Norman Lamb MP meeting the air ambulance crewmembers at Norwich airport. Photo: Bill Smith

The air ambulance has been paid a visit by an MP whose constituents continue to benefit from the vital life saving service it provides.

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North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb met the crew of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) at their Norwich base to find out more about the type of incidents the aircraft is called to in his constituency and how the team work together to provide the highest standard of pre-hospital emergency care to the patients they treat.

The visit to Norwich International Airport also gave him the opportunity to speak to the charity’s chief executive Tim Page about its plans for the future.

Having recently signed a seven-year contract for new aircraft, the EAAA aims to extend its service to start night time flying later this year. This will enable the aircraft to be operational all year round during the peak commuter periods – the times of day during which its service can be very important.

Mr Lamb said: “The East Anglian Air Ambulance provides an invaluable service to residents and visitors to the county, and it was a privilege to meet the dedicated team who do this vital work. It is amazing how much money is raised in Norfolk by volunteers to maintain this incredible service.”

Mr Page said: “For those unfortunate enough to be involved in serious accidents or medical emergencies, the likelihood of full recovery, perhaps even of survival, can depend on the level of specialist medical care they receive and how quickly they receive it. The air ambulance plays a vital role, bringing highly skilled doctors and paramedics to the scene of incidents, even those taking place in remote locations, quickly.

“I’m delighted that Norman Lamb has made time to come and see our operational base here in Norwich. Local support means a lot to the charity. We have to raise £4.2m every year to operate our service and it’s thanks to the great support we get from local people that we can continue to provide our service and be there for them should they need us.”

Despite receiving no direct government funding, the charity operates two air ambulances, 365 days per year, across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and needs to raise £4.2m year to maintain the service.

For more information, contact the charity on 0845 066 9999 or visit its website at www.eaaa.org.uk