Staff from the ambulance service and the current air crew gathered on the tarmac up at the air ambulance helipad to present Iain Hooper with a thank you card and gift to mark the occasion he officially stepped down from the full time air crew. From this point onwards, Iain will join what is affectionately known as "the lifeboat". These are crew members who have worked full time on board in the past, and provide essential cover for holidays etc today.

Iain first stepped on board the air ambulance in 2002, and is consequently a very experienced air crew paramedic. Iain has been a very popular member of the team, and everyone who knows him will know his sense of humour as well!

The charity team wanted to say thank you on behalf of all the air lifted patients and their families and friends who have a special connection to Iain, so a special limited edition squadron print of the helicopter was framed up, and signed by the crew. The print carries the unique number 181. which is the helimed number for Cornwall's Air Ambulance, a real collectors item! Needless to say Iain was (not) speechless!

While it's always sad to loose such a long standing member of the team, there is plenty to look forward to with both Steve and Scott recently joining the crew, and of course Iain won't  be getting away that easily in a lifeboat...........

Congratulations on your distinction and the completion of your degree Iain. And thank you from everyone here at charity HQ!