BASICS Devon volunteer doctors are in the process of installing vital front and rear CCTV camera equipment in all of their volunteer emergency responders’ vehicles. This was only made possible with thanks to funding which was given to BASICS (British Association for Immediate Care Schemes) by The County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal.
A video clip is available on the BASICS Devon website www.basics-devon.org.uk which shows the response of one of the BASICS Devon doctors to a road traffic collision on the A38, during the early hours of the morning.
These dash cams will support their safe response to patients. It will not only protect the volunteer’s vulnerability when in life saving situations, but also the patients, members of the public and other emergency services when seconds count.
Robert Bertram, HELP Appeal’s Chief Executive said:
“BASICS volunteers are real life heroes who give up their free time, on top of demanding day jobs, to help save lives across Devon. We are glad to see that our £39,000 donation will help to protect them and their patients in emergency situations.”
In 2019 the volunteer doctors attended 463 incidents, 144 of which were during the hours of darkness, to hard to reach accident sites. Well maintained and up to date video camera technology is invaluable in these situations.
Dr Simon Scott-Hayward BASICS Devon Trustee and Volunteer Immediate Care Doctor said “We are extremely grateful for the support of the HELP appeal enabling us to support our volunteers to respond safely to incidents"
With over a 30% increase in call outs, BASICS Devon doctors need to continue to be able to act quickly with confidence and be kept safe themselves in order to attend to more patients to help ease their pain and suffering and save lives.
BASICS Devon is a charity offering experienced doctors to assist frontline emergency service colleagues when attending medical and trauma emergencies in the community. The BASICS doctors bring additional skills, drugs and equipment to emergency situations.
BASICS Devon doctors are often first on the scene be it at the roadside, in a field, on a farm or a home emergency, to support the doctors visit www.basics-devon.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
About the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal
· The HELP Appeal aims to significantly increase the number of onsite hospital helipads at major trauma centres and A&E hospitals through its grant scheme which offers non-repayable grants to hospitals to help fund new helipads or upgrade existing helipads.
· Overall it has funded 37 helipads across the country, which have seen 14,500 landings. There are over 40 projects in the pipeline including an upgraded helipad at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
· The HELP Appeal relies solely on charitable donations and does not receive any government funding or money from the National Lottery.
· You can follow the HELP Appeal on Twitter: @helipadHELP, Facebook or Linkedin or visit the website: www.helpappeal.org.uk
· For further information about the HELP Appeal, please contact Corienne Kilgannon, communications director, on 07470 226063 or by emailing corienne@helpappeal.org.uk
About BASICS Devon
· BASICS Devon is a network of 13 emergency volunteer doctors providing immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness. Making themselves available around the clock throughout the year, responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The charity relies solely on donations.
· BASICS Devon doctors aim to provide a fast response to incidents in rural areas, and use their extensive skills to support patient care.
For further information, to donate or get involved please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
Contact Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager amie.bull@basics-devon.org.uk M: 01752 936299
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