Thames Valley Air Ambulance

Thames Valley Air Ambulance is an independent charity that provides critical care by helicopter and land ambulance. It serves the communities of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire from its base at RAF Benson in South Oxfordshire. The charity brings hospital level expertise, advanced equipment and emergency treatment directly to patients at the scene of an incident.

The service operates from 7am to 2am, 365 days a year. It serves a population of more than two million people across the Thames Valley. Last year, the crew were called out 3,302 times, which is an average of nine times per day. The helicopter can reach any location across the three counties in approximately fifteen minutes. Five critical care response vehicles supplement the aircraft to reach areas that are difficult to access by air, such as towns and cities.

Each mission crew includes a doctor as well as specialist paramedics and pilots. This mix of skills allows the team to perform advanced medical procedures at the scene, including emergency anaesthesia, straightening broken limbs, and relieving severe pain. They work alongside police, fire and other ambulance services to stabilize patients before they reach hospital.

The charity has introduced several medical firsts in emergency care before hospital. It was the first helicopter emergency medical service in the country to carry plasma on board for trauma patients. It was also among the first to carry blood for emergency transfusions. The crew introduced the use of ultrasound machines in the field and use the Tempus Pro monitor to track patient vital signs during flight and road transport.

Beyond emergency response, the charity runs a Pre Hospital Education Centre that trains its own clinicians and delivers external courses for healthcare professionals. It also provides patient support services for families and bereaved individuals. The organization is a registered UK charity and a Care Quality Commission registered healthcare provider. It has been saving lives since 1999.

Services

• Helicopter critical care
• Critical care response vehicles
• Pre Hospital Education Centre
• Professional courses
• Community courses
• Patient support
• Research and innovation
• CPR awareness sessions
• Clinical governance