Thames Valley Air Ambulance marks World blood donor day
The charity has revealed how many people they've given blood to this year
Last updated 14th Jun 2024
96 critically ill or injured patients across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire were given blood by Thames Valley Air Ambulance last year - almost two patients a week.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance, which was the second Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) unit in the country to carry blood on board its vehicles, has given blood to 402 patients since it became an independent healthcare provider in 2018.
The figures have been released to mark World Blood Donor Day on 14th June.
Interventions
Adam Panter, Chief Operating Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said:
“The ability to give blood to patients who are bleeding heavily, for example after a road traffic collision, is just one of the hospital-level interventions our expert crew can perform at the roadside, or wherever it is needed.
“As a charity, every mission is funded solely by the generosity of the public. But we don’t often get to show our supporters the impact of their donations. With Emergency Helicopter Medics back on our screens, our community can see the difference their donations make to someone when the worst happens.”