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Writer's pictureFundraising Manager

EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER DOCTORS THANK LOCAL DEVON FUNDERS FOR LIFESAVING RESPONSE EQUIPMENT

BASICS Devon volunteer doctors want to express their immense gratitude to local Devon funders that have enabled them to purchase vital new emergency response equipment.


The doctors have been overwhelmed with the support from the local community and want to thank their funders.


At the beginning of the pandemic BASICS Devon specialist emergency volunteer doctors needed to replace their medical response Pax bags with wipe down and IPC compliant (Infection, Prevention and Control), lighter weight rucksacks.

At this critical time during the pandemic the volunteers need wipeable bags by their side to keep themselves and their patients safe and protected. The bags are reflective, so are visible in an emergency, as well as durable, but it is the infection control element that is critical.


Dr Marc Epps Secretary and Volunteer Immediate Care Doctor at BASICS Devon wants to thank the funders personally, “I am delighted with the new bags, lighter weight and IPC compliant makes them fit for purpose. A very big thank you to our donors’’


Left to Right: Dr Marc Epps, Dr Clare Bosanko, Dr Thomas Owens, Dr Simon Scott-Hayward & Dr Lauren Weekes
Left to Right: Dr Marc Epps, Dr Clare Bosanko, Dr Thomas Owens, Dr Simon Scott-Hayward & Dr Lauren Weekes

Devon County Council Prompt Action – Covid 19 Fund, made a wonderful donation of £5,000 to implement the project.


Both the Rotary Club of Barnstaple and its daughter club Rotary Club of Barnstaple Link, also donated a wonderful £500 towards equipping BASICS Devon North Devon responders, which is much needed as one of the busiest call out areas, with a new responder in development.


The Devon Community Foundation, North Devon Council, Tesco Bags for Help Scheme at Braunton Store and Plymouth City Council have all donated incredible funds that help towards replacing responder equipment. This also helped towards the response bags but enable the doctors to equip themselves further with their own individual Oxygen Bags and Drug Modules critical at this present time.

Jo Moulton at The Devon Community Foundation commented, “Devon Community Foundation are delighted to have been able to contribute some of the vital funding needed to keep this team of frontline heroes on the road during extremely testing and challenging times. Thanks to all our donors and supporters, who help us to really make a difference to incredible organisations like BASICS Devon, looking after our communities no matter the circumstances.”

Dr Lauren Weekes displaying bag layout and modules

Having the correct and safest kit for each volunteer is extremely important, as it is with them at all times. The response bags and drug modules are strictly laid out and stocked to be able to treat patients quickly and effectively without the doctor being concerned on how to find medicines and equipment, remaining focused on providing care.


Cllr Frank Biederman, Fremington Rural Division of North Devon Council commented, “I was delighted to contribute to this fantastic scheme, having volunteer doctors to be able to support critical incidents and support other organisations in an emergency is essential, finding the funds to continue to doing it safely through the pandemic is clearly hard on voluntary organisations.”

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says: "I'm incredibly proud that we had the opportunity to provide grant funding and help further support the vital work of BASICS Devon. It’s so important that our medical teams have the most up-to-date kit and equipment even more so during the recent months and I’m delighted we have been able to help with this.”

The Wasserkuppe Response Backpack, Oxygen Cylinder Bags and Ampoule Drug Modules were all designed and supplied by PAX-Bags UK, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of high-quality, innovative response bags and rescue equipment. PAX-Bags UK show continued support to BASICS Devon, to which they are very grateful.

Dr Clare Bosanko with full emergency response equipment

BASICS Devon specialist doctors have responded to 81 emergency callouts since 1st July and were first on the scene at 33% of them. They are continuing to work hard responding on the frontline for the people of Devon, assisting other local emergency services.

If you would like to make a donation to BASICS Devon or to find out more please visit www.basics-devon.org.uk














Photos & interviews available on request


Notes to Editor


About BASICS Devon

· BASICS Devon is a network of 14 emergency volunteer doctors providing immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness. Making themselves available around the clock throughout the year, responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The charity relies solely on donations.

· BASICS Devon doctors aim to provide a fast response to incidents in rural areas, and use their extensive skills to support patient care.

· For further information, to donate or get involved please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk

Pax Bags

To find out more about PAX-Bags UK visit https://www.pax-bags.com/en/

Contact Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager amie.bull@basics-devon.org.uk T: 01752 936299

For further information please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk

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