THE Essex and Herts air ambulances have helped almost 700 patients in the past year.

The HEMS Doctor and Paramedic teams treated 677 people in Essex, Hertfordhsire and the surrounding counties.

Of those treated 194 had suffered a cardiac arrest, 225 road traffic collisions, 28 equestrian related incidents and 220 other accidents or injuries.

A spokesman said: “We would like to thank you for your continued support during 2013 which has helped in saving many more lives in Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

“Patients like six-year -old Tyla Atkin who was a passenger in a car which collided with a seven tonne lorry, leaving her in a deep unconscious state with life-threatening head injuries, Adam Brown, 26, who suffered a farming accident leaving him with an open wound just millimetres from his jugular vein, and 15-month-old Maisie Moon who stopped breathing when the car she was travelling in was involved in a road traffic collision; all could have suffered a much worse outcome had your Air Ambulance not attended.

“During the Christmas period you can be safe in the knowledge that both our helicopters will continue our life-saving service across your counties.”