The Duke of Cambridge worked as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) between March 2015 and July 2017, where he flew Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions.
The Duke is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to carry out his skilled work with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. It is a great opportunity to connect directly with the community and he considers it very rewarding to be part of a team that provides such a valuable, and often life-saving, public service.
The Duke started work in March 2015 and after completing an initial period job-specific training involving simulator, aircraft and in-flight skills training, began piloting missions for East Anglian Air Ambulance in July 2015.
The Duke is based out of Cambridge Airport, as part of a team including specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots providing emergency medical services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
EAAA helicopters can reach patients anywhere in the region within 25 minutes. They provide rapid, effective treatment as soon as possible after injury, and transport patients directly to hospital if required. Regular landing areas for EAAA helicopters include residential gardens, carparks, beaches, roadsides, and any open space deemed possible by the pilot. Last year, the East Anglian Ambulance attended 1,785 missions from its two bases at Norwich and Cambridge.
In September 2016, The Duke helped to support National Air Ambulance Awareness Week with a interview about his work at EAAA.
The Duke attained a number of professional qualifications during his training to fly HEMS missions.
His Royal Highness holds his Airline Transport Pilot Licence (H), which involved a total of 14 written exams on a range of aviation topics including the Principles of Flight, Navigation, Flight Planning and Air Law, and an Airborne Skills Test.
In common with all other East Anglian Air Ambulance pilots, The Duke is formally employed by Bond Air Services. He draws a salary which he donates in full to charity
The job builds on The Duke's operational experience in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force, which His Royal Highness completed in September 2013. During this time he undertook more than 150 search and rescue operations.
The Duke combines his role as an air ambulance pilot with his charitable duties and responsibilities, and he continues to undertake on behalf of The Queen, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.
The Queen opened EAAA's new air base in July 2016. Accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen was shown around the facility by her grandson before she viewed two operational H145 helicopters and met staff.
In January 2017, Kensington Palace announced of Cambridge would be completing his work with the EAAA. He reported for his last shift with the organisation on 15 July 2017.
[quote (class="additional class" | author="The Duke of Cambridge")]
It has been a huge privilege to fly with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Following on from my time in the military, I have had experiences in this job I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and that will add a valuable perspective to my Royal work for decades to come.
I would like to thank the people of East Anglia for being so supportive of my role and for letting me get on with the job when they have seen me in the community or at our region's hospitals. I would especially like to thank all of my colleagues at EAAA, Babcock, and Cambridge Airport for their friendship and support. I have loved being part of a team of professional, talented people that save lives every day. My admiration for our country's medical and emergency services community could not be any stronger.[/quote]
