THE air ambulance will introduce a new round-the-clock lifesaving service.

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance trustees approved plans to get around the night time flying ban by making greater use of rapid response vehicles.

Helicopters are currently allowed to operate seven days a week from 7am until 9pm or sunset, whichever is first.

From the autumn, the air ambulance will run a service 24 hours a day.

The rapid response vehicles, which will initially be based at North Weald, carry the same life saving equipment as the trust's helicopter.

Throughout the night, they will be used to transport both a critical care paramedic and pre-hospital care doctor to emergencies.

They will be used for incidents which require extra support, beyond that of a traditional land ambulance.

Stuart Elms, Clinical Director for the air ambulance said: “Trauma, illness and cardiac arrests happen anytime, day or night. Working with our partner, the East of England Ambulance Service, we have identified the need for extended critical care in our area.

"It’s tremendous news that the charity can continue to build upon its very strong foundations of excellent clinicians, clinical care and governance."

At a board meeting, trustees also gave the green light to the introduction of a double pilot operation, which will ensure improve patient care can be provided during transportation to hospital.

It will also boost helicopter safety.

Having two pilots on board means critical care paramedics, who currently assist a trained technical crew members, will be able to concentrate solely on carrying out lifesaving procedures in flight.

Mr Elms added:“It’s great news that we will be able to bring our critical care paramedics from the cockpit to the cabin where their critical care skills will be imperative.

“These days in flight critical care can include the administration of pre-hospital blood products, advanced cardiac care or anaesthetics and so the ability to have both clinicians treating the patient is a huge advantage in providing the highest level of care.”

Cliff Gale, air ambulance operations director, said: “The trust has an exemplary safety record and whilst the Civil Aviation Authority recognises that UK single pilot operations are safe, by moving to a two pilot operation we are enhancing aviation safety and patient care whilst establishing a sound model for future expansion.

“Two heads are better than one in emergency situations and we recognise how vital a second pilot will be should a challenging situation occur.”

Rob Forsyth, chair of trustees, thanked supporters and fundraisers for enabling the charity to extend its service.

He added: "These major initiatives have been fully costed in our current and future financial plans to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the charity.

"These improvements won’t happen overnight but our decision sets the wheels in motion to work towards a 24/7 clinical service.”