How many people receive blood transfusions at the scene? 

We have revealed that more than six patients a month receive blood transfusions from our critical care paramedic and doctor crews. 

We gave blood to 76 severely ill or injured patients in the last year. 242 units were given out in total, which is nearly 120 pints.  

19 patients were in Berkshire, 24 in Oxfordshire, 24 in Buckinghamshire, and nine in the surrounding areas. Four of these patients were children.  

We released these figures ahead of World Blood Donor Day on 14^th June, to show how important blood transfusions can be when every minute matters. Blood products are not carried on board standard ambulances but can be given by our crews right at the roadside, or wherever it is needed.  

Adam Panter, Chief Operating Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: 

“World Blood Donor Day is a good time for us to take stock and reflect on the difference blood products make when a life hangs in the balance. 

“When someone is losing a lot of blood, for example after a road traffic collision, they need a transfusion at the scene. Our blood delivery assistants, alongside NHS Blood and Transplant, make sure there are blood products on board all our vehicles. Thanks to them, last year 76 patients didn’t have to wait until they got to hospital to receive the blood they so desperately needed. 

“But, as a charity, none of this could happen without the support of our community. Every time we put the key in the ignition of our blood delivery van, or we power up our blood warming machine, it’s people like you that make it possible. Thank you.” 

Stephanie Thorp is someone who knows the importance of this critical intervention. Following a head-on collision at 50 miles per hour, Stephanie needed urgent blood transfusions. The crew on scene got started straight away. A second Thames Valley Air Ambulance vehicle brought further much-needed blood to the scene and Stephanie received eight units in total. This would have essentially replaced almost all the blood in Stephanie’s body.   

It’s because of these people that I am still here. My son still has a mum. My husband still has a wife. Thanks to Thames Valley Air Ambulance, I ’ve been given the chance to grow old.