Another change to the livery: the helicopter was painted yellow.

Image: The helicopter in Daily Express livery.

London’s Air Ambulance performed the world’s first successful open heart surgery at the roadside. This pioneering procedure challenged the guidelines on resuscitation as a self-fulfilling prophecy. The non-conventional approach and personal courage of individual doctors pushed the boundaries of pre-hospital care and continues to save lives today. 

Bishopsgate Bombing - 24 April 1993

One person is killed and 44 injured when the IRA detonate a truck bomb in the City of London. That day, London’s Air Ambulance was being followed by a filming crew from the ITV documentary series Blues and Twos and the charity’s response was captured on camera.

First Lead Paramedic and Clinical Liaison Officer were appointed. Charlie Balderstone took up the role, acting as the main point of contact between London's Air Ambulance and the London Ambulance Service.

Image: Charlie Balderston

Cannon Street Station Train Crash - 8 January 1991 

London’s Air Ambulance landed on the tracks just yards behind the train, bringing five medical teams to the site. The team helped to coordinate the emergency medical response to the incident, working alongside the London Ambulance Service.

London’s Air Ambulance was branded a “disaster for the local people” in a London newspaper. Labour Councillor John Biggs was quoted to have said: “The helicopter takes off and lands with a deafening noise drowning conversation and disturbing the peace of people in the area.”

The first doctor and paramedic were introduced on board. The first paramedics to do the job were Chris Mayer and Tony Crann, who started as part of a group of 10 selected by the London Ambulance Service from all over London. The first senior clinician to accompany a paramedic on board was Dr Mark Dalton, known in the hospital corridors as Bald Eagle One.

Image: Dr Mark Dalton and Tony Crann

The first flight from Biggin Hill occurred: a small airport in South East London which served as an initial base for London’s Air Ambulance. To this day, our helicopter refuels at this airport.

Image: Graphics by bigginhillairport.com

Our first mission was completed: the helicopter flew organs for a transplant from Scotland to London. Since then, the purpose of the service has changed drastically; the charity now delivers an advanced trauma team to the roadside.

Image: The transplant team was picked up at the Royal Free Hospital and flown to Dundee

London Ambulance Service got on board in support of London's Air Ambulance. To this day, the London Ambulance Service provides paid paramedics who work with London's Air Ambulance. 

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