World Health Day: WAA Helping Across The Globe
Wales Air Ambulance is one of the most advanced services of its kind in Europe, and the charity’s Critical Care Team is sharing its expertise with medics across the globe.
In April 2015, Consultant level doctors joined the crew on board Wales Air Ambulance. The specially-selected doctors have advanced expertise in emergency medicine, paediatrics, anaesthesia and intensive care. With these extra skills WAA’s crews have pioneering new equipment, including blood products.
The Critical Care Team on board Wales Air Ambulance flies the A&E department to the patient, able to complete emergency surgery and medical procedures at the roadside before airlifting patients to hospital.
With the ‘flying doctors’ on board as part of the EMRTS programme, WAA’s team also bring three types of blood product to the people of Wales who are in need. This makes Wales Air Ambulance one of the first Air Ambulances in Europe to have these products on board.
Wales Air Ambulance needs £6 million every year to fund its three helicopter operation, and the charity works with doctors and paramedics seconded for the NHS to give the people of Wales the best service possible in their time of need.
WAA’s three helicopter service, which is funded by kind donations, and its operations makes them one of the most advances services in Europe, and the crew are sharing their knowledge with other medical groups across the globe.
Dr Rhys, a flying doctor on board Wales Air Ambulance, journeyed across to New Zealand in 2015 to share the model with doctors the other side of the world.
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are both forming an air ambulance service for the first time and are basing their services on the Welsh model.
Angela Hughes, Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It is incredible to know that our operations are not only helping people in Wales, but also is helping those in need across the globe.
“By sharing our knowledge and expertise, we can help others form an air ambulance service and be involved in providing emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries across the globe.
“The service we have built in Wales has only been made possible by kind donations. Every donation, no matter how small, has helped us to come to the aid of people across Wales and their donations are also helping others all over the world.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
