In 2021, Thames Valley Air Ambulance lifesaving crews treated 140 child patients. Of these, over half (79) were under five years old.
Our service treats an average of 18 children a month. In total, our paramedic and doctor crews have given critical care to nearly 800 children (789) since we became an independent healthcare provider in 2018.
We have released these figures to mark the launch of our Summer Raffle, which is fronted this year by Laura and her son Charlie. Charlie was treated by Thames Valley Air Ambulance when he stopped breathing at just two months old.
We are called out to treat the most seriously ill and injured patients across the Thames Valley, so the stakes are always high. But when that patient is a young child, it can be an even bigger challenge.
James Perks, Critical Care Paramedic
James Perks, Critical Care Paramedic, said:
“We are called out to treat the most seriously ill and injured patients across the Thames Valley, so the stakes are always high. But when that patient is a young child, it can be an even bigger challenge.
“Our team is specially trained in how to treat young patients and we always carry paediatric equipment on board all our vehicles. We know that time is of the essence, and we fight to give every patient everything we’ve got.
“As a dad myself, call outs involving young children can stick with you. That’s why it’s amazing to see former patient Charlie and his mum fronting our Summer Raffle this year. Every ticket purchased will go on to help more families like theirs.”
Play the Summer Raffle and help Thames Valley Air Ambulance provide lifesaving care to people in your community, as well as to be in with the chance of winning £2,500.
Read more about Laura and Charlie’s story.
