Wiltshire Air Ambulance has added David 'Elvis' Costello to its team of pilots. Costello has been dubbed Elvis since his childhood, after the well-known singer/songwriter.

This will be Costello's first post as a HEMS pilot after 11 years of oil and gas flying from Aberdeen and Norwich. “The medical staff and pilots are fantastic at Wiltshire," he says. "This job is all about teamwork and it is amazing to be working with them in order to get the job done in the best possible way, during what can be difficult situations.

“Watching the paramedics at work is awesome. The critical care they give saves lives. It's brilliant to be part of the team here, helping people when they need it most.”

Originally from Glasgow in Scotland, Costello has been flying helicopters since 1999 in all types of terrain and weather environments around the world. He has flown a range of helicopters, including the Robinson R22, AgustaWestland AW139 and Super Puma, and has flown almost 6,000 hours.

He adds: “Being a HEMS pilot is very different from working in the offshore industry, as every day is different. You also have to draw heavily on your judgement and decision-making, which is very challenging and ultimately very rewarding.

“This is the first time I have flown a Bell 429 helicopter. It's powerful but more importantly the interior has been designed to optimise the delivery of critical care.”

The public support for Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been noticeable: “Everywhere I go in the county the charity is visible. At every incident I attend people tell me that they've participated in a run, cycle or collection for us and people are always interested to know how they can donate. It's a really good way for us to meet the public and they can see that their donations are making a difference.

“However, not everyone is aware that Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a charity and it is important for all of us to get that message across. The charity team have a very big challenge of co-ordinating the fundraising and it is incredible that over three million pounds is raised each year by donations.”

Wiltshire recently opened a new airbase at Semington, near Melksham. “The new airbase is great and it works very well for our operation, as well as bringing all of the charity together under one roof. It's important to have everyone together when possible, as well as being a great place for supporters and volunteers to visit," Costello concludes.