Since its launch in November 2008 this vital Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has flown over 900 life-saving missions.
The landmark call-out was on Tuesday 13th December to a road traffic collision involving three vehicles on the QE2 Bridge in Thurrock.
Chief Pilot David Kerr-Sheppard was unable to land the helicopter straight away due to the live carriageways below and remained hovering overhead until the bridge was closed to traffic. Due to difficult weather conditions it was a challenging landing for David in 40 mph winds, putting his extensive skills and experience to the test. David said: “The strong wind made an otherwise straightforward landing slightly more challenging and with great teamwork inside the aircraft we made a safe landing in what were fairly tough conditions.”
Cliff Gale, Operations Director for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, adds: “All Air Ambulance Pilots have to have a minimum of 1000 hours flying experience in helicopters. This requirement means the majority of Pilots are ex military who are well versed in flying in poor weather, reduced visibility and landing in small areas. We are lucky that our current Pilots come from RAF Search & Rescue and Royal Navy backgrounds who, day in and day out, call upon their skill and expertise to help the most seriously injured and ill people in the region.”
Critical Care Paramedic Dave Tamarro, explains: “Once on the ground we established that the incident was not as serious as first thought and after a quick assessment of the scene and liaising with the Ambulance Crews, Police and Highways Agency we quickly made our way back to the aircraft so the road could be re-opened as soon as possible.“
