East of England Ambulance Service wins contract to continue to provide first aid and emergency response at Stansted Airport

Paramedic services at Stansted Airport will continue to be provided by the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST).

The NHS trust successfully tendered for a five-year contract for a first aid and emergency response service at the UK’s fourth-busiest airport.

Last year, Stansted handled just shy of 28 million passengers, but at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when demand for flights was significantly reduced, EEAST reached an agreement to pause the contract until restrictions were eased and passenger numbers started to increase.

Passenger numbers are forecast to increase and there is provision for this in the new contract, which starts on May 1 this year.

During the busiest periods, from May to September, cover can be increased from the current 18 hours a day to round-the-clock provision.

One or two crews made up of paramedics and emergency medical technicians are based at the airport every day. They are deployed by the airport control room to attend incidents.

Kate Vaughton, deputy chief executive and director of integration at EEAST, said: “It is great news we will be continuing to provide paramedic services at Stansted Airport.

“To secure the contract after a competitive procurement process is testament to the service we have provided at Stansted Airport over the last six years.

“We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Stansted Airport and its operator, Manchester Airports Group.”