Wiltshire Air Ambulance has this week proudly introduces its new Critical Care Car, generously funded by the HELP Appeal, a charity dedicated to supporting lifesaving initiatives.
The BMW G5X X5 xDrive30d (call sign CC23) is now stationed at the Semington airbase, ready to facilitate the charity’s critical care paramedics and doctors in responding to emergencies throughout Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath, and the surrounding regions.
This state-of-the-art vehicle replaces an older Volvo model, previously funded by the ambulance service. As the charity faced potentially significant costs to acquire the vehicle independently after the service agreement ended, the HELP Appeal’s intervention became instrumental.
The HELP Appeal stands out as the sole charity in the country committed to financing helipads at Major Trauma Centres and essential A&E Hospitals nationwide. The charity also contributed to the installation of Wiltshire Air Ambulance‘s airbase helipad in 2018, complete with underfloor heating.
Barbara Gray, deputy chief executive of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, expressed gratitude, stating, “Once again, the HELP Appeal has generously supported our charity with vital funds to secure the purchase of our brand-new Critical Care Car.”
The charity now boasts two fully equipped and branded cars, equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring crews can respond promptly to emergencies when the helicopter is unavailable or a road response is more suitable.
Richard Miller, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s safety and operations manager, highlighted the new car’s safety features and advanced emergency navigational system. He also explained the vehicle’s capability to carry an exact match of medical equipment found on the helicopter, enabling the delivery of critical care skills.
Recently, HELP Appeal chief executive Robert Bertram visited the airbase to witness the Critical Care Car in action. Bertram commented, “The impact of this car to critically ill patients in the region is a game-changer, and we are delighted that, thanks to our supporters, we could help.”
The collaboration between the HELP Appeal and Wiltshire Air Ambulance continues to make a significant difference in saving time and lives across the region.
