Bereavement support
East Anglian Air Ambulance's Aftercare support also extends to bereaved families to offer specialist emotional and practical support following an incident in which we attended.
Aftercare support
At East Anglian Air Ambulance, our care doesn’t end when the helicopter leaves the scene. We’re not just there for the moment of crisis but also for the journey that follows. For patients and families facing the aftermath of a life-changing medical emergency, our Aftercare Team helps navigate the difficult road ahead.
Our Aftercare Service
Made up of specialist clinicians, the Aftercare Team provides vital emotional and practical support to those recovering from traumatic incidents. Whether it’s helping patients adjust to life after critical illness or injury, guiding families through the shock of what’s happened, or simply being a compassionate presence during an incredibly turbulent time – the team is there. Support is tailored to each individual’s needs.
Sometimes it’s direct help; other times it’s signposting to other charities or services that can offer specialist care. Crucially, this service also extends to bereaved families and even members of the public who may have witnessed a traumatic event. No one is left to cope alone.
In the last year, the Aftercare service connected with over 970 patients and their friends and family
The Aftercare Team also plays a key role in gathering feedback from patients and relatives about their experience with East Anglian Air Ambulance. Many choose to meet the crew who treated them – a powerful moment that can bring clarity, closure, and connection. For our clinicians, these reunions offer a rare and meaningful insight into the outcomes of their care, helping to continually improve the service we provide.
It’s been an emotional year, but the visit to the base with my Mum and Auntie was amazing. I met with Lisa and Andy, and they gave me more information about what happened. It was so important for me to fill in some of the gaps.
Jonathan, former patient
Support for bystanders
The specialist support offered by our dedicated team of Aftercare clinicians is not just available to former patients, family and friends; this support also extends to members of the public who witness medical emergencies.
Additional Advice
We’ve gathered a list of trusted organisations offering emotional, practical, and peer-led support. Whether you're coping with bereavement, trauma, or life-changing circumstances, these resources are here to help, whenever you're ready.
Patient forum group
Patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we need their, and their families, voice when shaping the future of the organisation. If you would like to be more involved with East Anglian Air Ambulance, let us know.
Meet the Aftercare Team
Our Aftercare Team offers guidance, support, and a friendly face to help patients, families and bystanders navigate life after a traumatic event. We’re here to listen, answer questions, and make sure no one feels alone in their recovery journey.
Got a story to share?
If you have a special connection with us and would like to tell us your story, we would love to hear from you. Your words not only demonstrate the impact of generous support but help us to reach more people and inspire more lifesaving donations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Aftercare team of specialist clinicians offer support to former patients, and their families and friends. The support also extends to bereaved family and friends and bystanders at incidents that we attended.
Yes, we can offer support to anyone affected by an incident attended by East Anglian Air Ambulance, this includes children and young people. If appropriate, we may also signpost to specialist children’s bereavement support organisations and may be able to suggest books and publications that could help.
Yes, we understand how important it is for former patients and families to meet the crew who attended a life-changing incident, and we make every effort to ensure you’re able to meet the crew if you wish. Please be aware that there may be some circumstances where it’s not always possible, and the crew may be available for emergency taskings, which means they could be called out at any time.
We can support you for as long as is needed and we aim to help you to move forward in a positive way. If you feel that you no longer need direct support from the Aftercare team but still value your connection with us, there are other ways you can be involved and receive support, such as the Patient Forum Group and our private Facebook group. Please ask us about this.
The breadth of our Aftercare service is vast. We can offer home visits, you can visit us at one of our bases (both by arrangement), we can provide telephone and email support. There are also opportunities for peer support. We can signpost to other and specialist organisations too. For example, there may be organisations that are better placed to provide some specialist support. This doesn’t mean that your support ends; it just means we can ensure you receive the right support for you from the best placed organisations. Ultimately, we tailor the support in a way that’s right for you.
The support provided by our Aftercare service will not cost you anything. East Anglian Air Ambulance is funded almost entirely by the kindness and support of the communities we serve, and this includes Aftercare support.
Get in touch
To speak to a member of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Aftercare team about getting support following an incident, click the button below and a member of our friendly team will be in touch.