Thames Valley Air Ambulance launches Summer appeal
The service is focusing on the care they give to children
Last updated 1st Aug 2022
Thames Valley Air Ambulance is highlighting the number of children they look after as they launch their summer fundraising appeal.
In 2021, Thames Valley Air Ambulance crews treated 140 child patients. Of these, over half (79) were under five years old.
The service treats an average of 18 children a month. In total, paramedic and doctor crews have given critical care to nearly 800 children (789) since they became an independent healthcare provider in 2018.
The summer appeal is being fronted by Reading-mum Laura and her son Charlie. Charlie was treated by Thames Valley Air Ambulance when he stopped breathing at just two months old.
James Perks, Critical Care Paramedic, said:
“We are called out to treat the most seriously ill and injured patients across the Thames Valley, so the stakes are always high. But when that patient is a young child, it can be an even bigger challenge.
“Our team is specially trained in how to treat young patients and we always carry paediatric equipment on board all our vehicles. We know that time is of the essence, and we fight to give every patient everything we’ve got.
“As a dad myself, call outs involving young children can stick with you. That’s why it’s amazing to see former patient Charlie and his mum fronting our Summer appeal this year.”
The charity says it costs nearly £4000 every time they fly a mission and they are funded purely by public kindness.
Find out how you can help by visiting their website: https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/