Air ambulance gets new critical care cars

Two new Critical Care Cars are in operations with the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) thanks to a generous donation.

The Volvo XC90s arrived at LNAA’s Waddington headquarters thanks to funding from the HELP Appeal, a charity dedicated to supporting air ambulances.

CEO Karen Jobling said: “Our Critical Care Cars had gone beyond their operational life and could no longer meet the demands placed on them as emergency vehicles. We are delighted and grateful to the HELP Appeal as these new cars mean we can continue to deliver the best possible care to patients.”

The cars, which enable crews to respond in more built-up areas or when weather prevents the helicopter from flying, will provide improved reliability, helping to keep the crew online and ready to respond. They have been built with a bespoke layout and more space for vital equipment. One car will be dedicated to Nottingham.

The cars provide a round-the-clock emergency response and support the LNAA’s ability to respond to an average of four missions each day - last year crews were called to 1,608 emergencies.

Each car carries exactly the same clinical equipment as the helicopter including advanced monitoring, critical care drugs, airway management equipment and specialist intervention equipment used by the clinicians. By mirroring the helicopter’s kit, the cars enable the crew to deliver the same high-level interventions no matter how they arrive on scene.

The HELP Appeal has been providing grants to air ambulances and hospitals for almost 17 years. Robert Bertram, Chief Executive, said: “We are very pleased to support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance by funding these Critical Care Cars helping to ensure their life-saving teams reach critically ill patients quickly by road when flying isn’t an option.”