Meet the Crew

 

Chris Martin, Aircrew Paramedic

 
I have been working for EHAAT since November 2008 and have been qualified as a Paramedic since 2003. When I’m not flying in the aircraft I work as an Emergency Care Practitioner at Welwyn Garden City ambulance station. It has been an excellent opportunity to work for the EHAAT an I look forward to many more years of contributing to the work the charity offers the people of Essex and Herts.

 

Dan Firmin, Aircrew Paramedic

 
I have been in the Ambulance Service since 2000, working at Colchester and Maldon. My interest in Air Ambulance Medicare developed shortly after. It's an absolute privilege to now be part of a team that can deliver impressive medical interventions to the pre-hospital setting to the people of Essex and Herts.
 

Before becoming a Paramedic I worked for HM Coastguard and served time as a volunteer crew member with West Mersea RNLI Lifeboat. I am still living in Mersea and know the charity support there is strong.

 

 

Ben Myer, Aircrew Paramedic

 
I have worked for the Ambulance Service for over 9 years. Whilst based at Cambridge Ambulance station I worked in both Ambulances and rapid response cars. My recent move to work on the Essex and Herts Helicopters has filled a long term aspiration to extend my skills and add to the care I can offer to patients. I am looking forward to the challenges that being a HEMS Paramedic offers and hope to take these experiences when I go back to work in Cambridge.

When away from work I enjoy taking time out with my two dogs, and increasing my flying time by taking my 9.5 meter power kite to a local heath where I successfully get dragged around ‘for fun’!

Anne Weaver, Lead Consultant

 

Hilary Smith, Control Room Dispatcher

 

Hilary has been in the ambulance service for 6 years and in December 2005 began dispatching the Air Ambulance. Hilary finds the job both challenging and rewarding but also finds time to support the charity personally. "I have just completed 'The Great Wall of China trek to raise funds for the charity. It was very tough but thoroughly enjoyable and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to take part. The Air Ambulance is a very important service, its work really does save time and lives."

Richard Eastwood, Pilot

I recently left the Royal Navy to pursue a career in the Air Ambulance world with MAS. I flew the Sea King for the Navy in many different areas of the world and from the decks of British and foreign ships. I was also an instructor on conventional aeroplanes and had a period working for the Royal Navy’s flight safety and accident investigation unit.  I enjoy the ambulance flying and the team atmosphere working closely with the Medics and the Charity staff, ultimately benefitting our region. 

Flying from both the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance bases means I get to see a large part of the region and often find myself out of the local area especially when transferring patients direct to specialist hospitals to give them the best care.

I enjoy sailing and have a RYA Coastal Skipper qualification and have recently taken up horse riding although house repair and refurbishment seem to take most of my spare time.

When not at work I like to relax by spending time with my wife and 2 children, and making the most of my VW Campervan. 

 

I have been in the Ambulance service for the past 24 years, serving most of my time in the Watford and West Herts area. I am currently an Emergency Care Practitioner based at St. Albans and now an Air Crew Paramedic.

 

 

Dave Tamarro, Aircrew Paramedic

 

I have worked for the Ambulance Service for 14 years and have worked in Luton all this time. I trained to be an Emergency Care Practitioner but it has always been a career ambition of mine to work as part of the Air Ambulance. I am really looking forward to working with the Doctors and Pilots and all of the dedicated Charity staff. 

 

Keith Le Gresley, Control Room Dispatcher

 

Keith has been with the Ambulance service for over 25 years. In 2003 he became part of the Air Ambulance team with the responsibility of dispatching the Air Ambulance. "Recently I had the opportunity of experiencing a shift with the aircrew, which made me really appreciate just how important the role of the Air Ambulance is for the people of Essex."