ESSEX AND HERTS AIR AMBULANCE NORTH WEALD AIRBASE
In December 2019, we were granted planning permission to build a new airbase at North Weald Airfield. Construction began in early 2020, and the external build was completed in early 2021. The building gives us security of tenure and provides facilities for aircraft, vehicles and crew. We also have dedicated spaces for training, mentoring, patient liaison, and cross-training, which benefit EHAAT and the local pre-hospital care community.
Our Simulation Suite allows for the realistic simulation, debriefing and critique of incident-based scenarios. High-tech visual projections, sounds and smells enable our team to undertake ultra-real training scenarios so they can practice advanced procedures and enhance confidence, knowledge, team communication and performance at the scene of each mission. We also have a Visitor Centre with interactive touchscreen displays, information boards and educational videos. With an energy performance certificate (EPC) grading of A, the highest possible, the airbase has been designed with ‘green’ issues to the fore. It includes charging points for electric cars and photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity – any excess is supplied to the National Grid.
EARLS COLNE AIRBASE
We’ve been operating from Earls Colne since 2011 and have continually improved the facilities. With the help of our remarkable supporters, we updated and extended our hangar to create a first-class facility, enabling us to continue to provide an exceptional clinical service for those in need across the region well into the future. We’ve also incorporated photovoltaic panels to generate electricity with excess sold to National Grid. Earls Colne is also home to our headquarters and visitor centre (based at Earls Colne Business Park), where we regularly welcome and engage with our supporters, giving visitors an insight into the work of the charity, a guided tour of the visitor centre, plus the unique opportunity of seeing the helicopter and meeting the crew (subject to operations).
OUR HELICOPTERS
AW169
Max speed: 170mph
Height: 4.5m
Length: 14.65 m
Roto Diameter: 12.12 m
Manufactured by Leonardo, the AW169 delivers unrivalled operating capability in the most challenging conditions, with the largest cabin in its class, giving our critical care team entire access to the patient when flying, while a large baggage compartment is available to store additional stretchers and equipment.
The high clearance of the main and tail rotors provides enhanced safety on the ground, while the auxiliary power unit (APU) mode ensures the continued operation of the environmental control system, radios and medical devices when the rotors are stopped. Just under 5 tonnes in weight, with 5 blades, two jet turbine engines, and a retractable undercarriage, the AW169 supports the charity’s strategic objectives in providing advanced, life-saving care to the communities of Essex and Hertfordshire.
How much do helicopters cost?
To purchase an AW169 today would cost somewhere between 7 and 8 million pounds.
What are the running costs?
The average cost for fuel per hour is £280, and the average cost per mission is £2,800. It costs in excess of £1,000,000 every month to remain operational and to cover all charitable costs.
How high do your helicopters fly?
Our typical flight height is around 1,000 feet, but the helicopters may fly as low as 500 feet over urban areas on a mission. The team can land in built-up areas as well as remote countryside locations.
RAPID RESPONSE VEHICLES
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance introduced rapid response vehicles (RRVs) to our fleet in 2008, allowing our highly skilled critical care team to continue providing a first-class pre-hospital emergency medical service into the hours of darkness and in bad weather.
By 2019, the service became operational 24-7 for the first time, using helicopters by day, and switching to RRVs before sunrise. Our RRVs, based at both airbases, play an important role in ensuring our crew can continue to respond quickly and safely to emergencies when the helicopter is unable to fly because of poor weather or maintenance. The helicopters are also unavailable for half an hour at the start and finish of their shifts to allow time for required daily aircraft checks and briefings.