Paramedic Receives Daybreak Health Heroes Award
Live on ITV

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Cri cal Care Paramedic Laurie Phillipson was surprised yesterday morning live on ITV’s Daybreak by Dr Hilary who presented him with a Health Heroes Award. Joined by Laurie’s family, friends, Dr Pamela Chrispin, Medical Director and other colleagues from the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, plus two airlifted pa ents; 14 year old Danny Williams and Jim Cox whose lives have been touched by Laurie and the Air Ambulance Crew; Dr Hilary burst into the Crew Room at the Air Base in Earls Colne where Laurie and the on duty Doctor and Pilot were having their morning briefing, to surprise him with the award.

L‐r: Ben Myer (EHAAT Cri tical Care Paramedic), Pamela Chrispin (East of England Ambulance Service Trust Medical Director), Danny Williams (airlifted pa ent), Stuart Elms (EHAAT Clinical Manager), Laurie Phillipson (EHAAT Cri tical Care Paramedic), Dr Hilary (Daybreak), Jane Gurney (EHAAT CEO), Jim Cox (airlifted pa ent), Jonty Robinson (EHAAT HEMS Doctor), Cliff Gale (EHAAT Opera ons Director) and Gary Sanderson (East of England Ambulance Service Trust Communicati ons Manager)

Every day this week, Dr Hilary is surprising people with his Health Heroes Award; recognising and celebra- ting our unsung heroes of the health community. Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), who nominated Laurie, said: “On behalf of everyone at EHAAT I nominated Laurie for his outstanding service as an Air Ambulance Paramedic and teaching in his local community. Laurie has completed over 10 years of continuous service with EHAAT, flying well over 1,000 missions in both Essex and Hertfordshire and has touched the lives of many individuals, helping hundreds of people when they needed it the most. He has often gone over and above by supporting many fundraising activities, helping the Charity to raise much needed funds. A father and husband to a young family, he still finds time to teach clinicians the life‐saving skills he has developed. We are all so proud of Laurie and all of our dedicated Air Crew who help save lives every day.”

Doctor Pamela Chrispin, Medical Director for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) said: “Our trust is very proud indeed of Laurie and he thoroughly deserves his recognition for his commitment to pre hospital care in the communities he has served for the last ten years, well done.”

Speaking of his award, Laurie said: “Up until Dr Hilary led me into the hangar and I saw all my family and friends I thought it was a wind‐up and it's all still sinking in! I feel very honoured to have received the award, the Essex & Herts Air Ambulances provide a first class critical care service and every member of the medical and charity team works extremely hard to keep the aircraft flying and making a difference to countless lives across the region. I've been very lucky to have played a small part in that service for such a long time; a privilege that few paramedics get to enjoy. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support and the kind nomination.”