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LIFE SAVERS East Anglian Air Ambulance takes us behind the scenes of a road collision as they deliver critical care to the injured or unwell
F uelled by supporters, East Anglian Air Ambulance delivers hospital- level critical care to those in severe medical emergencies, 24/7. Each year, collisions on our roads make up around a fifth of the emergencies to which their crews are tasked. In 2025, that equated to 403 people. The charity’s clinical lead and critical care paramedic Luke Chamberlain offers insight into the crews’ considerations when called to a collision on the region’s road network. LOCATION Collisions can happen on major roads, in urban, remote and rural areas across the region, so one of our first considerations is location. It’s important we get to the right place as quickly as possible to get urgent critical care to somebody in need. PLANNING On the way to the scene and the injured patient(s), we may continue to receive information about the type of incident. We call this the ‘mechanism of injury’. It helps us to understand the forces involved, such as a lorry versus a car, or a car versus a pedestrian. This information supports us when we consider injury patterns, so we can continue planning treatment and care en route to the patient. AT THE SCENE When we arrive, we will survey the scene. It doesn’t override what we see and learn when we assess the patient, but it can often provide clues about the forces involved and
HAND IN HAND East Anglian Air Ambulance relies almost entirely on donations to give life-changing care
pivotal roles in the management of the scene. Collaboration is key. SUPPORT ALONG A DIFFICULT PATH Often, the trauma injuries caused by road accidents are just the beginning of a challenging path ahead for a patient. Our dedicated team of Aftercare clinicians is available to support former patients and their families through the turbulent aftermath of a life-changing incident. This is all possible thanks to people like you who continue to support and champion the work of East Anglian Air Ambulance. We’re fuelled almost entirely by donations, without any regular government funding, so your support powers every single mission.
what injuries the patient may have suffered as a result. ENHANCED TREATMENT AND CARE East Anglian Air Ambulance crews can administer strong pain relief and carry out lifesaving treatment and surgery. If a patient is very poorly, we can provide a pre- hospital emergency anaesthetic or perform a blood transfusion if a person has suffered traumatic injuries and severe blood loss. Seriously injured and unwell patients receiving critical care as early as possible gives them the best chance of survival. COLLABORATIVE WORKING Different agencies, including ourselves, the ambulance, police and fire services, all have
HERE TO HELP Critical care paramedic Luke Chamberlain (above) gives lifesaving treatment
For more information, visit eaaa.org.uk
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