Derek Thoms, 56, and Christine Strong, 58, from Sunderland, were on their way home from a drive out on Derek’s motorbike when a car pulled out of a junction from the right on the A66. The motorbike smashed through the car’s back door glass, throwing the pair forwards and into the back seat of the … Continued
The piece of equipment in question is the MEDUMAT ventilator… GNAAS paramedic Lee Salmon filled us in on what impact the ventilator has had since it was introduced: Lee, what is this piece of equipment and is it new or have we used it for a while? The MEDUMAT ventilator is a flexible and reliable … Continued
The accident, which left Alan in a coma and permanently blind in one eye, has changed his life. Eight years later, he’s decided to open up and share what happened that day for the first time. This is his story: I remember getting out of bed that morning and looking outside and it was a … Continued
After a long and painful five year recovery, Alana has decided that now is the time, to tell her heartbreaking yet awe-inspiring story for the first time… It was 14 April 2014 and I had been to Yorkshire for the weekend with my mum and my son and we were just on our way home. … Continued
Jay Steward joined The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) nine years ago and he’s now chief pilot. From his upbringing in Greece, to his 24 years spent in the Army, we spoke to him to find out more about his life, career and love of flying… Jay, talk me through your career from the … Continued
On 21 March 2020, Daniel Aynsley had been helping his mum and dad prepare for lambing on their farm at Wallington, near Morpeth. Daniel’s mum, Liz said: “My husband Michael, Daniel and I, were all on our farm getting pens ready and so on for the lambs. Daniel absolutely loves being on the farm. Our … Continued
Back in July 2013, I was on a quad bike on a rural road in Silloth. All of a sudden, a van came round the corner at high speed. Instead of the van hitting me, I swerved on the quad bike, landing on the road and the bike crushed me. The road I was on … Continued
We asked Deborah Gibbs, one of our fundraising assistants at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), to come up with some great ways to stay involved with the charity while doing your bit to stop the spread of the Covid-19. When it comes to fundraising ideas – they are coming out of Debs’ ears. … Continued
The paramedic society, which is a group for students at Teesside University, hosts charity events and study groups for students on the paramedic course. Jessica Snaith, a member of the paramedic society, said: “GNAAS are amazing. A few of us have been backed up by the service when we have been on our university placements … Continued
Our Medical Emergency Response Incident Team (MERIT) patrols the North East through the night, four nights a week, bringing the equipment and expertise of our air ambulance service to the scene. The rapid response cars they travel in come equipped with all the same kit as is found on the charity’s aircraft. This includes blood … Continued
