The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity has won an award and been highly commended in two other categories at the Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence.
Photo courtesy of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Clinicians, aviators, fundraisers, volunteers and charity staff within the air ambulance community came together in a virtual ceremony earlier this month to celebrate the excellence and commitment of those who go beyond the call of duty.
With the award for Pilot of the Year going to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), and two highly commended recognitions for Critical Care Practitioner of the Year, and Young Person of the Year, the night was a great success for the local charity, which provides critical care and air ambulance services to 2.1 million people across the region.
GWAAC’s Alan Petch, who has been with the charity for one year, brought home the award for Pilot of the Year for his professional standards and innovative use of technology which has had a huge impact on GWAAC’s operations, his colleagues, and the community he serves.
Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care James Yates was highly commended in the award category of Critical Care Practitioner of the Year for his role in helping to grow both his own professional knowledge and GWAAC as an organisation.
In particular, he’s brought neonatal expertise into the crew’s capabilities, meaning more lives can be saved.
Finally, seven-year-old Hattie was highly commended in the award category for Young Person of the Year.
Hattie gave the charity lockdown inspiration earlier in 2021 when she embarked on her own huge personal fundraising challenge in aid of GWAAC.
Hattie raised more than £11,000 by doing 750,000 steps in just over a month.
Chief Executive Anna Perry said: “The whole GWAAC team are incredibly proud to work alongside colleagues such as Alan and James and to have such inspirational fundraisers as our young star, Hattie.
“I am so pleased that their incredible commitment and dedication to the cause has been recognized – it’s thoroughly deserved!”
GWAAC pilot, Alan Petch said: “I’m really humbled and honoured that GWAAC have put me up for this. I’m very proud to accept it on their behalf.
“As a Bristol boy born and bred, I’m really lucky to work here. They do a fantastic job. They’re a fantastic team. “
GWAAC’s Critical Care Team attends an average of over five incidents every day, bringing the skills and expertise of a hospital emergency department straight to patients – where it’s needed the most.
Every mission is potentially life-saving and the charity relies on charitable donations and support from its local community to raise over £4 million a year to keep flying.
GWAAC’s Christmas Wish Appeal is raising funds to help provide the crew with critical equipment to enable them to face gruelling conditions and reach people who need lifesaving critical care.
If you would like to find out more on how you can support your local air ambulance charity, visit the Christmas Wish Appeal page.
