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Archives: Team Members

George Rieger

Meet George Rieger, one of our experienced Line Pilots at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. George lives just over the border in Nottinghamshire but has strong family ties to the Howardian Hills in North Yorkshire, where he spent much of his childhood and still enjoys visiting today.

He began flight training in the USA back in 2009 and has flown HEMS missions across the UK since 2018, having previously spent seven years flying in the North Sea. George was drawn to YAA by his connection to the region, saying, “Serving the area that means so much to me and my family is incredibly rewarding. The most satisfaction comes from being part of a close-knit team where you know a real difference has been made for the patient and their loved ones.”

Outside of work, George enjoys all things motorsport, especially Formula 1, along with indoor climbing and playing guitar.

A fun fact about George is that he once provided dedicated air ambulance cover for the Formula 1 at Silverstone, giving him a private view of the racing and a very quick exit from the track!

Dr Phil Batin

Head and shoulders image of a man with short grey/brown hair, wearing a dark coloured suit jacket, white shirt and dark patterned tie.

Phil attended medical school in Leeds and then trained as a Cardiologist in Nottingham and Leeds. From 1996 until retirement in 2021, he was a Consultant Cardiologist at the Mid Yorkshire Hospital Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leeds. During this time, he also held senior leadership positions in the Regional Strategic Cardiac Network and was involved in postgraduate training at the Yorkshire Deanery.

Phil joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance as a Trustee in 2025 to provide support on medical matters.

Phil lives in Leeds with his wife Liz, they have three grown-up children and six grandchildren. When not busy with grandchild care, he is a keen sportsman and enjoys keeping fit through cycling.

Claire McGivern

Head and shoulders image of a lady with long blonde hair wearing a dark blue flight suit infront of a yellow helicopter

Meet Claire McGivern, one of our skilled Technical Crew Members (TCMs) who joined the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team in November 2024. Originally from Hull, Claire now lives in Gilberdyke, East Yorkshire.

As a TCM, Claire plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of our aircraft. She carries out essential pre-flight checks, supports the Pilot during key flight phases such as take-off, approach, and landing, and assists the medical team as an Emergency Care Assistant (ECA).

Claire started her career as a dental nurse, a role she held for seven years, before deciding to follow her passion for emergency care. She spent eight years as an ECA with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, working out of Brough Station, where she made lifelong friendships.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her family, including her 11-year-old son, as well as traveling and holidays. While she’s visited many places, Dubai tops her list of favourites—closely followed by Ibiza!

An interesting fact about Claire is that in 2019 she lived and worked in a military hospital in Ukraine, providing ambulance and medical support to front-line soldiers. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me invaluable trauma experience – it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

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