Essex Air Ambulance pioneering new kit for head injuries

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is improving the way patients with head injuries are treated at the scene of life-threatening emergencies, thanks to new specialist equipment which has now been used on more than 100 missions.

The charity is the first to carry pupillometers on its helicopters – handheld devices that give an instant, objective reading of how a patient’s pupils respond to light. Until now, crews relied on a pen torch and visual judgment. The new equipment is far more precise, helping teams make more informed decisions at the roadside.

With the air ambulance already attending well over 100 patients with head injuries this year, the new equipment is in regular use as a standard of care for patients across Essex and Hertfordshire at a time when every second counts.

Peter Murphy from Hornchurch, who has made a short film with the charity about his head injury for Brain Injury Awareness Week (18-24 May), has benefitted from the advanced care that the team brings to the scene of incidents. On 19th November 2023, Peter was on Shoeburyness beach enjoying one of his passions, kite surfing when things took a dramatic turn. The kite spiralled and sent Peter into the sea wall, leaving him with a serious head injury and pelvic fracture.

Ros spoke to Laurie Phillipson, paramedic at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.