THE life-saving team at Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) has been gifted a slice of £160,000 to help pay for vital equipment needed in the battle against Covid-19.

Air ambulance charities have been busier than ever during the coronavirus pandemic and TVAA recently launched a urgent campaign to help fund its vital service through turbulent times.

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This is why air ambulance services across the British Isles - including TVAA - will receive a share of £160,000 thanks to a donation from the Lions Clubs.

In addition to their ‘day job’ - responding to accidents, traumatic incidents, and medical emergencies - air ambulances are supporting the Covid-19 response to help reduce the burden on the NHS and other public services.

Research undertaken by Lions Clubs of the British Isles and Air Ambulances UK sought to understand the impact of Covid-19 on air ambulance services across the country.

Lions Clubs’ Council Chair, Stewart Sherman-Kahn said: “We found that involvement in COVID-19 relief has affected fund-raising and created considerable extra – unbudgeted – day-to-day costs.

“So, working with Air Ambulances UK, we compiled a list of equipment and supplies requested by air ambulance charities themselves – totalling £161,468.

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“During lockdown, Lions clubs have continued to help out in their local communities, and we’ve already given £140,000 in grants to foodbanks and other causes.

“Now, thanks to an emergency COVID-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we can provide immediate support for an emergency service that touches lives in all our local communities.”

Equipment and supplies funded by the Lions includes isolation capsules and decontamination units, separation screens, PPE, ventilators, respirators and hoods, a thermal screening camera and monitoring system, compression devices, fluid warmers, an ultrasound cardiac probe, and mobile connectivity devices.

Ruth Dunkin, Head of Community & Events at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said: “The Lions Club timely and generous backing for air ambulance services in the UK at this time of uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic is incredibly welcomed.

“On behalf of our paramedics, doctors, pilots and all the other staff and volunteers, thank you for your continued support."