As the UK marks Emergency Services Day today (9 September), one of the region’s most vital charities is marking a major milestone, and sharing the story of a local family whose lives were changed forever thanks to its rapid response.
This month marks 25 years since the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) was officially founded.
Since its first flights in 2001, the charity has provided advanced critical care to more than 27,000 people across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. This is made possible almost entirely through public donations.
Crews from EAAA’s bases in Norwich and Cambridge now respond to around six serious incidents every day, including cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Saving lives
Among the many people helped by the service is Pepe Casanova, who was just five months old when he fell seriously ill in 2014 at his home near Wymondham, Norfolk.
“He became lethargic and started vomiting,” said his mum, Ana. “I looked down at him and he was a funny colour, his eyes weren’t focusing.”
After calling 999, a first responder, two ambulances, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance were dispatched, when Ana heard the sound of the helicopter landing nearby, she knew the situation was critical.
Pepe had undiagnosed Type One Diabetes and had slipped into a diabetic coma. The EAAA crew used specialist equipment to administer fluids directly into his shinbone, stabilising him before transferring him by road to the hospital.
Heartfelt thanks
Thanks to their quick intervention, Pepe, who will be 12 this month (September), recovered and is now a thriving child.
“He is loving, empathetic, and I am so proud of him,” said Ana. “His greatest achievement is how well he deals with his diabetes every day.”
EAAA CEO Matthew Jones said: “Behind every statistic is a real person, a real family, a life changed, or a life saved because of the kindness of others.
“Ana and Pepe’s story is just one of thousands that reflect the extraordinary impact our crews have made over the past 25 years.
“Our 25-year milestone is a moment to pause, reflect and give heartfelt thanks to the remarkable people who make our 24/7 life-saving work, by air and road, possible.”
EAAA receives no regular government funding and relies almost entirely on charitable donations. To support their work and help them continue their mission, visit eaaa.org.uk.
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