A visit to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance took an unexpected turn when the helicopter and medical team were called into action during a demonstration, providing a dramatic first-hand insight into the lifesaving service a £10,000 donation from Essex Freemasons will help support.
Representatives from the Essex Freemasons executive, community and charity teams visited Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) as part of a developing partnership between the two organisations.
The importance and reach of EHAAT’s work can be seen across Essex every week. In the week commencing 24 August alone, the charity reported emergency responses in Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Basildon, Harlow, Halstead, Aveley, Colchester, Witham, Point Clear, Earls Colne and Great Waltham, responding to medical emergencies, trauma incidents and road traffic collisions.
The Essex Freemasons group was welcomed by EHAAT Chief Executive Officer Mark Jarman-Howe and members of the team, providing an opportunity to learn more about the charity’s work and the challenges involved in bringing advanced emergency medical care directly to critically ill and injured patients.
During a demonstration of some of the lifesaving skills used by EHAAT crews, the reality of the service was suddenly brought into sharp focus when an emergency call was received.
Within moments, the three-person medical team, pilot and co-pilot were mobilised. The helicopter the visitors had been standing beside only minutes earlier was rapidly prepared and took off in response to the real-life emergency.
The unexpected call-out provided a powerful first-hand demonstration of the speed, professionalism and readiness required from EHAAT teams every day.
Essex Freemasons have supported EHAAT over many years through Provincial charitable funding and support from individual Lodges and Chapters, contributing towards the charity’s vital work across Essex and the surrounding region.
That support will continue with a £10,000 donation from Essex Freemasons to EHAAT, which will be formally presented in October. Representatives from EHAAT will also give a presentation to members about their work and the impact of the service across the communities it serves.
Elliott Chevin, from Essex Freemasons, said:
“Essex & Herts Air Ambulance provides an extraordinary service to our communities and today gave us a real appreciation of both the people behind it and the challenges they face. We have enjoyed a strong relationship with EHAAT over many years and we are keen to build upon that, not only through charitable support but by creating opportunities for our members to better understand and engage with their lifesaving work.”
The £10,000 donation forms part of a wider programme of activity being developed between Essex Freemasons and EHAAT.
Further plans include supporting Christmas fundraising activities later this year and family events during 2027, creating additional opportunities for members to engage directly with and support the charity.
For those who witnessed the EHAAT team being called into action during the visit, the importance of that support could hardly have been demonstrated more powerfully. What began as an opportunity to learn more about the charity became a first-hand reminder that, at any moment, its crews can be called upon to help save a life.
Essex Freemasons Strengthen Air Ambulance Partnership with £10,000 Donation
