Ambulance crews send medical equipment to Ukraine
It's to maintain a field hospital there
The South Central Ambulance Service is sending vital medical equipment to Ukraine to maintain a field hospital for up to two weeks.
South Central has been collecting decommissioned supplies like splints, neck collars and back boards from its bases in Surrey.
They say the equipment will potentially help to save hundreds of lives.
The supplies will fill one full lorry and will be going directly to field hospitals to enable some of the most severely injured soldiers and civilians to be kept alive for up to 24 hours while they await emergency surgery in hospital.
Kate Ellis, a Paramedic Team Leader who has been helping to coordinate the SCAS response, said: “The response we have seen throughout the organisation has been incredible from the very start and we have now ramped it up further with the donation of medical supplies and equipment which we know are so desperately needed in the conflict zones.
“This will help to ensure people can receive care for up to 24 hours while they await emergency surgery in hospital, meaning there is the potential for this work to help save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.
“We estimate our volume of supplies will be able to supply one field hospital for up to two weeks and some of the equipment – such as the long boards and extrication devices – is of course reusable.”
Will Hancock, Chief Executive of SCAS, said: “We are all extremely proud of this work to support those most in need. The resolve everyone has shown to not only keep delivering in the day job after such a tough time of late but also drive forward with this outstanding voluntary programme is truly amazing.”
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