ESSEX & Herts Air Ambulance is improving the way patients with head injuries are treated at the scene of life-threatening emergencies, thanks to new specialist equipment which has now been used on more than 100 missions.

The charity is the first to carry pupillometers on its helicopters – handheld devices that give an instant, objective reading of how a patient's pupils respond to light. Until now, crews relied on a pen torch and visual judgment. The new equipment is far more precise, helping teams make more informed decisions at the roadside.

With the air ambulance already attending well over 100 patients with head injuries this year, the new equipment is in regular use as a standard of care for patients across Essex and Hertfordshire at a time when every second counts.

Peter Murphy from Hornchurch, who has made a short film with the charity about his head injury for Brain Injury Awareness Week (18-24 May), has benefitted from the advanced care that the team brings to the scene of incidents. On 19 November 2023, Peter was on Shoeburyness beach enjoying one of his passions, kite surfing when things took a dramatic turn. The kite spiralled and sent Peter into the sea wall, leaving him with a serious head injury and pelvic fracture.

Peter and Becky returned to Southend to talk about the incident that nearly took his life.

According to Peter, he simply wouldn't be here today were it not for the speedy arrival of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and the East of England Ambulance Service, who treated him at the scene before taking him to the Royal London.

Peter's wife Becky was away with their son when she took the call from the paramedic Jamie saying Peter had been in a serious accident and began the frantic journey home: "I owe Essex & Herts Air Ambulance everything. They were absolutely phenomenal".

The last thing Peter remembers is setting up his kite and getting some of the other kite surfers to help him launch. It would take three months before he was back at work, six months before he could exercise again.

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Using a pupillometer helps early diagnosis.

Clinical Academic Fellow Laurie Phillipson, who is leading research into the early detection of brain trauma for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance's Centre for Excellence and has been a critical care paramedic for more than 20 years said: "We are constantly looking at how we can improve care for patients who suffer head injuries.

"Something like the pupillometer is really simple but it takes the guesswork out of the process, when our teams are working in extraordinary conditions with extremely ill or injured patients.

"In cases like Peter's, often the biggest concern is not the initial trauma but the risk of secondary brain injury. Patients who suffer a head injury may not breathe properly or may block their airway, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain.

"This, coupled with increased swelling inside the skull. can cause irreparable damage. Interventions in the field can make all the difference in preventing secondary brain injury and we are committed to ensuring we deliver the best possible care on the ground before we transport the patient to hospital, to optimise the patient's chances of a good and rapid recovery".

Peter, who has been a supporter of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance ever since his recovery and has shared his experience in a new film for the charity, said: "It's hard to believe a day that started with me doing one of my favourite activities could take such a turn.

"I hate to think what would have happened without the air ambulance. I feel like I've been given another chance. You never think about whether you'll be in that situation of needing them until you are. Please help Essex and Herts Air Ambulance fund more lifesaving missions like my one."

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is dedicated to advancing emergency pre-hospital care, continually investing in research, innovation and education through its Centre for Excellence to improve patient care.

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To find out more about Essex & Herts Air Ambulance or to donate, visit ehaat.org