Wiltshire Air Ambulance aircrew raising vital funds with virtual bike ride
It's for a crucial bit of kit to help in emergencies
Last updated 8th Feb 2021
The aircrew at Wiltshire Air Ambulance are taking part in a virtual bike ride to raise funds for portable blood and fluid warmers used by the charity in emergencies.
From the 8th February to 14th February the aircrew aim to cycle 654 miles virtually.
By Valentine's Day they're hoping to raise £5,182 to fund the purchase of a MEQU °M Warmer unit and accessories.
WHAT ARE PORTABLE BLOOD AND FLUID WARMERS?
Wiltshire Air Ambulance began carrying packed red blood cells on board in 2015.
Last year pre-hospital blood transfusions were carried out by their critical care paramedics and doctors more than once per month on average.
The MEQU °M Warmer ensures critically ill and injured patients Wiltshire Air Ambulance attend to receive the blood products carried at the required temperature to enter the blood stream quicker.
WHERE ARE THE TEAM VIRTUALLY CYCLING TO?
The aircrew are aiming to virtually cycle from the charity's airbase in Semington, near Trowbridge, to each of the hospitals they usually airlift patients to.
This includes Salisbury District Hospital, Southampton General Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Great Western Hospital, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary & Children's Hospital, Southmead Hospital, Weston General Hospital and Royal United Hospital in Bath, before returning to the airbase.
The team will need to cycle, on average 93.4 miles per day to complete the trek.
The cycling will take place on exercise bikes donated by Places Leisure, who operate Olympiad Leisure Centre in Chippenham.
Throughout the week, regular updates on their progress will be posted on the charity's social media pages.
YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
If you have an exercise bike at home you can even get involved in the virtual challenge yourself - either set up your own Just Giving fundraising page, or join the team's fund.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance critical care paramedic and ground base manager Richard Miller said:
"We've seen a downturn in our funding during the Coronavirus pandemic and have decided to show all our donors and the community how much we love this charity by raising money for an urgent vital piece of medical equipment needed during these difficult times.
"We are all looking forward to this virtual cycle ride and we'll all be playing our part over the week to achieve the target."