New paramedics join air ambulance team

The latest recruits will work from the charity’s operational bases at Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, and at Langwathby in Cumbria.

They will also take on shifts as part of the MERIT scheme; an all-night response unit operating in the North East on Friday and Saturday nights.

The experienced trio have all previously worked at either the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) or the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Marcus Johnson, 34, from Spennymoor, County Durham, was a former paramedic and mentor at NEAS.

Sarah Graham, 39, from Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, was a HEMS paramedic with North West Air Ambulance for four years after her previous role within NWAS.

Tim West, 33, from, Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, is a former NEAS paramedic and has been a team member of Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team for 13 years.

Andy Mawson, deputy director of operations at GNAAS, said: “Many of the applicants were of high calibre but these three candidates stood-out during a tough selection process and we are looking forward to the future going forward with them as part of the aircrew.”

The Great North Air Ambulance Service, which covers the North East including Northumberland, has to raise £4.5million every year to stay operational.

For details about the charity and to make a donation, visit greatnorthairambulance.co.uk