AN EXPERIENCED trauma doctor has been appointed as the base doctor for Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA).

In his part-time role Ed Valentine will be carrying out a minimum of two days flying a month with WAA, to provide on-going support and training.

He joins as the charity has started operating a dedicated air ambulance using a Bell 429 helicopter.

As a member of SWIFT Medics Ed, 35, has worked with WAA providing pre-hospital care to sick and injured people for the last four years.

He received a Chief Ambulance Officer’s Commendation, along with the WAA crew and land ambulance crew, for the life-saving treatment he gave to 18-year-old Dylan Jones, who suffered catastrophic injuries in a crash near Lechlade in August 2012.

Ed said: “It’s a huge privilege to work for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and develop the service with the new aircraft. At Wiltshire Air Ambulance we all love what we do. It’s one of the best charities in the UK, it’s very forward thinking.

“We can provide Critical Care skills to the sickest patients and improve the chances of survival and hopefully reduce long term disability.”

David Philpott, Chief Executive of WAA, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have Dr Ed Valentine joining our highly skilled team of Critical Care paramedics.

“His clinical leadership and training will ensure that Wiltshire Air Ambulance continues to provide leading edge thinking and practice for the benefit of all of our county’s residents.”