For Dr Omar Khan, being part of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s critical care team is about more than medicine – it’s about bringing advanced hospital-level care directly to patients when they need it most.

 

Omar joined the charity in 2024 as a pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) fellow, following a career as an anaesthetics registrar at University Hospitals Birmingham. His previous role saw him working across intensive care, obstetrics and the emergency department, alongside experience as a motorsport events doctor in Leicestershire – all of which helped shape the clinician he is today.

 

Now as a critical care doctor with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, Omar operates on the frontline of pre-hospital medicine. Working alongside critical care paramedics and pilots, he delivers life-saving interventions at the scene of incidents – often in challenging and unpredictable environments.

 

Omar says: “From advanced pain relief and cardiac arrest management to pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia and blood transfusions, my role brings the emergency department to the patient.”

 

Omar’s motivation to step into pre-hospital care is deeply personal. Having seen the impact of emergency services on his family, he was inspired to give back to the community that shaped him. That connection continues to drive his work today.

 

Omar adds: “I have always been impressed by the role of pre-hospital practitioners – providing lifesaving care before the patient is able to get to the hospital.

“Several of my family members have benefited from this service. I was always aware of the amazing work Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does, and this is a great opportunity for me to give back to the people of my community.”

 

Preparing for the unknown is a fundamental part of life on the critical care team. Rigorous training, regular simulation exercises and a culture of continuous learning ensure the team is always ready to respond. But just as important is what happens after each mission – taking time to debrief, reflect and support one another.

 

Omar says: “We regularly simulate scenarios we may experience. We are heavily reliant on each other as a team to get us through any situation ahead of us.”

 

That sense of teamwork is something Omar values highly. Whether responding to high-pressure incidents or spending time together between callouts, the bond between colleagues plays a vital role in delivering the best possible patient care. Shared meals, morale.

 

Outside of his role, Omar is kept busy with his young family and enjoys staying active, recently launching a fitness channel to support others with their long-term health. For him, switching off is essential – whether that’s through exercise or simply enjoying good food after a shift.

 

He comments: “Switching off is a huge part of recovery, especially after those big stressful jobs. A good plate of food goes a long way in getting your mind off things.”

 

For Omar, every callout is a reminder of why he chose this path – to be there, at the patient’s side, delivering critical care when every second counts. Omar adds: “I’m proud to serve my community by delivering critical care where it matters: right at the patient’s side.”