West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has emotionally reunited with the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) crew who helped save his leg following a serious road traffic collision in Epping in December 2024.
Antonio visited EHAAT’s North Weald airbase, where he met the critical care team who rushed to his aid after the crash, which occurred on December 7. The reunion is aimed to raise awareness of the vital pre-hospital emergency care service provided by the charity.
‘I know things could have been far worse’
Antonio was visibly moved as he reconnected with Dr James Moloney and critical care paramedic Rob Moon, the EHAAT team who treated him at the scene. They were supported by paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service, Essex Fire and Rescue, and Essex Police, who worked together to free the Premier League star from the wreckage.
The crash had left Antonio with severe leg injuries and symptoms of possible head trauma. The EHAAT team administered pain relief, stabilised his injuries, and swiftly transferred him to a major trauma centre in London. Their quick intervention is credited with saving his leg and minimising long-term damage.
“I really can’t remember much about the accident—or even the hours before it and the days afterward,” Antonio said during the reunion.
“Meeting James and Rob has been incredibly helpful in filling in some of the blanks for me.
Seeing the wreckage of my car, I know things could have been far worse without their expertise. I can’t thank the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance team enough.”
The value of aftercare and support
Antonio also met Trish Burton, an EHAAT patient and family liaison nurse, who supports patients long after the initial emergency. The charity’s aftercare programme helps patients and their families process trauma and navigate recovery.
“Learning about the incredible aftercare the charity provides has been truly eye-opening,” Antonio added.
“Knowing that EHAAT is a charity relying on donations makes it even more important for people to support them however they can.”
Life-saving teamwork
Dr Moloney praised Antonio’s progress and stressed the importance of multi-agency teamwork.
“As frontline clinicians, we attend people at their most seriously ill or injured—but only briefly. That’s why reunions like this are so valuable,” he said.
“Seeing Michail doing so well was fantastic. But we couldn’t have done our job without the incredible work of EEAST paramedics, Essex Fire & Rescue, and Essex Police. It truly was a team effort.”
EHAAT’s critical role and need for support
EHAAT continues to deliver pre-hospital critical care across Essex, Hertfordshire, and surrounding counties. Operating as a charity, it relies on public donations to remain operational.
The visit by Antonio, a high-profile patient, has highlighted the charity’s invaluable work and the human stories behind emergency call-outs. With no direct government funding for air ambulance services in the UK, community support remains vital.
For more information on how to support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, visit www.ehaat.org.
