We were excited to welcome our new state-of-the-art AW169 helicopter, which started service from our Earls Colne airbase on Tuesday 4th June 2024.

As we are not part of the NHS and do not have access to National Lottery funding, our charity relies on the generosity and dedication of the local community. The £8.5 million required for the purchase was fuelled by funds raised by supporters, together with personal and thoughtful gifts from donors. The enhanced fleet now comprises of two AW169 aircraft and four rapid response vehicles, across our bases in Earls Colne and North Weald.

We are looking forward to showcasing the new helicopter at our Heli-bration event on Sunday 14th July in the grounds of Hatfield House, in Hertfordshire. Jane Gurney, CEO says: “We couldn’t have reached this incredible achievement without the generosity of our amazing supporters. We are your local life-saving service, it is your air ambulance, so please join us at the Heli-bration event to see it up close, to meet our team, and to enjoy a fun afternoon celebrating this special milestone, together.”

The purchase of this cutting-edge aircraft underscores EHAAT’s commitment to delivering first-class pre-hospital care to critically ill and injured patients at the scene of incidents. Crews comprising of highly skilled pilots and co-pilots and expert pre-hospital care doctors and critical care paramedics are dispatched on average seven times a day. In the first five months of this year (Jan-May), crews have attended to 917 patients at a range of road traffic collisions, medical emergencies, accidental injuries and other trauma incidents.

Jane says “Owning two state-of-the-art helicopters benefits the local communities we serve by allowing us to fly faster and further. But most importantly, the AW169 maximises patient outcomes by providing the space required to carry all the medical equipment needed, including blood, for life-saving interventions at the scene, as well as allowing the clinicians to comfortably care for the patient while on route to major trauma centres and specialist hospitals.”

She adds “It has been a pleasure to have the team at Gama Aviation and Leonardo join us on the introduction of this new aircraft. For training the crews and fitting the fully customised medical interior to our specifications, which will allow EHAAT to continue to deliver the best possible pre-hospital care and help our life-saving mission.”

Find out more information here.