A PILOT who is responsible for flying seriously ill or injured patients to hospitals across Essex has spoken about his passion for his job.

Magpas Air Ambulance Chief Pilot Captain Richard Eastwood is used to being asked why he joined the service, which brings crucial life-saving care by land and air to patients in life-threatening emergencies.

Flying the air ambulance is more than just a job for Captain Eastwood. He said: “From a child, I thought the whole idea of flying was pretty extraordinary, so I joined the Navy, where I served for 14 years.

“I travelled the world and flew helicopters and conventional aeroplanes.

“I enjoyed helicopter flying more; you could take off from your back garden and within minutes you can be heading for your destination - and you don’t need a runway.”

He added: “It’s like being on a magic carpet, you’re in control of! Think of anywhere you’d like to be, if you can get a helicopter there, you can go anywhere.”

Safety is what matters most at all times as the Magpas Air Ambulance Chief Pilot; Captain Eastwood has to balance the speed of response with the safety of the aircraft and the people on the ground, so that no one can be in danger.

He said: “Quick thinking is the key. I need to make sure there aren’t any potential risks. It’s about thinking on my feet.

“Yes, it can be a stressful environment at times, but that’s why you’ll find air ambulance pilots are often ex-military pilots, because they’re acclimatised to making safety and operational decisions in seconds.”

Some of the biggest challenges of flying the helicopter can be the weather and those at the scene of a critical incident.

He said: “Every day is a different day, which is one of the attractive elements of doing what I do.

“You never know where you’re going to land from one moment to the next, or who the welcoming committee might turn out to be when we land.

“Sometimes it’s a smiling face with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, other days it can be a vicious dog”.

The job can be challenging and stressful. “The ones that get to me are the incidents involving drink-drivers, or someone texting behind the wheel,” Captain Eastwood said. “It reminds me how fragile life can be.”

But although ultimately, Captain Eastwood is passionate about his job, knowing that he is saving lives while doing something he loves; he added: “I don’t clock in, do my hours and go home. I want to do something of real value. It’s about feeling passionate about the life-saving cause and knowing I can use my skills to help someone in a traumatic circumstance.”