The County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads, has awarded its eighth £250,000 grant to the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS), bringing its total donation since the partnership began in 2019 to £2 million. The milestone reflects the HELP Appeal’s continuing commitment to improving outcomes for patients at the scene of emergencies across the communities served by BASICS schemes.
The funding enables BASICS to award direct grants to local schemes nationwide, helping frontline medical volunteers obtain the equipment and resources they need to deliver advanced medical support in critical situations.
A network of 30 BASICS schemes brings together more than 400 volunteer doctors, paramedics and nurses who provide critical care in their communities. Working alongside and in support of NHS ambulance services, BASICS volunteers deliver advanced medical care to the most seriously ill and injured patients before they reach hospital. The schemes rely entirely on fundraising, charitable donations and grants to continue this vital work.
BASICS schemes respond to an estimated 10,000 emergency calls each year. Their volunteers contribute thousands of hours, helping to save lives and ensuring that patients receive hospital–level care before arriving at hospital. With schemes on call around the clock, these healthcare professionals respond rapidly to the most serious incidents,providing care that can make the difference between life and death.
Previous HELP Appeal funding has provided volunteers with critical care cars, protective clothing and lifesaving equipment, ranging from advanced breathing-support devices to the latest patient monitors.
The latest grant will strengthen the ability of BASICS scheme volunteers to respond effectively to emergencies wherever they arise.
Gary Morgan, Chief Officer of BASICS, expressed his appreciation for the charity’s continued support, saying:
“This continued grant funding makes a significant difference to local BASICS schemes and their volunteers. As BASICS approaches its 50th anniversary, the funding is helping our volunteers save the lives of critically ill and injured patients in the communities they serve.”
Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal, added:
“Behind this £2 million milestone are patients facing the most serious emergencies. By helping BASICS volunteers reach them with advanced care at the scene, we can give more people the best possible chance of survival and recovery.”
