The charity launched a ‘mission 24/7’ campaign to secure a long-held ambition of becoming a 24/7 service, the first in the region, and this became possible on 30 June 2021.

Before the service was fully operational at night by air and road, the charity’s crews would only be available until 1.30am by air. Incidents that require the advanced pre-hospital skills of the crew don’t stop at specific times and the charity planned to extend the night-time helicopter emergency medical service coverage in the region to complete coverage through to 7am.

The night-time flying has introduced several essential advancements to the service to support the safety and wellbeing of the patients and crew. The new Headquarters for EAAA opened in 2021 and was designed with the 24/7 service in mind including areas for essential rest and an immersive training suite to support team members with specialist equipment for night-time missions, such as NVIS goggles.

Since the launch of EAAA’s 24/7 service by air and road on 30 June 2021, the charity’s crews have treated 581 patients and been tasked 921 times at night (between 7pm and 7am), 259 times by air and 662 times by Rapid Response Vehicle.

This major milestone for the charity would not have been possible without the dedicated support from across the region. Every donation, fundraising opportunity and volunteer helped to make this ambition a reality and EAAA sincerely thank each and every person for their contribution, no matter how big or small.