20 years ago, on 6 September 2000, a new charity was formed to help save lives across East Anglia: the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). Operating initially just one day a week, on a Friday from Norwich Airport, with one paramedic, this was the start of an important lifeline for many local people.

On Monday, the start of Air Ambulance Week, we can reveal that over the last 20 years we have flown almost 30,000 missions and helped almost 20,000 patients, all thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

To thank the community which keeps us flying and saving lives, we have released a short film which explores some of our key achievements over the last 20 years, how the service has grown and showcases some of the people we have helped, available at www.eaaa.org.uk/20years

At a time of so much uncertainty, EAAA, which needs to raise £13 million a year to develop and deliver the service, and is aiming to start flying 24/7 for the first time next year, is deeply grateful for the public support which has enable it to pass this milestone.

CEO Patrick Peal said: “EAAA is a unique life-line for anyone in East Anglia; we are incredibly proud to be here today, having kept flying throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and to see such a high need for our crews over the last few months. We know we’re providing an essential service for the people of East Anglia and we’re so, so thankful for all the support we have received over the last 20 years.”

“We really couldn’t be here without the community that funds our life-saving work. A huge heart-felt thank you from all of us to everyone who has supported us over the years.” PATRICK PEAL, CEO, East Anglian Air Ambulance

EAAA has grown to operate two helicopters across the region carrying a highly-skilled emergency medicine Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic, always taking the A and E department to the patient, no matter what the type of medical emergency. In 2013, after a lengthy and arduous development programme, we became the first helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in the country to start flying at night to unchartered sites, which enabled us to reach more people in their worst moments.

Today, EAAA is 24/7 by rapid response vehicle from both of its bases and we are planning to extend our HEMS service to 24/7 coverage next year, to ensure the provision of the very best emergency care to those in need, whenever it is needed.

EAAA does not receive regular government funding and is kept airborne thanks to the generosity of local people. For that, we would like to say ‘thank you’ to the community which has kept us flying for the last 20 years.