Speed is vital and DLRAA use the fastest helicopter available for civilian use, the Agusta 109, which can be airborne in just 45 seconds.

With a top speed of 200mph DLRAA will take just six minutes to reach Leicester Royal Infirmary, under five minutes to get to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospital and three minutes to Queens Hospital in Nottingham, from its base at East Midlands Airport.

DLRAA carry a doctor on board for every mission. In many situations, this can make the difference between a life saved and a life lost. They will attend any situation where the patient will benefit, regardless of the cost of doing so.

With the M1 running through the area it is a hotspot for road traffic accidents. Receiving rapid and appropriate medical attention is paramount, and there is a significantly increased chance of survival if the patient receives specialist trauma treatment within the first 60 minutes after an accident - the ‘golden hour’.

The Agusta has the lowest cabin vibration of any air ambulance helicopter, essential when transporting serious head, neck or spinal injuries. It has enough cabin space for two stretcher patients and for treatment to continue en route to the whole body if necessary.