Sterling Helicopters operates two BK117 helicopters on behalf of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, flying every day during daylight hours.Crewed by one pilot and two highly-skilled paramedics or a doctor, the air ambulance reaches patients quickly, delivering high-level clinical care in the field. It can transport them to hospital within minutes, improving chances of a full recovery.

It is the second busiest air ambulance service in the country, flying an average of eight missions per day to serve the people of Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.The helicopters, named Anglia One and Anglia Two, can land in remote locations not easily accessible by land ambulances. It is the pilot’s job to get as close to the scene as possible, while observing the safety of the crew and those on the ground. The BK117 has an unparalleled reputation for safety and reliability; of the 500 in service worldwide, 80% are used for air ambulance or search and rescue operations. It has a top speed of 150 knots (172mph) and two hours’ endurance on one tank of fuel. The helicopter is equipped with a special stretcher, defibrillator, 12 lead ECG and respiratory ventilator.At night the helicopter cannot be used for rescue operations as the pilots are unable to see cables, ditches, fences and other obstacles when landing. However, the air ambulance can transfer critically ill patients from one helipad to another. Future plans include fitting the aircraft and training the crew for night air operations to give 24-hour cover.