A PARAMEDIC has beaten off scores of hopefuls to land a job working for the North West Air Ambulance.

Now bosses at the charity have launched a fundraising campaign to help kit out Chris Fraser-Clark and his new colleagues.

Chris, 39, who is based at Darwen ambulance station, has been selected as one of just six paramedics which make up the air ambulance's crew.

A new crew is chosen every two years, with the new crews having more than 75 years experience between them.

The 39-year-old, of Northumberland Close, Darwen, is married to Fiona, has a two-year-old son Daniel, and has been a paramedic for 14 years.

He said: "It is something I have always been interested in doing so I applied.

"The competition is very fierce. It is open to any paramedic with more than two years experience and 128 people applied.

"A shortlist of 20 was chosen then people had to write a 2,000 word essay on the advantages and disadvantages of an air ambulance, attend an interview and complete a fitness test, so it is quite intense."

Chris started his new position a couple of weeks ago and has already attended two incidents - a crash on the M6 and a job in Sandbach when a lady fell off her horse.

He is due to attend a course in January in which he will learn to become a co-pilot for the helicopter.

The ambulance is totally dependent on donations and costs £1.9million a year.

Chris added: "You are part of an air crew rather than a paramedic attending an incident.

"You have to help with all the pre-flight checks and pre-landing checks as well as attending more high trauma emergencies such as road traffic collisions."

The cost of Chris' uniform which includes a flight suit, boots and wet weather gear is £5,000.

  • To make a donation to the charity contact 0800 587 4570 or visit the website below.