HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND AWARDS £2,000 TO SUPPORT BASICS DEVON’S LIFESAVING WORK

BASICS Devon is delighted to announce it has received a grant of £2,000 from the Hospital Saturday Fund towards its vital community project supporting pre-hospital emergency care across rural Devon.

Left to Right: Dr Tom Owens, Rob Horton, Dr Simon Scott-Hayward, Glenda Cooper, Dr Fred Declerck, Conor & Dr Angus Macdonald at Hartland Quay

BASICS Devon is a team of volunteer doctors who provide 24/7 specialist emergency medical support alongside the South Western Ambulance Service. Covering one of the most rural counties in the UK, the team delivers advanced pre-hospital interventions at the scene of medical and trauma emergencies, significantly improving patient outcomes, relieving suffering, and saving lives.

This funding will contribute towards essential equipment, training, and volunteer support, including:

• Suction units and Raptor Rescue Shears to manage critically ill patients at the roadside.

• Specialist Pax bags and modules to protect patient monitoring equipment.

• Vehicle maintenance and fuel costs, ensuring responders can reach patients wherever they are.

• Volunteer training and education, empowering both doctors and community members with lifesaving skills.

Chair of Trustees, Rob Horton, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Hospital Saturday Fund for recognising the importance of our work. Their continued generous support will help us expand our reach, strengthen our volunteer team, and ensure patients in even the most remote communities of Devon receive the best possible chance of survival.”

In 2024, BASICS Devon volunteers responded to 371 emergencies, including 55 cardiac arrests—40% as the first medical professional on scene. With Devon’s rural geography and aging population, these additional resources will make a direct and measurable difference to patient care. This year they have responded to 266 callouts so far!

BASICS Devon relies solely on donations, you can support them today, visit www.basics-devon.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors: ·

About BASICS Devon

BASICS Devon is a network of 16 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

For further information please contact Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager amie.bull@basics-devon.org.uk T: 01752 936299 or visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk