Captain Nathan Griffith soars above Wales in a state of the art H145, as part of 22 pilots working for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Reporting from the Caernarfon base, he handles emergency needs 24/7 across the breadth of the country.

Drawn to aviation growing up in North Wales, Mr Griffith embarked on his career after acquiring a private pilot's licence.

Mr Griffith said: "The short story is that I had my aeroplane private pilot’s licence with a view to further training and flying for a career.

"Bond aviation group at the time, set-up an Ab-initio helicopter sponsorship scheme with the opportunity of employment afterwards, I applied and somehow managed to pass the interviews, selection tests, and training."

In his terms, it's the rewarding feeling of flying the lifesaving helicopter for the Wales Air Ambulance that adds value to his profession.

He said: "Flying Air Ambulance/HEMS is one of the most rewarding jobs in aviation, and for a Welshman flying in Wales on behalf of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity is a particular privilege.

"Having had ambitions to fly for the Charity in Wales for so many years, walking into the hanger for my first flying shift at Caernarfon was quite memorable."

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, aiming to bring hospital-standard treatments directly to patients and, if required, transferring them to the most suitable hospital for their illness or injury.

By eliminating hours compared to standard care, the service is proven to better survival and promote swift recovery.

This service is delivered through a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) provides highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners working onboard the Charity’s vehicles.

Air ambulance crews, irrespective of their base, travel all of Wales to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

For those considering a similar path, Mr Griffith have his advice.

He said: "Firstly, if you want to fly commercially, make sure you can meet and pass the CAA Class 1 medical requirements.

"Get involved in aviation someway whether it be Air Cadets, gliding, working/volunteering at your local airfield.

"Consider the military route because they pay for your training and keep an eye on any sponsorship schemes that are advertised or save very hard and pay for your own training."