EAAA hosts first International Women’s Day panel discussion
11 March 2021
For the first time, East Anglian Air Ambulance hosted an exciting virtual event to celebrate International Women’s Day, bringing together a panel of some of the inspirational women who help to save lives every day in East Anglia.
Find out more about our speakers:
Dr Pam Chrispin, EAAA Deputy Medical Director
Pam started her medical training at Barts in London and qualified as a doctor in 1983. Covering a range of jobs as a junior doctor before specialising in Anaesthetics, she was appointed as a Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the West Suffolk Hospital in 1998 going on to become Clinical Director then Deputy Medical Director. She was Medical Director at the East of England Ambulance Service between 2010 and 2014 when she returned to the West Suffolk as Medical Director. Pam volunteered for Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS) for many years which led her to join EAAA in 2009, initially as a very part-time volunteer doctor. She is currently Deputy Medical Director at EAAA and also a Non-executive Director at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Pam is stepping down from clinical practice in March after nearly 38 years seeing patients but will continue to work for EAAA.
Pam and her husband have four fabulous children who they love dearly but remain relieved that they have all finally moved into their own homes. In her spare time, Pam cycles and plays tennis, wanders round the Lakes and looks after the rising tide of grandchildren.
Kirstyn Jackson, Junior Quality Engineer, Bespak (King’s Lynn) – Charity Partner of EAAA
Having always had a passion for maths and science, A BTEC in engineering at high school was an easy choice for Kirstyn. The BTEC enabled Kirstyn to advance her skills and knowledge and really sparked her interest in the engineering industry leading her to complete an apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support at Bespak, After 4 years, she qualified with a Distinction at HNC in Mechanical Engineering. In the final year of the apprenticeship, Kirstyn specialised in Quality Engineering finding the focus on problem solving, cross functional communication and maintenance of high quality standards really appealing.
Kirstyn has always been enthusiastic about encouraging anyone into STEM industries as there is so much to learn and opportunities to explore. She feels there is still a misconception about women in engineering in particular but now as not only a woman in engineering but a mother, and part time worker, with a career that is still thriving, she is proving that nothing can hold you back.
Page Chamberlain, EAAA Critical Care Paramedic
Page had her sights set on becoming a HEMS paramedic early on in her paramedic career and worked extremely hard towards achieving this goal. She joined the charity in 2018 and prior to starting, was seconded to the University of East Anglia as a lecturer practitioner, teaching student paramedics.
Page said, “Since I joined EAAA I have loved every second of it. The learning curve from the ambulance service is certainly a steep one, but it’s a pleasure to work with so many motivated people that all share the same values, with patient care always at the forefront.”
Henrietta Davies, EAAA Pilot
Henrietta is a HEMS co-pilot flying out of the Norwich base for EAAA. She wanted to be a pilot from a young age and had her first flying lesson when she was 12! Completing her pilots training in Florida, Henrietta then worked offshore flying to and from oil rigs for 7 years. Her family moved to North Norfolk 4 years ago as they felt it was such a great place to raise a family – she has three children all under 5! Working in HEMS was the job Henrietta learnt to fly for and she is thoroughly enjoying the challenge and finding that working with such an amazing team really inspiring.
Holly Marshall, EAAA's Strategic Relationships and Partnerships Manager
Holly is a passionate fundraiser having worked for a number of national charities and smaller causes including Macmillan Cancer Support, the MS Society and Cambridge Rape Crisis. An avid campaigner (and pursuer) of positive mental health she was a member of the Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind Board of Trustee’s for a number of years helping them establish their first fundraising strategy. Having been with EAAA for 6 years, she previously managed our Norfolk Fundraising Team, then Capital Appeal before moving on to specialise in our special partnership relationships. Since returning to work from maternity leave, Holly spends her spare time chasing her son around the park and training for the London Marathon which she’ll run for the third time in 2022 in aid of Tommy’s, the baby charity. Holly will be the host for our first International Women's Day event.