Thames Valley Air Ambulance are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £12,354 for life-saving ultrasound scanners to provide medical care to critically ill patients.
The charity, which provides expertise, equipment and treatment to the most seriously ill and injured patients across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire were given the much-needed funds by the Morrisons Foundation, the charitable arm of the supermarket.
Mark Hodkinson, Clinical Shift Manager at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said:
“The ultrasound machine is a vital piece of equipment, which we take with us on board all our vehicles. To many, it is synonymous with pregnancy scans, but it has many other uses. Ultrasound gives our paramedics and doctors real-time information on injuries in the chest or abdomen, including internal bleeding, lung injuries and heart activity, that otherwise wouldn’t be revealed until a patient reached hospital. This allows us to treat the patient right away.
“These new Butterfly ultrasounds make a real difference when every second counts. The pocket-sized machine links up to an iPad screen and the image is large and easy to see, helping our paramedics and doctors make quick decisions in the heat of the moment.
“Our pioneering use of portable ultrasound machines has saved countless lives since we started using them in 2013 and, thanks to this generous donation from the Morrisons Foundation, we will be able to give many more patients the best chance of survival and recovery.”
David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said:
“I’m very proud that through the Foundation we have been able to provide the funds for these vital pieces of equipment. We know that the first few moments of medical care are pivotal and the ultrasound scanners will ensure that the very best medical care is available for those who need it most. Supporting charities in the community is at the heart of what the Foundation is all about and it’s great to be able to make a difference to the essential work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance.”
The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people’s lives. Since launching, over £33 million has been donated to hundreds of charities across England, Scotland and Wales.
Serving a community of over 2 million people, Thames Valley Air Ambulance does not receive any funding from the government or the National Lottery, relying instead on the generosity of supporters. Grants, such as the one from the Morrisons Foundation, as well as the invaluable donations from members of the public keep the charity’s helicopter in the air and our critical care response vehicles on the road.
For more information on TVAA’s work and how you can help visit https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/
