A charity providing life-saving critical care across Bedfordshire and the wider region treated 1,845 people last year, including 151 children and teenagers, with each emergency tasking costing an average of £4,250.
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), which covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, responded to an average of 5 patients per day, bringing hospital-level care by either helicopter or rapid response vehicle.
Among those 1,845 people were 563 patients who had suffered a cardiac arrest, 348 injured in road traffic collisions and 403 facing other serious medical emergencies such as respiratory or neurological conditions.
The charity’s busiest month was August, when crews treated 166 people.
Clinical Lead, Luke Chamberlain, said: “When someone needs us, it’s usually the worst moment of their life, and their family’s. Last year, crews from our Norwich and Cambridge bases provided urgent treatment and care to 1,845 people.
“We’re fuelled entirely by donations, without any regular government funding, so support from the public powers every single mission. Every flight, every piece of equipment, and every second chance is made possible by the communities we’re proud to serve.”
From blood transfusions and advanced pain relief to anaesthesia and emergency procedures, EAAA’s doctors and paramedics aim to give patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery before they reach hospital.
The charity also supports patients and families after an incident, delivers lifesaving skills training and takes part in clinical research to keep improving care.
“Those minutes can be vital”
One of the 1,845 people helped last year was motorcyclist Martin Norman, from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, who suffered a significant leg injury in a crash near Littleport.
As Martin, an experienced rider, approached a sharp left bend, he slowed down but collided with an articulated lorry.
“I couldn’t lean anymore, and I slid all the way down the side of the lorry and its trailer, landing on a nearby grass verge,” he said.
The Anglia Two (Cambridge) crew from East Anglian Air Ambulance attended the scene.
“I heard a helicopter, and I asked, ‘Is that the air ambulance? Is it here for me?’”
Martin had suffered an open fracture of his right femur, with his leg broken in two places and the bone completely detached. There were also concerns about internal bleeding and infection.
“The East Anglian Air Ambulance crew were so gentle and explained everything to me. I couldn’t have asked for better treatment and care,” he said.
The crew sedated Martin so his leg could be manipulated, gave medication for a suspected internal haemorrhage, and, to reduce the risk of infection, then flew him to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for further treatment.
“Within a few minutes of my incident, East Anglian Air Ambulance were there,” he added. “Those minutes can be vital for people who need treatment at the scene, fast.”
With every call-out costing thousands of pounds and demand for critical care remaining high, the charity is urging people across Bedfordshire and the wider region to continue supporting its work so it can keep responding, day and night, when the worst happens.
If you would like to support EAAA, you can make a donation at their website.
