Meet the Magpas Air Ambulance staff who will be working on Christmas Day
Magpas Air Ambulance will continue to work 24/7 across the Christmas period.
Captain Joe Searles is the pilot flying on Christmas Day this year.
He said: “I have worked on Christmas Day before - many years ago, when I was in the Royal Air Force - but it’s not going to be easy being away from my family this Christmas, especially as I now have two young children. But I am hoping they understand why I am needed here and how much I am going to miss them.”
The Black Bull in Godmanchester will provide teams on both the Christmas day and night shift with a hot roast dinner.
Critical care paramedic Sarah Walter, who will take over from the day shift team at 7pm, said: “It is important for us to be available to provide essential critical care to the most unwell patients across our region and be there for families in their time of need at this difficult time of year.
“There is always a huge emotional element to the incidents we attend during this period... What should be a festive and happy experience for many, sadly ends in emergency situations for some, which makes the work we do feel even more poignant at Christmas time.”
She added: “In honesty, it can feel a bit sad leaving your family over Christmas, but I am so grateful to my family for being flexible so I can be included in some of the Christmas celebrations. I will be swapping Bucks Fizz for orange juice only this Christmas morning, but that isn't much of a sacrifice knowing I can be there should our local community need our emergency care.”
It is donations that keep the organisation operating.
Director of fundraising Lucy Chapman said: “The Magpas Air Ambulance team, including Joe and Sarah, can only continue to be there for people in need and keep families together 24/7 this Christmas thanks to donations from the people and communities we serve.
“If you can, please support our lifesaving service—helping us to be there for those most in need—by visiting donate.magpas.org.uk. I also want to take this opportunity to wish you a merry Christmas from all of us here at Magpas Air Ambulance.”
