Where have you been on your travels, Hollie? I have just got back from South Africa! I was staying at a camp in Sodwana Bay which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. What made you want to do this? For a very long time, I have had a very strong … Continued
We asked the public whether they had any burning questions for our pilots here at GNAAS. Here are the answers: So, the first question we have for you from the public is why do GNAAS pilots wear gloves? When a pilot does choose to wear gloves, it is for protection from flames in the event … Continued
Lee, what is your role at GNAAS? I am head of operations West and a paramedic with the charity. How long have you worked with the charity? Cumulatively 8 years of a 22-year career as a pre-hospital care medic. What made you want to work for GNAAS? I was 8 years old when I saw … Continued
Not too long ago, a rogue drone caused our Guardian of the North II helicopter a SEVEN-minute delay in lifting to take a critically injured person to hospital. This delay in response time can mean the difference between life and death for someone in a serious condition. The drone in question on scene a road … Continued
Doctor Dion from Durham has been with the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) for a whopping 18 years. We chatted with him to find out about his journey with the charity and his life outside of the organisation: Where do you work outside of GNAAS and what is your role? Outside of the charity, … Continued
This pioneering scheme was brought into practice back in 2015 by Dr Rachel Hawes OBE, GNAAS doctor, army reservist and consultant in anaesthesia and pre-hospital emergency medicine at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). Dr Hawes has since received an OBE in recognition of her work with Newcastle Hospitals and GNAAS. We caught up with her to … Continued
How long have you worked at GNAAS, Dan? I have worked at GNAAS since September 2022. Where do you work outside of GNAAS and what is your role? Outside of the charity, I am an emergency medicine registrar at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle – I have worked there for a year now. … Continued
The two-year SWIFT (Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma) trial involves nine other air ambulances in the United Kingdom and the project is led by NHS Blood and Transplant in partnership with the Ministry of Defence. The trial will compare outcomes between those who receive red blood cells and plasma transfusions versus those patients … Continued
A man from Scotland has said that the crash which left him with life-changing injuries has taught him to live in the moment more. Michael Grant Dempster from Dumfries and Galloway was fitting cabinets in his garage back in March 2021 when the accident happened. Michael said: “I have no memory of the day or … Continued
Back in 2021, a new pilot arrived on base at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). Nigel Lynch, from Sunderland, landed following an extensive career in the military. We interviewed Nige to find out more about him and his journey up until flying for GNAAS. Nige, talk us through your career from the beginning … Continued
