Meet Ian Mills, Pilot

At Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, our pilots and critical care crews don’t get a day off, even at Christmas. While many of us are celebrating with family, our helicopter teams are on standby, ready to respond to life-threatening emergencies across Essex and Hertfordshire. As part of our Fund 100 campaign, we spoke to Ian Mills, one of our pilots, about life in the air, teamwork, and what it’s like to work over the festive season.

Can you introduce yourself?
Hi, my name’s Ian and I’m one of the pilots here at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

What inspired you to become part of a HEMS crew?
I’ve been with EHAAT for almost seven years. Before joining, I was already flying helicopters and doing a lot of instruction. It’s a great way to use a helicopter as it was really designed – to get people and equipment from A to B in the shortest time possible. That speed and efficiency, knowing it can make a real difference, is very satisfying.

What’s it like being part of a HEMS team?
Being part of the HEMS crew is a unique experience. The crew changes daily, and everyone comes together for that day’s jobs, so you get a fresh dynamic every day. You can’t avoid becoming friends when you work so closely under high-pressure situations. I often tell my wife it’s like being part of the rugby club I used to play for, the camaraderie and team spirit are extremely rewarding.

How do you prepare when a call comes in?
Most of the preparation is done beforehand. We start the day with full aircraft checks, power checks, and engine maintenance. By the time a call comes in, we’re ready to switch onto the job. We plot the route, consider the weather, airspace, hospital options, fuel, daylight – and then we go. Once airborne, we start discussing the incident in detail and plan the best way to support the patient and the clinicians.

How important is training and teamwork?
Training is vital, and it builds teamwork. Much of what we do – especially the launching phase – becomes automatic through regular practice. We train alongside clinicians so we know their kit, where things are, and how to support them efficiently. Teamwork is essential because every second counts when responding to emergencies.

What’s it like working at Christmas?
Christmas is unusual but quite special. We become a team for that day, sharing camaraderie and supporting each other. We miss our families, but we know the people we help are often in real need while everyone else is celebrating. At the end of the day, we can go home, hopefully knowing we’ve made a difference for someone.

Is there a particular Christmas shift that stayed with you?
On my second year at EHAAT, both helicopters were at North Weald on Christmas Day, which was a unique dynamic. I remember sitting down to dinner when the bell went, so we had to leave. In true Christmas spirit, the other team covered the meal to keep it warm until we got back – that act of teamwork has stuck with me ever since.

Your donation this Christmas can help fund 100 missions.
Together, we can make sure our teams are there for every patient who needs them.
Donate now to the Fund 100 Christmas Appeal

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