Historic first mission from new airbase for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
UK-based Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s (EHAAT) new airbase at North Weald became operational on 28 April when a critical care team based at North Weald was tasked with its first mission to an incident in Bishop’s Stortford
Cliff Gale, EHAAT’s Operations Director, said: “The first mission from our new airbase is a historic landmark for the charity and we would like to thank all of our amazing supporters who have made this first-class facility possible.”
Stuart Elms, EHAAT’s Clinical Director, added: “After years of planning and preparation, it is great to see this state-of-the-art building being used as a base from which our highly skilled pre-hospital care teams can attend critically ill and injured patients across Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.”
Airbase includes training areas
The new purpose-built airbase was completed in February 2021 and replaces a leased facility nearby. It includes dedicated areas for training, which will benefit not only EHAAT’s crews, but also the local pre-hospital care community, along with an interactive visitor centre for supporters, who we look forward to welcoming to this incredible new building when such visits become possible again once government restrictions are fully lifted.
The new airbase includes a hangar, which is capable of housing two helicopters when necessary, for aircraft maintenance, and has underground heating beneath the helipad to keep it free of snow and ice during the winter months.