East Anglian Air Ambulance's (EAAA) longest serving pilot, captain Steve Norris, is stepping down from his role flying helicopter emergency medical service missions with the UK aeromedical charity. Norris, who is also the second-longest serving HEMS pilot in the UK, has been flying EAAA HEMS missions for 18 years.

Based in Norfolk, Norris flew EAAA's Anglia One (Norwich) Airbus H145 helicopter to medical emergencies across the region with EAAA's aviation partner Babcock International Group. He has been part of the EAAA HEMS crew that has provided advanced critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the most seriously ill and injured people in the region.

Norris joined the charity in 2006 following a career in the military. During his tenure, he was named Pilot of the Year by The Association of Ambulances in 2016. He has captained all the aircraft that EAAA has operated; the Bolkow BO105, BK117, EC135 and most recently the H145. He has a real passion for aviation and a huge amount of flying experience. In total, he has 3,042 HEMS flying hours, has completed over 12,000 landings and has flown approximately 3,800 missions in this time.

Stepping down at the start of this month, Norris takes many fond memories with him. He says: “It's nice to go home knowing how much we have been able to help people. EAAA HEMS missions are very special as they are made possible by public support, which is something I'll always remember. Thanks to public support and kindness, EAAA can take advanced skills, equipment and medicine directly the scene of medical emergencies to give people have the best chance of survival.

“Certain tasks and patients really standout in my memory. Many people treated by EAAA have visited our base with their loved ones to meet the crew after their incident; these moments are incredibly special.

“I will miss working on HEMS missions and will look back on my 18 years with East Anglian Air Ambulance and Babcock fondly.”

EAAA CEO Matthew Jones says: “Captain Steve is an exemplary HEMS pilot and somebody who has given so much to EAAA over a remarkable 18 years of service. He is an expert in his field, a cherished and respected aviator amongst his colleagues and somebody who always puts the needs of the community first. He has time for everyone and has made a difference to a patient every time he was on shift with EAAA.

“We're very grateful for the years of service Steve has given to EAAA and our communities. We, and they, have been fortunate to have been served by him for so long. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him every success and happiness going forwards.”

Chloe Barker, managing director for Babcock's UK aviation business, adds: “Captain Steve Norris will be greatly missed. His role supporting the EAAA for nearly 20 years is a remarkable achievement. He has helped save thousands of lives and should be immensely proud of the contribution he has made to the East Anglian region.”