fisherman’s Island as it is now known. After a leisurely lunch they explored the quaint narrow streets filled with small shops and took respite from the heat of the day in the beautiful St Vittore Catholic church.
Sandra and Alan Wood won the chance to visit the Italian factory where the AW169 was built with flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and £500 spending money included, courtesy of Leonardo Helicopters. They were also able to meet Jane Gurney, EHAAT CEO, and Pam Withrington, Fundraising & Marketing Director, who were also in Italy for meetings with Leonardo Helicopters.
With their trip drawing to a close the couple were driven back to Malpensa Airport for the one-and-half-hour flight back to Southend, where a car was waiting to whisk them home.
Sandra has been playing the Flight for Life Lottery since 1999 and always does her bit by buying raffle tickets whenever she can but says the call to say she had won came ‘completely out of the blue’. The couple were especially pleased by the win as they hadn’t been abroad since a trip to Ireland ten years ago. On 13 June 2018 the couple flew from Southend heading for their overnight accommodation in Arona on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The next morning a chauffeur-driven car whisked them off to the Leonardo Helicopters factory in Milan. th
Alan explained: “We spent an interesting morning viewing helicopters in different stages of construction, and then on to see the various sorts of interiors and seats that can be incorporated into the individual helicopter depending on what the customers’ requirements are. Then we went to another building to see a number of finished machines, in different paint finishes and styling, again depending on the customers’ requirements.” After lunch overlooking the lake, the couple were taken to the Leonardo training school, where 20,000 pilots each year are put through their paces to gain qualifications which are recognised across the world. The next day Alan and Sandra were able to enjoy some sightseeing with a limousine taking them 20 miles along the lake shore to
Sandra and Alan Wood met Jane Gurney, EHAAT Chief Executive, Pam Withrington, EHAAT Fundraising & Marketing Director and James Griffin from Leonardo Helicopters.
“During our short visit we were so well looked after by James from Leonardo Helicopters, and of course everyone involved with our visit. We had a wonderful adventure!”
We are pleased to announce our Summer 2018 Raffle Prize of £3,000 was recently awarded to Paula Bottoms from Ware! If you would like to take part in our Christmas Raffle and be in with the chance of winning the £3,000 jackpot just in time for Christmas, then head over to raffleentry.org.uk/ehaat now! Entries are just £1 per ticket.
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FUNDRAISING
MALDON SMOKE AND FIRE FESTIVAL SUCCESS AT THE LONDON MARATHON A massive thank you and huge well done to the amazing runners who, despite record high temperatures, all made it to the finish line of the 38th Virgin Money London Marathon for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. The 12 runners managed to raise more than £15,500 in the process! Our golden bond places were filled by David Bond, Karen Drew and Mark Goody. Joyce Berry, Sarah Coltman, Sue Edwards, Eric Fournaise, Victoria Flynn, Chris Lane, Jack Newman, Robert Phillips and Debbie Wade ran in aid of the Charity in their own places.
Thousands of food fans attended the Maldon Smoke & Fire Festival back in August. The two-day event raised an amazing £11,000 for EHAAT. Held in collaboration with Maldon District Council, the festival is a celebration of the art of cooking and is held in Promenade Park on the banks of the river Blackwater. With two stages of music and an ale and cider festival, there was something for everyone. Ashley Peniston-Bird, Organiser of the Smoke and Fire Festival recently paid a visit to the Earls Colne Airbase. He said, “we are absolutely delighted to have raised this much. The event was an amazing success, and everyone who attended had a great day.” Clair Mitchell, Essex Fundraising Coordinator said, “we are really grateful to Ashley, his team and everyone who attended this year’s festival. It was bigger and better than ever, and it’s wonderful to hear how much was raised!”
was by far the was easily the toughest “ That “ Itrace hardest thing I have ever I have ever done. done. As hard as it was, there was only one thing on my mind. Completing the marathon for not only myself but for the Charity that helped my son when he needed it most.
The heat was unbearable! I found the last six miles especially tough. I was glad to get to the finish line and given the conditions I was very happy with my time.
Karen Drew, Southend
Mark Goody, Colchester
“
“
an amazing day. It was great to raise money for the Air “ What Ambulance and good to know all that training was worth it in the end. It was an absolute pleasure to run for you and raise money. It was a great atmosphere and I didn’t realise how much people on the sidelines helped you get to the finish.
“
Jack Newman, Maldon
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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
MARKS HALL GARDEN & COUNTRY SHOW
Attractions this year included everything from country pursuits to concert bands and food to farm machinery. From vintage vehicles to willow weaving, trade stands to an auction, there was something for everyone.
Thousands of people flocked to the Marks Hall estate near Coggeshall for the biennial Marks Hall Garden & Country Show this July. This very special event raised over £35,000 for three charities; EHAAT, the Rotary Club of Colchester and the Marks Hall Estate.
Sabi Stafford, Essex Fundraising Manager said: “Staff and Volunteers always enjoy taking part in this very special event. The weather was glorious and the crowds who came had a great day. Thanks to everyone who volunteered over the weekend and to all those who came along to enjoy a day out.”
We would like to thank all our supporters who have ‘risen’ to the challenge this summer with their cakerelated fundraisers for our A Very British Afternoon Tea fundraising initiative. Over 90 groups and individuals took part across Essex and Hertfordshire raising an incredible £20,909 in the process. In Essex, venues ranged from a housewarming party in Bures to a one-acre garden party in Kirby-le-Soken. In Hertfordshire members of Nordic Walking Watford had a tea break with a difference while they were exploring the Hertfordshire countryside, Ardeley Women’s Institute had a cake-filled Sunday afternoon and customers of several banks were able to indulge themselves with a teatime treat as they checked their finances.
This year, for the first time the weekend’s events also included a specially-arranged open air service led by the Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt. Revd Stephen Cottrell.
Victoria’s Vintag e Thursday Ca rd Making
Group
sun has shone this summer, and “ The so have our wonderful supporters.
This initiative has been a great way to get together with friends and family and indulge in some treats while raising money for the Air Ambulance. Thank you!
“
THOUSANDS RAISED FROM ‘DOUGHNATIONS’ DURING A VERY BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA
Visitors also enjoyed displays by birds of prey, heavy horses and sheepdogs herding ducks!
Natasha Robertson Hertfordshire Fundraising Manager Thank you to BerryWorld for sponsoring A Very British Afternoon Tea.
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TREKKERS RETURN AFTER MASTERING MONT BLANC A group of 18 intrepid walkers raised over £24,977 for EHAAT by tackling a high-altitude trek around Mont Blanc in the Alps. During three days hiking, the group covered over 66 kilometres, reaching an altitude of over 2,600 metres. The route took them along rocky mountain paths and through thick forests. Along the way they passed through remote mountain villages only accessible on foot as well as highaltitude ski resorts. They were rewarded with some dramatic mountain scenery, spectacular waterfalls and beautiful lakes.
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C T O Bgetting to Trekker Charlotte Fletcher said: “I’ve thoroughly H Oenjoyed ER 0T 2 know everyone that I was trekking with, – all amazing individuals2that I H would have probably never have crossed paths with otherwise. I have made unique memories by throwing myself out of my comfort zone and seen things I would never have seen without doing the trek.
“It was very rewarding and you feel even better knowing you’re doing it for a great cause that saves lives every day. I was mostly doing it for my dad as the Air Ambulance gave him every chance he could have had so I wanted to do everything I could for them in return.” Natasha Robertson, the Charity’s Hertfordshire Fundraising Manager, said: “It was an honour to walk beside some of those who have been helped by our life-saving service and it’s an experience that I will treasure.” In October 2019 a group of trekkers will be heading for the Great Wall of China to spend five days walking along one of the great wonders of the world. If you want to be part of the adventure then head to ehaat. org/walk-the-great-wall for more information. For a FREE information pack you can call 0345 2417 690 or email trek@ehaat.org
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK F O R E SS E X & H E RTS AIR A M B U YOU L A N CTO E ALL OF OUR FANTASTIC TREKKERS Kevin Baggott • David Buckfield • Grace Cowling • Sarah Dowles • Charlotte Fletcher • Linda Gallagher Lindsay Greig-Smith • Peter Greig-Smith • Andrew Jay • Sam Jeffery • Alison McDonald • Victoria Moorfield Ben Mumford • Mark Pointer • Donna Raine • Natasha Robertson • Lee Taylor • Ali Venman
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04/09/2018 14:20:14
EVENTS
HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR COLNE VALLEY CYCLE RIDE Nearly four hundred cyclists turned out for the Colne Valley Cycle Ride to raise money for the Charity at our sponsored cycle ride event on Sunday 30th April. Starting from the cricket field at Earls Colne airfield the cyclists tackled routes of 3, 20, 50 or 80 miles that took in many of the most scenic parts of the area. The 80-mile route, new for this year, was particularly popular with those who wanted to cycle on roads used by the Tour de France on its last visit to the UK. Those riders passed through Wakes Colne, Steeple Bumpstead, Wethersfield, and Castle Hedingham before returning to the starting point. Riders included club cyclists, families and one father and son team on a tandem who took on the 80-mile route! There was also a large turnout from the family of an airlifted patient, one of whom took part in the event raising over a thousand pounds.
Fay Boissieux, Event Manager said, “It was great to see so many cyclists turn out for this event despite the grey skies! The day raised over £17,000, so we’d like to thank everyone who took part. Thanks to all our Volunteers who helped to marshal the event. Many spent hours standing at road junctions to make sure that everyone got back safely and last but not least thank you to MDS Civil Engineering for supporting this event.”
Next year's Cycle Ride will take place on Sunday 28th April.
20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR ENDS ON A HIGH AT AN EVENING OF CELEBRATION On Tuesday 22nd May, we marked the end of a year of celebrations for our 20th anniversary with an Evening of Celebration at Chelmsford Cathedral. The Cathedral was chosen because of its size and location, in order to allow as many people as possible to attend. The evening paid tribute to those who have helped us develop from a single airbase covering one county to two bases – at Earls Colne and North Weald – covering two counties. CEO Jane Gurney outlined the history of the Charity while Critical Care Paramedics Tony Stone and Adam Carr shared some of their experiences as Patient Liaison Managers as they help airlifted patients with their recovery by ‘filling in the blanks’. Jonathan Trower, Chairman of the Trustees, paid tribute to the Supporters, Staff and Volunteers whose efforts had supported the Charity’s development.
The New Hall School Choir entertained the audience with performances of ‘Oranges and Lemons’ and ‘Banaha’, a Congolese song of celebration. For the latter guests were divided into three groups and encouraged to join in. Jane Gurney said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to bring Staff, Volunteers and Supporters together at the end of what has been a remarkable year of celebrations marking our 20th anniversary. The organisation has made such amazing progress since it began with a single helicopter back in 1998, and it has been wonderful to celebrate with many of the people who have made that possible – thank you!” The evening was the final event of our 20th anniversary celebration calendar which began in June 2017 with a family fun day at Audley End that was attended by thousands of Supporters.
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‘WHEEL’ SUCCESS FOR MOTORCYCLE RUNS Hundreds of bikers tackled the 60 mile route of our Spring Motorcycle Run on Sunday 20th May. Starting at Hertfordshire Police HQ in Welwyn, they finished next to our Airbase at North Weald Airfield in Essex. Guest of honour was former airlifted patient Steve Tiller, who was airlifted after an accident four years ago in Ongar. Steve crashed on his way to work after his motorbike skidded on a greasy patch of road, suffering injuries that included a broken back and a major blow to the head. “When we arrived at North Weald Airfield we saw the helicopter land then take off straight away. It reminds you just how much the Air Ambulance is needed.” Steve and his fellow riders were welcomed at the finish by several hundred more bikers and families enjoying the Family Fun Day. The attractions on offer included displays by stunt riding team On the Edge, skidbike demonstrations, static bike displays, live music, supercar experiences and trade stalls.
Spectators and participants enjoyed a day of entertainment including live music, trade stands and a range of food outlets. A highlight of the afternoon was a visit by the Charity’s MD902 helicopter and Crew. Jen Wall, Volunteer & Events Lead for EHAAT said: “We are grateful to the biking community for supporting these events so enthusiastically and to all the people who turned out along the routes and at the finishes to support them. We would also like to thank all our Volunteers and our Sponsors. “With so many exciting things for people to enjoy, there was no shortage of things to do, the weather was kind to us too, and the event raised over £41,000!” Thanks to Woodland Group, Swinton Group Ltd, Specialist Aviation Services and Ford Motor Company for their support of our Motorcycle Events. Thanks also to Colchester Kawasaki, Hythe Hill Motorcycles, Just Wheel Repair, Lloyd Cooper Motorcycles, Moore’s Motorcycles, Pole Position Motorcycles, Sorrymate.com and TK Cope Motorcycles for their help.
Fay Boissieux, Events Manager at EHAAT, said: “The Motorcycle Run is always a fabulous event and this year’s has been no exception, whilst raising £14,000! With so many exciting things for people to enjoy, there was no shortage of things to do and having such a beautiful sunny day was great too!” More than 4,000 bikers then took part in our Autumn Motorcycle Run on 9th September. Starting from Ford Dunton they rode to the Family Fun Day at Harwich in Essex.
Next year’s Spring Motorcycle Run will take place on Sunday 12th May, followed by the Autumn Motorcycle Run on Sunday 8th September.
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FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
Topics discussed during the day included: • Whether ‘down-time’ in paediatric arrests is a good prognosticator. • The importance of dealing with fears and anxieties before treating children. • The value of training and being familiar with equipment in high pressure situations.
A FULL-HOUSE AT THE 2018 AEROMEDICAL CONFERENCE Our Aeromedical Conferences have been going from strength-to-strength over the years, especially after winning the Innovation of the Year Award at last year’s Association of Air Ambulance’s Awards of Excellence. This year we wanted to ensure that we continue to push the boundaries for our free-to-attend conference and we hit record numbers of over 350 clinicians, professionals, students and partner agencies travelling from across the UK to attend. The theme for the event was ‘Paediatrics – Our Care, Their Future’. Speakers focused on the causes, prevalence and changing face of paediatric cases and care in pre-hospital medicine.
• How and what we can learn from other industries. • Developing new systems for the benefit of patients and their families. • Continuing to learn from malicious threats and incidents. • Caring for each other and thinking about how paediatric cases might continue to affect us. Ben Myer, Conference Lead and Clinical Manager at EHAAT said, “We are delighted that so many of our colleagues from across the country were able to join us to share knowledge. Working with children in traumatic situations is a reality for many of us – from Pre-hospital Care to frontline staff in all three emergency services, family liaison and more. As care providers, it is our duty to open up about our experiences so far, and focus on how we can provide the most effective care to our future generations.” Feedback from the day has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to seeing how we can further the conference next year. Thanks to Anglia Ruskin University, Leonardo Helicopters and Specialist Aviation Services for their support of this event.
FLYING TO NEW HEIGHTS On September 6th we hosted ‘Flying to New Heights’ in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IoD) East of England. The aim of this event was to give business leaders across Essex and Hertfordshire an insight into the world of aviation, and in particular our life-saving work. Fittingly, this special evening, which took place in a hangar at the historic North Weald Airfield, was held during a year that sees the Royal Air Force celebrating its hundredth anniversary. Our AW169 helicopter, not on duty during the event, made a memorable backdrop to the proceedings. During the event, which was compered by BBC presenter David Whiteley, guests heard from inspirational speaker Mandy Hickson, former RAF Fast Jet Pilot. Other speakers included; the Third Viscount Trenchard (whose grandfather founded the RAF Benevolent Fund), Jane Gurney (EHAAT Chief Executive), Simone Robinson (Regional Director of the IoD East of England) and Jonathan Trower (EHAAT’s Chairman of Trustees).
Mandy Hickson takes to the
stage
During the evening guests were able to bid for a trip to Italy for a VIP tour of Leonardo Helicopters, who manufacture the AW169, for a visitor tour of the Charity’s North Weald Airbase and the opportunity for up to three people to fly in a Robinson R66 helicopter. The evening was sponsored by: Specialist Aviation Services, Hampden & Co Bankers and RSM UK Tax and Accounting Ltd. Thank you also to: Harrods Aviation, North Weald Aviation and Rossi Ice Cream.
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VOLUNTEERING/RETAIL
ROGER’S DAY AS A CONCORDE PILOT Like all our Volunteers, Roger Smith’s contribution is much appreciated by everyone at EHAAT. From helping at events to conducting Visitor Centre tours or giving talks to clubs and community groups, his face has become a familiar one to everyone at the Charity over the last eight-and-a-half years of Volunteering for us. Roger, a former engineering lecturer, is particularly regarded for the knowledgeable way he is able to talk about the helicopters. He has an interest in all forms of aviation and has accumulated many hundreds of hours flying worldwide. One of his most memorable flights came in 2003 when he realised a dream and flew supersonically on board a British Airways Concorde prior to them going out of service. He recalls: “Flying supersonically (twice the speed of sound) equates to 1,350mph, or a mile every 2.7 seconds. Flying at an altitude of 58,000 feet, the curvature of the earth could be seen. The flying time from Heathrow to New York was just 3 hours and 15 minutes.”
Earlier this year Roger was able to combine his passion for EHAAT and his enthusiasm for Concorde when he gave a talk to Tollesbury Men’s Supper Club, about the engineering that went into getting Concorde airborne. The result of his talk was £150 being donated to EHAAT. More recently and much to Roger’s delight, he spent two hours ‘flying’ Concorde without actually leaving the ground, courtesy of a simulator that was used to train crew members. Roger recalls: “It was fascinating to be seated in front of a mass of instruments and switches and to experience the enormous surge in power and the acceleration upon moving the engine throttles fully forward, and the precise feedback when applying angles of bank, the simulator reproducing precisely the real aeroplane’s flying characteristics.”
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK As part of National Volunteer Week in June we attended Volfest in Chelmsford city centre. Organised by Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Services, 47 charities and organisations which need Volunteers came together to showcase their work and promote their services in a festival atmosphere.
Thousands of people were entertained by music from Chelmsford Community Radio and live performances by Chelmsford Gospel Choir, whilst they browsed the services and opportunities on offer. During the day the team were able to talk to a large number of people about the work of the Charity, and many people were interested in signing up to volunteer.
HITCHIN CHARITY SHOP OPEN FOR BUSINESS On Wednesday 16th May, the Charity officially opened its sixth Charity Shop, located in Churchgate, Hitchin. This is the fourth EHAAT Charity Shop to be opened in Hertfordshire and we were pleased to welcome guests Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Paul Brenham MBE DL and former patient Nikki Duffy, who suffered a cardiac arrest at work in Stevenage, to open the Shop. Like our other Charity Shops, this one in Hitchin will play an important part in raising the funds we need to support our life-saving work as well as becoming a key part of the local community. As of August, the Shop exterior has also had a defibrillator installed to it, which we hope will encourage bystanders to get involved if they encounter a case of cardiac arrest, and will provide the people of Hitchin with additional assistance before trained medical help arrives. The installation was made possible thanks to support from Hertfordshire County Council and North Hertfordshire District Council. We would also like to take this moment to announce that as of August, all our existing Charity Shops have been updated with the new red and yellow
colours adopted by EHAAT last year in order to bring Staff, Volunteers and Supporters across Essex and Hertfordshire closer together with a single, unambiguous identity. Mersea Island and Burnham-on-Crouch were the final shops in Essex which needed to move across from the previous green and yellow Essex Air Ambulance branding and we are very happy to have them open again after two weeks of closure for the re-branding and essential repairs to take place. A spike in sales has already been noticed in both shops since re-opening! We have a great team of Volunteers who help run our shops but we’d love to hear from anyone who has some time to spare and enjoys meeting the public.
Anyone interested can get in touch with our Volunteer Team on 0345 2417 690 or via ehaat.org
E-COMMERCE TEAM UP AND RUNNING £1 00 We now have a dedicated E-commerce Team based at our newly-opened Warehouse and Donation Drop-Off Point in Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage. “Everyone works as a team to make sure that we get as much money as we can from donated items”, explains Kerie Lovelock, Warehouse Manager. “The first stop for most items is the shops. The managers then cast their eyes over donated items and maybe do some research online. Our motto is ‘if in doubt, don’t throw it out’. Something you might throw in the bin could be worth thousands. “Keen eyes are needed. A large donation of ‘Ty Beanie Babies’ were mostly worth £1 each, but one rare example was sold for £50.
“We are keen to get the message out that people can bring their donations here”, says Kerie. “The more we get, the more we can list online and the more shop funds we can raise. If people have any questions they can phone us or email us. Tell us what you have got and we can tell you if we can take it.” To contact our E-commerce Team you can call them on 01438 532037 or email contactus@ehaat.org To take a look at the current selection of items for sale on our eBay simply search for ‘Essex & Herts Air Ambulance eBay’ on your search engine.
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“A pair of sunglasses that were donated via a shop ended up with us. We were able to identify them as a pair of World War Two Bausch & Lomb sunglasses. They were sold to someone in the United States for £280. “That’s the thing about eBay, it allows us to be an international retail operation. We’ve even sent items to Finland, Norway and Russia.” Other items sold on eBay include: a rare Asturias Acoustic Guitar Model 3340 by Kodaira, sold for £250, a John Walker British Rail clock, in complete disrepair which sold for £100, and a Royal Doulton vase which fetched £113. Not everything is sold on eBay, explains Head of Retail, Matt Seaccombe: “for books we often use Abebooks, a specialist site used by book collectors. Some items like antique ivory or replica guns aren’t permitted on eBay and go to auction. We also get job lots of unwanted stock donated by shops who can’t sell them or are closing down, which would overwhelm the shops if we sold them there. When shops shut down they sometimes offer us their fixtures and fittings as well as the stock, which we are really grateful for.”
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CLINICAL/OPERATIONS
THORACOTOMIES AND REBOA: WORKSHOPS IN ITALY In April EHAAT Clinical Manager Laurie Phillipson and Dr Simon Walsh, one of our Pre-hospital Care Doctors and Clinical Governance Leads, who is also an Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Royal London Hospital Emergency Medicine Consultancy, were invited to give a workshop on pre-hospital REBOA (a technique used to control haemorrhage in trauma patients) and thoracotomy (a surgical incision into the chest wall to access the organs) at the Exposanita health exhibition and conference in Bologna, Italy. They went at the invitation of Riccardo Rondelli, a Pre-hospital Care Nurse who completed an elective with EHAAT in September 2017. The pair discussed the practicalities of using the techniques in a prehospital location. Laurie explained, “some of the key points were about teamwork and delegating members of the team for specific tasks. We talked about managing the scene for bystanders and other emergency service personnel and some of the complexities of getting a thorough history before beginning a procedure and how that needs to be done quickly. When you are receiving lots of mixed information and a decision has to be made within a few seconds, it can be challenging.
When we did the practical demonstration they asked us lots of questions even though they are already performing these techniques in hospital. What they do in hospital has a number of differences to what we do pre-hospital. I think the speed at which we go into the thoracotomy, for example, took them by surprise.” Laurie says the fact that the Italian audience were familiar with the British-based medical literature about the subjects made it easier for us and those present for the conference to engage with the lectures and demonstrations despite the language difference. “It was a privilege to be invited out to Bologna and to visit their Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) unit that has been operational since 1986. They have a hugely enthusiastic team out there and I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate again with our colleagues abroad as shared learning and research are the backbone of the international HEMS community!”
AW169 USERS SHARE KNOWLEDGE As guests of Leonardo Helicopters, the manufacturers of our AW169 helicopter, Jane Gurney (EHAAT Chief Executive, far left) and Pam Withrington (Fundraising & Marketing Director, far right) attended the Farnborough International Airshow this summer.
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During the day they had an opportunity to meet colleagues from other Air Ambulance Charities and share the lessons that have been learned since EHAAT’s AW169 entered service in August 2017. “It’s a smarter machine fitted with the latest technology and its size
FLIGHT FOR LIFE MAGAZINE | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
enables better access to the patient”, said Jane. “It was interesting to speak to other users and prospective users. Those who were considering acquiring one asked how we are getting on with the AW169. The atmosphere was a very positive one.”
NEW LIFE-SAVING CPR EQUIPMENT Studies have shown that a human giving life-saving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to a patient in cardiac arrest can suffer from fatigue after just two minutes, resulting in a fall in the rate and depth of the compressions. To avoid this our Critical Care Teams use a device which can perform chest compressions mechanically, even when a patient is being moved or transferred. EHAAT has recently upgraded the devices used by our Crew and have purchased the LUCAS Chest Compression System for both helicopters and all four Rapid Response Vehicles. The device is designed to deliver uninterrupted chest compressions at a consistent rate and depth. By getting the patient’s blood flowing from the moment it is switched on, it may improve their chances of survival as it carries on delivering high class chest compressions in an ambulance or aircraft – places where manual chest compressions may not be optimal. It will carry on working even if the patient is being carried up or down stairs. The new device will also improve co-operation with our partner organisations. Scott McIlwaine, Clinical Operations Manager explained, “East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) also use this device which means that we will all be using the same piece of equipment. This will make training and working together easier. Many of the cardiac centres we go to also use this device so it makes good operational sense to use the same equipment.”
LUTON AIRPORT AND HARRODS AVIATION As a Charity we are grateful for all the support we get to keep us flying and we are always looking for ways of supporting our essential costs. In July our AW169 was able to make a brief visit to London Luton Airport (LLA) to say thank you to the airport and to Harrods Aviation for the support they are giving. Harrods Aviation, a specialist private aviation operator at LLA has agreed to waive all handling costs if one of EHAAT’s helicopters needs to call at the airport, while LLA has agreed to supply fuel free of charge. Whilst LLA has never charged landing fees in the event of an emergency at the airport, the new arrangement means that our aircraft can use the airport as a ‘pit stop’ without incurring any charges. Will Holroyd, Sales and Marketing Director at Harrods Aviation Ltd said: “We are proud to be supporting the important and invaluable work performed by EHAAT. Of course, we hope to never see the Air Ambulance at Luton, but if we do they can be assured of receiving immediate and full support on the ground from Harrods Aviation.” Liam Bolger, Head of Airside at LLA said: “EHAAT does invaluable work at the airport and in the local community and we are delighted to be able to support them. Covering the cost of fuel is our way of saying thank you to this fantastic organisation, and we hope that this will help EHAAT to continue with its life-saving work.”
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FEATURES
SUPPORTING TOMORROW’S CLINICIANS At EHAAT, we run an international student elective programme that started in 2013. Paramedic and medical students can apply to spend four to six weeks observing with our Critical Care Team. As well as observing on flying shifts, they attend our governance meetings, produce audits and project work, assist on the CPR for schools programme and, when the opportunity arises, assist with fundraising events too. We wanted to share with you the feedback from one of our recent students, Matt Walton, whose experience reflects that of many of our students and is testament to the effort from everyone at the Charity who has contact with the students during their time with us.
Dear EHAAT,
reer! th EHAAT g my… medical ca My experiences wi Thank you for savin for inspiring me. T AA EH at le op pe away: of the incredible otes that I’ll take I want to thank all few memorable qu a s re’ He er. in to ev for gineers all coming will stay with me ics, Pilots and En ed in the ram Pa ale d or an m rs Docto g a time of low I’ve seen EHAAT red me that durin happy. su d as re an It “Cup of tea?” ate e. on fac ssi eir ing incredibly pa tious smile on th be ec lf inf se an my e th se wi I e rk wo icine wher ure for me in med r staff dent that a senio NHS, there is a fut e as a medical stu rar ly ing ms. This is ris ea rp dr su ur ur hobbies, yo at you do?” It’s yo , wh life t ur ou yo ab – e n m “Tell eir extraordinary in you as a perso dents. Despite th genuine interest stu a us es on tak s r ve be stop! lea it em m pression ever met. Never AAT’s powerful im mble people I’ve hu t os m d an t at the heart of EH es the nic staff are some of the jobs, the EHAAT s in the context of s” I agree. This wa ift sh e most w th g fe st vin fir ha are for those e context of just th in e tru is flying o “You can’t prep als ough it first job and start ience project. Th at it is to have the th t en It is . em es psychological resil cit liv g ex d an at with savin e. What a rush an nts will do. Top th de . stu us us er awe-inspiring tim of off t u os yo m e What a privileg the first time – as that experience. in a helicopter for for are ep pr n’t riences and you ca nical learning expe absolutely amazing redibly valuable cli inc with all d are ine e ga es ve Th ha ?” iliarity that I seen this before the future, the fam r. in tte “Have you ever ian be s nic nt cli a tie as pa treat these e similar cases will equip me to for me. When I fac I have taken away s int po ing rn e I received lea them and the some of the advic ste it” This was wa t came one n’ be do It e, ar. lif ye is my foundation e chance at th g on nin t er ge nc ly co r on e from cto “You AAT Do t of medicine, on cement from an EH a leap of faith ou e tak to e nc de in my final year pla e confi future. itudes that gave m de with me into my of the defining att to take that attitu e inu nt co s I’ll . ck ked ba n’t know if this wa which I’ve not loo resting one” I do te in an to ve on e ha m ll I think you’ e has spurred w your career, t their belief in m “I want to follo id that to me, bu sa r back”. cto be Do ll T “I’ AA ld: at an EH words of Arno true at the time th point, and in the ap dis n’t do I pe . I ho prove them right le at EHAAT, the amazing peop Best wishes to all From Matthew
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We are incredibly proud to say that our student elective pro gramme is building a worldwide reputation with students coming from across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The pre stigious Royal College of Surgeo ns (Edinburgh) Faculty of Pre -hospital Care are also interested in working with us and we are curren tly building a proposal, anticip ating that we will receive som e of their students in 2019. Thank you to all tho se that have contact with ou r students for continuing to ma ke their experience with EHAA T so fulfilling. We wish eac h and every one of them the best in their medical career s.
MEET THE CREW Each of our Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Teams consist of a Pilot, Co-pilot, Pre-hospital Care Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic. All are incredibly experienced and skilled in their field. Here some of our team take the time to explain a little bit about their role in the HEMS Team and their experience with EHAAT.
“
Katja Ruecker
Erica Ley
Pre-hospital Care Doctor
Critical Care Paramedic
My first month here was very full on having to learn all the kit we carry and read all the standard operational procedures whilst still attending missions in between. I had no life outside of work! However, the sign off day went well and made me realise that all the hard work was worth it. I absolutely love this job! I enjoy working in a team and the support that comes from them. You can always call someone if you have an issue and they are always really nice and helpful. The support is really good – I’ve never worked with such a strong team. Everyone works really well together. I did my first Thoracotomy (surgical incision into the chest wall) here – it was such an adrenaline rush!
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As well as being a Critical Care Paramedic for EHAAT, I am also an East of England Ambulance NHS Trust (EEAST) Air Operations Supervisor at our North Weald Airbase. My primary role is to look after our team from an EEAST perspective. Many of the Paramedics are seconded from EEAST, so I provide an important link between the two services. Outside of work, I am a BASICS responder for the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service. This is a team of volunteer Pre-hospital Care Doctors and Critical Care Paramedics that are called out to local incidents involving critically ill or injured patients who require enhanced critical care. I also teach Paramedic Science at East Anglian University and I am a British Army Reservist with 254 Medical Regiment. I think that it is not only important to push yourself, but also to empower those around you to do the same whether this be students, colleagues or patients.
“
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Dave Kelly
Pilot
Co-pilot
I have been with EHAAT for ten years and I am now the Chief Pilot of our airbase at Earls Colne. When I started I oversaw the introduction of the aircraft at North Weald. Initially we only flew Monday to Friday but this soon expanded to seven days a week. As Chief Pilot I supervise the other Pilots and liaise with the Operations Director, ensuring that all the stringent rules and regulations are complied with. I always wanted to be a Pilot from my earliest memories and everything I did at school and as an Air Cadet was focused to that end. I came to EHAAT after 31 years service in the RAF. Most of my flying was on the Sea King Search and Rescue Helicopter based in Northumberland and then as an instructor in Cornwall. The question I get asked the most when out on a mission is ‘Are you medically trained or are you just the Pilot?’ The truthful answer is – ‘No, I’m just the Pilot!’
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This is my first job as a Pilot. Normally becoming a HEMS Pilot is the culmination of your career, however at the time when I finished training, Co-pilots in HEMS were quite a new thing. So to get that for your first position, you definitely feel quite privileged! Each day we face the challenge of finding somewhere to land as we don’t know where will be safe and legal until we are right overhead! There will always be somewhere, but you just might not get as close to the incident as you would like. As HEMS Pilots we are also available to help take equipment to and from the scene. We know the bags inside out so we can hand the team what they need. Everywhere we land we attract a crowd due to the aircraft. Meeting people is one of the best parts of the job as it’s great to engage with the public, but we also have to make sure bystanders are at a safe distance.
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David Kerr-Sheppard
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WHAT’S COMING UP Throughout December
FESTIVE FUNDRAISING
Throughout The Year
GO RED GO YELLOW
Throughout March
THE BIG PUB QUIZ
Across Essex and Hertfordshire Across Essex and Hertfordshire
2nd March
CURRY & CASINO NIGHT
10th March
SPRING HELI HOUNDS
23rd March
STRICTLY AIR AMBULANCE
28th April
COLNE VALLEY CYCLE RIDE
12th May
Throughout June
Across Essex and Hertfordshire
Marks Hall, Essex Colchester, Essex Earls Colne, Essex
ACROBATIC DAY
15th June
ACROBATIC DAY
Check out your local community’s fundraising events on our calendar at
ehaat.org/community-events
If you are hosting an event in aid of EHAAT then contact us at communications@ehaat.org to feature on our website
Stevenage, Hertfordshire NEW EVENT
Watch this space! MOTORCYCLE RUN AND HARWICH FAMILY FUN DAY
9th – 15th September
NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE WEEK
13th October
Welwyn to North Weald
Chelmsford, Essex
8th September
12th – 20th October
MOTORCYCLE RUN AND NORTH WEALD FAMILY FUN DAY
Across Essex and Hertfordshire
8th June
7th July
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A VERY BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA
Ford Dunton to Harwich Across Essex and Hertfordshire WALK THE GREAT WALL TREK
China AUTUMN HELI HOUNDS
Little Hadham, Hertfordshire
To find out more or to register for any of our events, please call
0345 2417 690 or visit ehaat.org
IF YOU HAVE ENJOYED READING THIS ISSUE OF FLIGHT FOR LIFE, COULD YOU MAKE A DONATION TO US? However large or small, every penny helps us to remain operational! Donate at ehaat.org/donate or over the phone on
0345 2417 690
You could even sign up to our Lottery at ehaat.org/lottery
We can’t fly without you. Thank you.