Paramedic is flying high

An Elland paramedic will take to the skies after being recruited by a lifesaving emergency service. Lee Greenwood is just one of seven ambulance workers who were chosen to be part of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s rapid response team.

The 41-year-old qualified as a paramedic in 2002.

Lee said: “The training was exciting and a lot to take on board, especially all that’s involved in working on a helicopter,”

“I have wanted to work for the Air Ambulance for a number of years. You are attending the most challenging jobs, providing patients with enhanced clinical care and rapid transport to the region’s major trauma centres.”

The new members of the service took part in a threeweek training programme which included underwater escape training, mountain and swift water rescue.

They also learned about navigation, air safety and new clinical skills

Lee was joined on the training by fellow recruits Kit VonMickwitz, who lives in Morley, and Pete Rhodes.

The trio worked as paramedics for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service before being chosen.

Kit said: “I’ve always had such a high regard for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance so to be working for them is just brilliant.

“It is a very different culture and way of working particularly around the aviation side of the job.

“You are a member of the air crew so there are a lot of new skills to learn, but I am really enjoying it and am part of a really good, supportive team.”

Kit qualified as a paramedic in 2012.

The service serves five million people across the region.

Lee added: “You turn up out of the sky, making a lot of noise and jump off the helicopter in