Air ambulance seeks support as call-outs increase

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is calling for extra support after a 21% increase in its number of summer missions.

The charity attended 540 incidents in July and August, compared with 446 during the same period in 2025. This included a third (32%) more road traffic collisions.

In May, the charity said its jet fuel bill had doubled to £25,000 per month.

Mark Jarman-Howe, chief executive at EHAAT, said it is an "important reminder" the charity is there for people "in their darkest hours", but also that they operate solely on donations.

Supporting the campaign is Troy Pratt, a former Eastenders stunt double and professional speedway rider from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, who was treated by air ambulance crews after a serious accident on his motorbike.

The 58-year-old suffered a brain injury, multiple broken bones and a punctured lung in the accident in May 2023.

He was given an emergency anaesthetic and placed in an induced coma before being transferred to The Royal London Hospital.

Pratt has recently visited the base to thank the crew who helped him.

He said: " I feel so lucky that the air ambulance was able to reach me so quickly and give me the critical care I needed."

Pratt said he does not remember the details of the accident, but meeting the crew had been "an important part of my recovery".

He added: "It's a vital service and we need to ensure it's there for everyone across Essex and Hertfordshire."

EHAAT is "dedicated" to advancing emergency pre-hospital care and investing in research, innovation and education.

This involves leading research into the early detection of brain trauma and the impact of pre-hospital care for patients like Pratt.

Its campaign coincides with Air Ambulance Week, a nationwide celebration which takes place this week and involves the country's 21 charities.

Howe said: "We're asking everyone to support us however they can this Air Ambulance Week - from a donation to joining our amazing band of volunteers".

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