Wiltshire Air Ambulance supports local hospital with ventilators

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is helping the Royal United Hospital, Bath, by loaning two ventilators to assist in the battle with COVID-19 pandemic.

The mechanical ventilators are vital as they help patients breathe when they are unable to do so well enough on their own, ensuring oxygen gets into the lungs and body. This is especially important for treating patients with COVID-19. 

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is well prepared with five in their supply store, with two recently purchased thanks to money raised by supporters during the Big Give campaign, so the charity has decided to assist the local hospital by loaning two across to the Emergency Department in Bath. 

Richard Miller, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s clinical service and ground base manager, said: “We have a fantastic relationship with all our local hospitals and we regularly convey patients to Royal United Hospital in Bath.

“Fortunately, we are well stocked for ventilators and we’ve been in discussions with our colleagues at RUH, who are doing a tremendous job under immense pressure.

“If these two spare ventilators can be used for the greater good elsewhere then we’re only too happy to help.”

Dr Bernie Marden, RUH medical director, commented: “We’re extremely grateful to our friends at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance for this generous loan, helping us to care for our seriously ill patients at this most difficult time.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Paramedics continue to attend emergencies at this difficult time, with appropriate precautions being taken at the scene of incidents to protect our team and our patients. 
The charity relies on donations to generate the £3.75 million it requires each year to continue saving lives. It receives no regular funding from the Government or National Lottery grants.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been forced to postpone all upcoming fundraising events, with a huge knock-on effect to the charity’s income. 

Donations can be made on the charity’s website, at wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/donate.