Essex and Herts Air Ambulance experiences rise in call-outs

The air ambulance responded to 540 incidents in July and August, a 21 per cent increase compared to 446 during the same months last year.

The charity has launched its appeal during Air Ambulance Week, which runs from September 7 to 13.

Troy Pratt, 58, from Sawbridgeworth, is among those backing the campaign.

Troy, a speedway rider and stunt double on EastEnders, suffered life-changing injuries in a road collision.

Troy's bike after his accident (Image: EHAAT)

He said: "As a speedway rider, the broken bones didn’t really faze me, but hearing I had sustained a brain injury was terrifying.

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

"I will never remember the detail of that day, but meeting the crew and filling some of the gaps has been an important part of my recovery.

"It’s a vital service and we need to ensure it’s there for everyone across Essex and Hertfordshire."

The crash occurred while Troy was travelling to visit his mother and a car began making a U-turn across his path.

He was given an emergency anaesthetic to induce a coma at the roadside and then transferred to The Royal London Hospital.

He suffered a brain injury, a fractured sternum, multiple broken ribs, a punctured lung, and injuries to his spleen and bladder, as well as a broken left upper arm, a broken right wrist, and complex pelvic fractures.

Alice Kershberg, patient family liaison lead at EHAAT, said: "It was incredible to be able to welcome Troy to North Weald.

"We see our role as supporting our patients not just at the roadside, but on the long road to recovery too.

"It’s brilliant to see how well Troy is doing."

EHAAT reported a 32 per cent rise in road traffic collision callouts during the summer.

The charity relies entirely on donations to continue its work.

It also invests in research through its Centre for Excellence, focusing on pre-hospital care and the early detection of brain trauma.

Mark Jarman-Howe, chief executive of EHAAT, said: "Air Ambulance Week is an important reminder not only that air ambulances are there for people in their darkest hours but that they are charities, relying solely on donations to keep flying.

"We’re asking everyone to support us however they can this Air Ambulance Week – from a donation to joining our amazing band of volunteers."