East Anglian Air Ambulance says goodbye to one of its founding members

East Anglian Air Ambulance says goodbye to one of its founding members

24-Apr-2017 Source: East Anglian Air AmbulanceX

Gerry Hermer, one of East Anglian Air Ambulance’s (EAAA) founding members, and in recent years the aviation consultant for EAAA, today retires from his role. Gerry has won many awards in his career including an Air Force Cross for his courageous rescue mission whilst he was in the Royal Air Force. He plans to travel with his wife and to run his boatyard specialising in classic Broads yachts

Gerry was the driving force behind the establishment of the air ambulance in East Anglia; not only did his drive, passion and determination inspire others to set up the much needed service, but in the early years he provided the helicopters via his company Sterling Aviation.

Gerry also offered his first class flying expertise by regularly undertaking shifts as a pilot for EAAA. Working as both a pilot and supplier of the helicopter for the air ambulance, Gerry was acutely aware of the requirements and demands placed on the aircraft and its crew. His experience as both pilot and aircraft supplier have given him a unique perspective allowing him to develop procedures and techniques to improve both the safety and efficiency of the service.

Following his retirement from Sterling Aviation in 2010, he started work as EAAA’s aviation consultant and has done so up until his retirement today (30 March 2017). Gerry had a significant role in EAAA becoming the first air ambulance in the UK to fly HEMS missions in the hours of darkness, to unknown and unlit sites.

Patrick Peal, CEO of EAAA said: “Quite simply, without Gerry, EAAA wouldn’t be where it is today. He had the idea of starting an air ambulance; he put the initial trial in place; his company provided helicopter service for the charity’s first decade; and he was an outstanding pilot during that time too. Not only has he looked after EAAA’s interests, he has also represented the Air Ambulance Association for the British Helicopter Association. He is not just a hard act to follow but an impossible act to follow.”

Gerry thanked everyone at EAAA for their assistance over the years and said “17 years ago I could not have imagined how the charity would have developed, to where it is today”.

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