21/05/2025 Visit to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance

As the first few Morgans drove round the perimeter of North Weald Airfield we were treated to the sight of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAA) taking off on a  potentially life-saving mission.
Unfortunately that was the very same helicopter that 20 members of Anglemog had come to see as part of a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at EHAA’s North Weald base. Not that the crew’s disappearance to possibly save lives negatively impacted
our day; we’re a very understanding bunch!
So whilst the EHAA volunteers tracked the helicopter’s flight path and kept us informed of its movements we were treated to a detailed talk about the history of air ambulances and how the Essex base (along with another site in Earls Colne) serves the communities of both Essex and Hertfordshire.
Across the country there are 21 charities operating 34 helicopters and it’s an expensive business; EHAA needs to fundraise £12million a year to keep its two helicopters operational 365 days a year between 8am and 8pm. It also has two rapid response vehicles for night-time emergencies. As our helicopter started to head back to base before being called out elsewhere, we learned about the hospital emergency level of care that the charity’s pre-hospital care doctor and critical care paramedic provide. The team, which also includes a pilot and co-pilot, is called out on average
three to four times a day. Fortunately the air ambulance returned to base whilst we were still on site so not only were we able to see the helicopter up close we also had an opportunity to speak to the crew and grab a few photo opps!
Inspired by the incredible work of the charity we headed off in convoy (remembering to give priority to any aircraft taxiing towards the runway!) to the nearby Kings Head in North Weald Bassett where we enjoyed Sunday lunch. As a few of us entered the pub we saw the air ambulance responding to another call; a busy day for the county’s lifesavers and a fascinating and fun day out for the county’s Morgan
enthusiasts.    See more photos below.