Every six months, Magpas Air Ambulance has a new intake of doctors who come to work with the lifesaving service. Here, we'll introduce you to our latest recruits and two new pilots who now fly the Magpas Air Ambulance helicopter across the region—delivering lifesaving care to those who need it most.
Doctor Jack Navein
Jack loves spending time outside, which he says is partly why he enjoys this job so much.
He got his first taste of providing pre-hospital care when working for the Physicians Response Unit: a car-based service operating from the Royal London Hospital that attends some of London’s most vulnerable and isolated patients in their own homes.
Jack explains, “This inspired me to pursue this career. I love taking what I learn in the hospital into people's homes and working alongside the ambulance service, but that is also the biggest challenge—you have to be much more flexible because every situation is different.
“Working with Magpas Air Ambulance is so rewarding, it’s amazing to work with so many doctors and paramedics who are at the top of their game and the welcoming atmosphere here is great. I stay over at the base in between shifts because I live quite far away, which could be depressing, but here it’s actually quite fun!”
Captain Pete Kersey
Pete has been flying for 20 years, with his first helicopter pilot job teaching people to fly at the very same flying school he learnt at. Later, Peter moved on to charter, where he was able to travel and meet lots of interesting people, before he was given the opportunity to fly the air ambulance for the Isle of Man TT and Manx GP. It was here he knew he wanted to become a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) pilot.
Since joining Magpas Air Ambulance last month Pete, from Southend, says “I'm humbled that Magpas Air Ambulance welcomed me into their team. What stands out the most is the team spirit; everyone is happy to help and do their part.
“I airlifted my first patient on one of my first shifts, and it was a great feeling to be able to do what I could for that person and get them the care they needed as fast and as safely as possible.”
Doctor Nabil Abdul
Nabil says, “I've always wanted to help and heal other human beings and am fascinated by the human body and the complexities of medicine.”
Nabil moved to the UK after completing his masters in emergency medicine, and having done disaster medicine and retrieval work in South India, HEMS was the route he wanted pursue. Following lots of training, another masters and observer shifts (including one with Magpas Air Ambulance in 2018!), he got a PHEM training post.
He continues, “I’m thrilled to be working with Magpas Air Ambulance—it's a privilege to learn from the team and make a difference to patients on their worst days. Working alongside a supportive team is brilliant and I value the time we have to pause and reflect... Something hard to come by in hospital work.”
As well as his work with Magpas Air Ambulance and in hospital, Nabil also runs a small organisation that promotes first aid and basic life support sessions to the public in Chennai, India. But he always finds time for his family, having adventures with his young children and other half.
Captain Joe Searles
“I knew I wanted to be a pilot from the age of six when I watched Top Gun for the first time, but unless I could be a fighter pilot, I wasn’t interested in planes” Joe, who’s based in the West Midlands, says.
Joe joined the RAF as an engineer on Chinooks in 2002 and did tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. After six years he left to pursue a career in civil aviation as a pilot and has flown for helicopter owners, been an instructor, provided London tours and corporate and VIP charter. But becoming a HEMS pilot was always the goal.
Joe continues, “I am really excited to be part of the Magpas Air Ambulance team and finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do, using my qualifications to help people.
“My favourite thing about Magpas Air Ambulance is the people I work with and this new facility we’re in. It’s top notch and fit for purpose! And outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and two children. I also love playing computer games, running and sunny holidays.”
Doctor Otto Collier-Wakefield
Otto didn’t always want to be a doctor, initially aspiring to be a large animal vet. However, after an observer shift at the age of 16, his sights were firmly set on medical school.
Otto moved to the Northeast coast of Scotland with his partner after graduating because of their love for the outdoors. Here, he worked towards a career in emergency and pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM), including completing a fellowship with the Emergency Medicine Retrieval Service covering the North of Scotland including the highlands and islands.
Now working with Magpas Air Ambulance, Otto says “There is always a steep learning curve upon starting with a new organisation and understanding the local geography and hospital capabilities. However, the quality of the education offered by Magpas Air Ambulance and engagement from clinicians has been fantastic—I can’t speak highly enough of my colleagues who make this a great place to work.
“When I’m not working, I’m renovating our old cottage just meters away from the North Sea and take every opportunity I can to be out on the water sailing, paddleboarding or even simply checking our lobster pot.”
