YORKSHIRE Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced the addition of five new highly skilled paramedics to their team, who join on secondment from Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) for three-years.
Also joining the operational team is Phil Larkins, a former military pilot with nearly four decades of flying experience. Each member of the newly expanded YAA team brings a unique blend of experience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care to patients. Their dedication echoes the spirit that has defined YAA's service to the Yorkshire community for over 24 years.
Paul Holmes, Operations Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: "We are delighted to welcome these highly-skilled paramedics to our YAA family. Their expertise and experience will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide critical care to those in need across Yorkshire. I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will all have on our life-saving operations."
The expansion of the YAA crew comes just nine months after the introduction of eight technical crew members (TCM) in March 2023. The TCMs play a vital role in ensuring the aircraft's maintenance and operational readiness, including daily engine flushes and essential pre-flight checks. Additionally, they perform a crucial navigator role during flight, sitting alongside the pilot.
The new recruits include Tom Chatwyn, from Wharfedale. He has had an extensive career in the field of paramedicine commenced in the early 2000s when he joined the London Ambulance Service. Over the years, he has contributed his expertise to various services, gathering a wealth of experience along the way. Prior to his secondment to YAA, Tom served as a Clinical Educator within the Yorkshire Ambulance Service academy.
Tom said: "After dedicating five years to the education of new paramedics, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to return to the frontline and provide high-quality critical care to the people of Yorkshire. This experience promises to be a journey of acquiring new skills and knowledge, and I am excited about the challenges it will bring."
Another local recruit is Max Mcquillan, who resides in Otley with his one-eyed cat. He is driven by a profound passion for providing care to the most critically ill patients.
He initiated his career at Bradford ambulance station and later joined the hazardous area response team, establishing a robust foundation of paramedicine knowledge, ahead of his secondment to HEMS, where he actively contributes his expertise to the execution of the charity’s life-saving missions.
For more information about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and how you can support the life-saving work of the Charity, please visit www.yaa.org.uk.
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