GNAAS’ newest paramedic lands on base

Aaron Hill has beat off stiff competition to become the latest member of the charity’s critical care team who will be working primarily from Teesside.

The 29-year-old from Essex welcomed a baby boy into the world just seven weeks ago and is currently making the four-and-a-half-hour commute from his home in Colchester for his shifts with the organisation each week.

Aaron said: “I’ve always seen GNAAS as the pinnacle of my career and can’t wait to be part of a team that’s so innovative and forward-thinking.

“My family and I will be moving up here as soon as our house is sold and I can’t wait to spend more time up North, especially flying over the Lake District on occasion.”

Before working at GNAAS, Aaron was a call handler for the East of England Ambulance Service. He underwent his paramedic training and from there went on the front line as a paramedic.

Aaron said: “When I was younger, I wanted to be a police officer, but after working as a call handler and gaining that exposure, I realised this is definitely what I want to do.”

Aaron will undergo a tough and rigorous six-month training period with GNAAS which will ultimately determine whether he will be ‘signed-off’ and able to fly solo with the team’s doctor and pilot.

GNAAS’ head of training, Jamie Walsh, said: “The selection process is incredibly tough for both doctors and paramedics at GNAAS, not only do we see how they cope under pressure, but we also get a chance to see their personality and attitude come across in different scenarios.

“Aaron excelled throughout the process, and he is an excellent addition to our family at GNAAS.”

Aaron added: “My first time in the helicopter was surreal and the team is amazing. They are so supportive and have made me feel at home.

“Now that I am here, I am really looking forward to being ‘signed-off’ so I can work alone without observation, consolidating my skills and learning more.”