65 people given blood by our crews in the last year

In figures released to mark World Blood Donor Day (14th June), we have revealed that our crews give blood to more than one person a week in emergencies across the region.

In the last year, 65 patients have received 182 units of blood products. Since we became an independent healthcare provider in 2018, we has given 484 units of blood products to 176 patients when they needed it most. That’s over 135 litres of blood given to people in life or death situations.

When every minute matters, having blood on board could make all the difference

Neil Plant, Clinical Shift Manager

Seeing the difference donated blood can make to patients whose life hangs in the balance inspires many of our paramedics and doctors to become donors themselves.

Neil Plant, Clinical Shift Manager and a regular blood donor, said:

“When someone is seriously ill or injured, they need the best possible care there and then. Not only do we bring advanced equipment, drugs, and expertise to the scene, but our helicopter and critical care response vehicles carry units of red blood cells and plasma, which supports frontline treatment of major blood loss.

“We deliver hospital-level care, wherever and whenever it is needed. When every minute matters, having blood on board could make all the difference.”

Getting blood to the patients who need it most is a real team effort. The crew couldn’t do what they do without the work that goes on behind the scenes: from partner Leaseplan, who donated the charity’s blood services vehicle in 2018, to the blood delivery assistants who collect vital blood supplies from the John Radcliffe hospital, and importantly the public who fund every mission.