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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has launched its first-ever Fund 100 Christmas appeal, calling on the public to help support 100 life-saving missions over the festive period.
The initiative comes as the charity prepares for what is typically one of its busiest times of the year. Last December, EHAAT’s critical care teams were dispatched to 132 patients, with more than half of those callouts taking place between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Incidents ranged from falls and cardiac arrests to neurological emergencies and respiratory crises — the kinds of life-threatening situations where rapid intervention is crucial.
Operating day and night throughout the holiday period, the charity’s pilots, doctors, and critical care paramedics remain on standby to respond whenever they are needed.
Mark Jarman-Howe, EHAAT’s Chief Executive Officer, said the appeal is vital in ensuring the service can continue to meet demand during the winter months. “As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our community to keep our helicopters flying and our critical care teams ready to respond,” he said. “This Christmas, we’re asking people across Essex and Hertfordshire to come together and help us fund 100 life-saving missions… every donation truly makes a difference.”
To support the appeal, EHAAT has released a new TV advert highlighting the reality of being on duty over the holidays. The ad shows crew members gathering for Christmas dinner at the airbase before a klaxon interrupts their meal — an abrupt reminder that emergencies do not pause for the festivities.
Critical Care Paramedic Laurie Phillipson, who appears in the advert, said working through Christmas is part of the privilege and responsibility of the role. “Christmas is such a special time for families, and of course it’s hard for us to be away from our loved ones,” she said. “But we’re an emergency service, working 24/7, 365 days a year, and it’s a privilege to be there for people on what is often the worst day of their lives.”
EHAAT is not part of the NHS and receives no direct government funding for its missions. All operations are funded through public donations.
Supporters who contribute to the Fund 100 appeal will help cover the cost of reaching 100 patients in urgent need across Essex and Hertfordshire this Christmas season.
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