Three new trainee critical care paramedics have joined the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

The new recruits, George Duffin, James Cloke, and Tom Hillidge, started work with the charity between July and October.

The trio were selected after undergoing a rigorous recruitment process and bring with them a wealth of experience in pre-hospital emergency medicine and critical care.

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Mr Duffin, who has been a paramedic for five years, was previously a specialist paramedic in urgent and emergency care for the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

On joining the service, Mr Duffin said: "Former colleagues of mine have always been complimentary of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity team and I knew it was a team I wanted to be part of.

"I still can’t quite believe it’s true."

Mr Cloke, also with five years' experience as a paramedic, previously worked at the Willenhall and Donnington stations for the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

He said: "It’s difficult to put into words how honoured I felt when I received the job offer to join Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

"It’s amazing to be part of such an experienced, supportive and friendly team."

Mr Hillidge, a paramedic since 2014, has worked for the past two and a half years as a critical care paramedic with the West Midlands Ambulance Service’s MERIT team.

On joining the charity, Mr Hillidge said: "Since officially joining the crew earlier this year, I have seen first-hand, just how much hard work goes into the charity’s fundraising endeavours.

"I feel honoured to be able to join such a passionate team and I’m even more determined to serve local communities to the best of my ability."

Karen Baker, head of clinical operations at the charity, said: "On behalf of all the clinical team I’d like to warmly welcome George, James and Tom to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s enhanced care team.

"Their exceptional skills and dedication to patient care will be instrumental in their new roles as critical care paramedics."

The charity operates three air ambulances and a fleet of critical care cars, covering six Midlands counties, and has responded to more than 75,000 missions since its launch.