North West Air Ambulance expands lifesaving services

The North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) has announced a major expansion of its lifesaving services, which will see the introduction of blood on board all vehicles and an increase in its night car service.

Responding to ongoing demand, the charity will now operate its night car service seven nights a week, up from the previous two, and provide blood supplies on all platforms, allowing for critical transfusions at the scene of emergencies.

By equipping all its helicopters and rapid response vehicles with blood, NWAA aims to significantly improve the survival chances of trauma victims who suffer from severe blood loss.

This new measure means that patients can receive blood transfusions before or during their transport to hospital.

Andy Curran, medical director at NWAA said: “This advancement will make a big difference. It means we're now able to give blood to patients at the roadside, in their gardens, in car parks.

"Essentially, wherever it's needed. Whether we arrive by helicopter or car, our teams will be able to give this lifesaving treatment as early as possible, and ultimately, save more lives."

Andy also highlighted the importance of community support for the charity’s operations. He added: “We wouldn’t be able to provide this enhancement without our strong supporter base.

"As a charity, we receive no government funding and need £18 million each year to continue saving lives."

The expansion of the night car service will enable NWAA’s critical care paramedics and doctors to provide emergency interventions from 6pm to 2am every night of the week, offering lifesaving care to those in urgent need across the region.

This service will now be available 365 days a year.

He added: “We anticipate that our crew will help an additional 1,000 patients per year due to the expansion of the vital night car service. We want to make sure that people get enhanced pre-hospital care to improve their chances of survival.”

The new blood on board service aligns with NWAA’s mission to deliver advanced medical interventions quickly. Approximately 75 patients are expected to benefit from the extended blood service within the first 12 months.

This development has been made possible with the support of Salford Royal (part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust), Greater Manchester Blood Bikes, and North West Blood Bikes.

A spokesperson from the blood bike services said: “Manchester Blood Bikes and North West Blood Bikes Lancashire and Lakes are both proud to support the NWAA in their lifesaving missions, by ensuring blood supplies are readily available for all their helicopters and cars.

"By delivering vital blood products to their fleet, we are helping to make emergency blood transfusions possible at the scene, giving patients a greater chance of survival. It's an honour to be part of such a crucial partnership that directly impacts lives across the region."

Scott Beattie, consultant in emergency medicine at Salford Royal, also praised the initiative, stating: “The ability to provide blood transfusions at the earliest opportunity, for example at the roadside, is truly lifesaving, and our blood transfusion service is thrilled to play such a key role in the chain of survival with North West Air Ambulance Charity.”

In light of a national shortage of universal O negative blood, the charity is calling on members of the public to support their local blood banks. Without public donations, NWAA would not be able to operate its blood on board service for the patients who need it most.

For more information about the charity and how to support its vital work, visit: www.nwairambulance.org.uk