UK air ambulance opens new base
EAAA open its Norwich base during air ambulance week
On 10 September, East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) celebrated Air Ambulance Week 2021 with a special event in Norwich to mark the official opening of the charity’s newly extended and renovated 24/7 operational base and headquarters at Norwich Airport.
During the event, the base, which is called Helimed House, was also blessed as part of a multi-faith ceremony to wish the air ambulance crews and patients the utmost safety. Twenty-two key figures representing the lifeblood of the charity, including former patients, donors, crew, a staff member and a volunteer, cut a yellow ribbon to officially open the base, which was completed earlier this year.
Operating a 24/7 service
Building the facility has been a long-term organizational goal, enabling the charity to operate a 24/7 service by air and road for the first time. The new headquarters will help future-proof the organization, bring more teams under one roof and provide adequate rest and welfare facilities for the Anglia One crew. The new base also includes an immersive training suite for the clinical teams.
Matthew Jones, CEO of EAAA, said: “It was wonderful to be able to officially open and celebrate the new base with so many of the people who have made this incredible facility possible. This building provides everything we need for our crews to do their jobs to the best of their ability and will do so for many, many years to come.”