We’re more than a yellow helicopter. After a lifethreatening emergency, the journey for patients and their families is only just beginning - and they don’t have to face it alone. Our aftercare team, supported by an incredible group of volunteers, offers comfort, guidance, and extra support they need as they recover and navigate a new path.
Life after a medical emergency can be confusing, full of unanswered questions and challenging emotions – but nobody has to walk this road alone. After our crew leave the scene, our Aftercare team steps in. Sometimes it’s simply a friendly voice at the end of the phone, while for others it may be a visit at home or in hospital, signposting to specialist support, or even being able to meet with the crew who treated them during their worst moments. In 2025, our aftercare service connected with over 1,100 former patients, their families and bystanders at emergencies attended by our crew.
As the need for our aftercare continues, the team is exploring new and creative ways to offer positive support. As part of this, we recently hosted our second wellbeing event, which welcomed 40 former patients, their families and bereaved relatives to Helimed House, our Norwich headquarters, to enjoy an evening of relaxation and connection.
We were joined by several local therapists who very kindly donated their time to support the event. With sessions including Bowen Therapy, chair yoga, arm and hand massage, reflexology and reiki, there was plenty for people to experience to support their wellbeing. Our immersive training suite was even transformed into a relaxing sound bath for the evening..
With refreshments also provided, people had the opportunity to connect with each other in an informal and relaxed environment. Some people who go through a medical emergency – or watch someone they love go through one – are left with stress, anxiety, trauma, or longlasting worry afterwards. Being able to talk with others who’ve had similar experiences, alongside gentle activities that help promote calm and make sense of their feelings, gives people a safe and supportive space to work through what they’ve been through.
One former patient said, “Thank you very much for a lovely evening yesterday. You and all your/our colleagues were so welcoming, and the event was relaxing and interesting. I enjoyed the reflexology and sound bath, great ideas. What a fantastic array of cakes!”
While another added, “I just wanted to say thank you so much for Tuesday evening. We really enjoyed ourselves. Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved in making it such a good event.”
East Anglian Air Ambulance Clinical Liaison Lead, Natalie Ashley, said, “For many of our patients and their families, the scary part doesn’t end on the day of the incident; there’s a lot to process and often the emotions hit afterwards. That’s why aftercare support – for as long as they need it – matters, and it’s a privilege to support people on their recovery journeys.”
Natalie adds, “Our second wellbeing event offered former patients and their families a chance to relax and come together, and it was really special to be a part of it. I would also like to extend our thanks to the kind therapists who donated their time and skills to support us.”
Our aftercare support is possible thanks to the incredible kindness of people who donate and fundraise in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance. You’re not just helping fund care in the moment of crisis – you’re supporting people as they heal long after emergency itself.
Related News
