TAKING TO THE SKIES TO SAVE LIVES.

WE WORK CLOSELY WITH NORTH WEST AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY (NWAA), OFTEN AT SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA INCIDENTS, GIVING PATIENTS THE BEST OUT OF HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE THEY MAY NEED.

Eimhear Quinn is a consultant in emergency medicine (Salford Royal) and a pre-hospital care doctor for North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA).

She gives us an insight into her role, which takes her across the skies of the North West.

YOU REGULARLY WORK IN PARTNERSHIP AT INCIDENTS WITH OUR CREWS ON THE GROUND, WHAT TYPE OF INCIDENTS DO YOU ATTEND AND HOW WELL DOES THIS WORK?

We work very closely with NWAS given our geographical areas as part of the Enhanced Critical Team (doctor and specialist paramedic), and we help the most critically unwell or injured patients in the North West. We attend incidents ranging from cardiac arrests to motor vehicle collisions to work-related injuries. It is vital that we have a close working relationship with the ambulance crews on the ground as they are critical to the whole treating team and we couldn’t do our job without them.

HOW IS FLYING AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FLIGHT LIKE?

It’s such an incredible job. You never know what the day will bring when the emergency alarm activates. The pilots are incredibly skilled and I never feel nervous or unsafe flying around. You learn something new about aviation every day, that’s something I love about my career. I am constantly learning and I hope that never stops. The views you get to see while flying are breathtaking. Nothing beats a sunset flight home from a job. Flying over the country while the rest of the city below goes on about their day is amazing.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF THE JOB?

There are so many amazing parts! Being outside the hospital environment is a bonus in itself. Still, attending a patient and starting the treatment they would normally get in the emergency department at the roadside is incredibly rewarding. It’s humbling knowing that you have made a massive difference to that patient’s treatment; and that they have a chance of going home to their family.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES?

On a serious note, unfortunately, we’ve seen the effects of the past year take a devastating turn for mental health emergencies. The extent of the loss we have witnessed has been emotionally challenging for many of us. I am lucky I have such a fantastic group of work colleagues who always smile and have an enviable attitude and infinite support for each other.

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP?

Covid-19 had undoubtedly been a massive challenge for everyone in many ways and has affected us as a charity. Funding has suffered immensely with us not being able to fundraise.

We rely on public and corporate support to raise £9.5m year, the amount it takes to remain operational, the pandemic has had a severe impact on the organisation: store closures, cancelled fundraisers and postponed events have seen funds dip significantly

As a charity, we receive no government funding. Thanks to people’s generosity in the North West, we were able to attend over 2,500 incidents last year - making a difference to the lives of many throughout the region. If you wish to support us, please donate in whatever you can: www.nwaa.net.