The appeal to fund the service was launched in the summer of 2000 by top jockey Frankie Dettori, who had been injured in a serious plane crash in June of that year.

[2] EAAA's mission statement is: "To alleviate suffering and save lives, by the rapid delivery of specialist clinicians and equipment to accidents and medical emergencies and the subsequent transfer of patients to and between hospitals".

The introduction of the H145 provides EAAA with a helicopter that is capable of carrying two flight crew, three clinicians and a patient, with increased cabin space and performance.

Sometime between 2007 and 2011, the EAAA produced a rebranded Revell Eurocopter Medicopter 117 kit, which included decals for G-RESC and G-OEMT, and was sold to raise funds.

[5] In March 2011, EAAA changed operator and moved from Sterling Aviation to interim supplier, Bond Air Services.

During the interim period EAAA flew red aircraft but soon returned to their more familiar yellow livery with the introduction of the Eurocopter EC135.

In 2012, EAAA commissioned the fully night-capable EC135 T2e and commenced the CAA approval process to begin the night HEMS service.

Typical incidents for which the assistance of the air ambulance is requested include road traffic collisions, horse riding accidents, and falls from height.

The EAAA team of highly skilled doctors and critical care paramedics also treat many people injured in agricultural, industrial and sporting accidents as well as medical emergencies.

EAAA helicopters and cars are dispatched by East of England Ambulance Service’s Critical Care Desk (CCD), located in its Chelmsford control room.

The CCD is staffed 24/7 by an East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust dispatcher, and usually a critical care paramedic.