Essex and Herts Air Ambulance callouts rise 21 per cent

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is urging people across the region to back its lifesaving work as it marks Air Ambulance Week from September 7 to 13. The charity responded to 540 missions in July and August, up from 446 during the same period last year. One of the patients helped by the service is Troy Pratt, a 58-year-old stunt double and professional speedway rider from Sawbridgeworth. Mr Pratt was seriously injured when a car made a U-turn in front of him while he was on his way to visit his mother. Troy's bike following the crash (Image: EHAAT) The air ambulance team placed him in an induced coma at the scene before transferring him to The Royal London Hospital. He suffered a brain injury, broken ribs, a fractured sternum, and damage to his spleen and bladder. Mr Pratt 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." He recently visited the air ambulance base to meet and thank the crew. Troy and his wife visit the EHAAT crews (Image: EHAAT) Alice Kershberg, patient family liaison lead, 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." Mark Jarman-Howe, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, 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."