Just for the record Sussex operate under a HEMS approval as part of their PAOC. They carry the full set of medical role equipment that is normally carried in an air ambulance, as well as the police role equipment. A paramedic is always carried as the second observer, he is also trained to support the police observer on police tasks. Night ad hoc landings are only carried out following a map check for wires and a thorough recce of the site using the Thermal Imager and Nightsun.
Sussex have always carried out HEMS operations, carrying a paramedic as part of the crew since 1989. Initially by day at weekends and Bank Holidays, then full time by day since Jan 1991 and by day and night since Sep 1993.
The latest arrangement with the HEMS charities merely allows Sussex to extend the night service that they have offered to the people of Sussex for many years to cover Kent and Surrey. The existing daytime arrangements with the Ambulance Service for day HEMS within Sussex remain unchanged.
