Emergency volunteer doctors in Devon launch rapid response vehicle
BASICS Devon hope it will support emergency responders across the region
Last updated 7th Dec 2021
A network of volunteer doctors who support the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust at emergency incidents have launched their very own rapid response vehicle.
BASICS Devon have kitted out a 4x4 Skoda Kodiaq with hi-visibility and reflective markings, communication and navigation equipment, blue lights, sirens, and a dash cam.
The vehicle is now active across Devon, carrying volunteer doctors to the scene of critically ill or injured patients in the community or at the roadside.
It also provides the opportunity for education in pre-hospital medicine to other healthcare professionals.
BASICS Devon is one of a national network of 32 regional schemes across the UK, which operates under the umbrella of the British Association for Immediate Care.
The new vehicle has been made possible after the group successfully bid for a total of £44,000 from a grant of £250,000, which is given to the Association every year by the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal - the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads.
BASICS Devon volunteer Immediate Care Doctor and Chair, Dr Simon Scott Hayward said:
"The doctors are all so pleased with the vehicle. It has already been put to good use with 31 shifts, responding to callouts across the county.
"With winter setting in, we are pleased to have a vehicle fit for purpose both practical and safe.
"It is also a platform for clinicians interested in pre-hospital care to attend as observers. The recent branding of the car we hope, reflects the community that we serve.
"We would like to thank our funders and everyone that helped to get the car on the road."
Dr Simon Scott Hayward - BASICS Devon
This will be the first scheme response vehicle for BASICS Devon.
It is hoped the emergency response vehicle will enable their volunteers to reach remote communities with ease in all weather conditions and in most cases arrive before the ambulance.
Since January the volunteer doctors have responded to 415 call outs - 144 of which were at night - arriving first on the scene at 31% of them.
Find out more about BASICS Devon here.