I stepped out of the St Luke’s Charity Shop on Canvey today and the standby Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (their usual one is down for maintenance) flew over my head and landed in King George V playing field.

It has been called to assist with an emergency just off Furtherwick Road. Canvey First Responders were already at the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with the patient and I hope they make a full recovery.

Not only can the air ambulance fly patients directly to hospital, but they also always have an emergency doctor on board who can provide complex medical treatment at the scene. While the doctor began to treat the patient nearby, the pilots allowed local children to come and see the aircraft and ask questions, while staying ready to take off again at a moment’s notice.

I am a big supporter of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and today we are reminded how lucky we are to have them!

You can find out how you can volunteer to support their work or make a direct donation via their website https://ehaat.org

Rebecca Harris