Michail Antonio’s Emotional Reunion With Air Ambulance Crew Who Saved His Leg
West Ham United star Michail Antonio had a heartfelt reunion with the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) team that saved his leg after a serious car crash in Epping last December.
How the Life-Saving Rescue Unfolded
Antonio visited EHAAT’s North Weald airbase, meeting the critical care crew who rushed to his aid on December 7, 2024. Dr James Moloney and paramedic Rob Moon were among the team treating him at the scene. Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service, Essex Fire and Rescue, and Essex Police also helped free the Premier League forward from the wreckage.
The crash left Antonio with severe leg injuries and possible head trauma. The helicopter team stabilised him, provided pain relief, and transported him to a London trauma centre. Their swift response is credited with saving his leg and limiting long-term damage.
“I really can’t remember much about the accident or the hours afterwards,” Antonio said. “Meeting James and Rob has helped fill in some blanks. Seeing my car’s wreckage makes me realise things could have been much worse without their skills. I can’t thank the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance team enough.”
Beyond The Crash: The Importance of Aftercare
Antonio also met Trish Burton, an EHAAT family liaison nurse who supports patients long after emergencies. The charity’s aftercare programme helps survivors and relatives cope with trauma and recovery.
“Learning about their incredible aftercare was eye-opening,” Antonio said. “Since EHAAT relies on donations, it’s crucial people support them however they can.”
Teamwork and Charity: A Lifesaving Combo
Dr Moloney praised Antonio’s recovery and stressed the teamwork behind the rescue. “Frontline clinicians only see patients briefly, so reunions like this matter. Michail’s progress is fantastic, but it took collaboration between EHAAT, ambulance paramedics, Essex Fire & Rescue, and Essex Police. It was a true team effort.”
EHAAT provides vital pre-hospital critical care across Essex, Hertfordshire, and nearby counties. Operating purely as a charity, it depends on public donations to keep flying.
Antonio’s high-profile visit shines a light on the charity’s lifesaving work and the human stories behind emergency call-outs. With no direct government funding, community support remains essential.
Want to help? Visit www.ehaat.org to support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and save lives.
