Air ambulance covering Banburyshire appeasl for masks, suits, gloves and other protective equipment

TVAA needs a number of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep crews and patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They require disposable FFP3 respirators protective equipment, fluid-resistant (type IIR) surgical masks, coverall suits cat3 type 5/6, clinical aprons, surgical gloves, anti-fog glasses and anti-bacterial wipes and gel, in small or large quantities.

The air ambulance is suffering major shortage in protective kit due to the increased demand for supplies. This means its teams of paramedics, doctors and pilots are lacking the most suitable equipment when dealing with different situations and incidents, a spokesman said.

While working in partnership with the NHS, as an independent healthcare charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance is not currently included in the official PPE distribution system. While other options, such as donations of stock from business may be available to help guarantee supplies, the air ambulance service is keen not to add to the pressure on these official stocks if possible.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s crews are still being called out to attend patients in desperate need and while South Central Ambulance Service has taken the lead in call-outs on coronavirus cases, due to the growing spread of the virus it is inevitable that crews will come into contact with those who are infected.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s Head of Clinical Service, Martin Bowdler said: “People in our communities still needs our hospital-level critical care as, despite the pandemic, there are of course still those who will face life-threatening illnesses and injuries. That’s why it’s vital that our crew are protected from Covid-19 so they can continue delivering advanced medical care without spreading or contracting the virus.

“We are appealing to businesses to donate stocks of PPE to keep our crews safe while working on the front line by ensuring that they have the right equipment to give patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery.”

Companies are able to support TVAA emergency teams by donating stock. Please email [email protected] or call 0300 999 0135 to leave a message with details.