The helicopter carries one pilot, provided by Medical Aviation Services, and two paramedics selected from the Ambulance Services. There is a pool of ambulance men and women working on a rotation basis. When they are not flying, they revert to their role on land ambulances.
All air medics have been through a comprehensive selection procedure, which included rigorous medicals, a physical fitness test, special appraisals at RAF Cranwell, and in depth interviews.
They have also been through a detailed training course specifically for aircrew and organised in collaboration with Medical Aviation Services. The course contains both theory and practical elements, and topics covered include flight safety, communications, map reading, principles of flight, aircraft navigation, emergency in-flight procedures, and HEMS rules.
On occasions volunteer doctors form part of the medical aircrew. These doctors, with a special interest - and qualifications - on pre-hospital care, are an asset to the operation, bringing added expertise.
