Coronavirus: Magpas Air Ambulance makes funding and equipment call to help as many Peterborough residents as possible

Magpas medics are equipped and prepared to help residents in Peterborough during the coronavirus crisis - but need support to help as many people in need as possible.
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The charity, which runs an air ambulance service across the East of England, is estimating their income over the coming months will be £200,000 lower than previously expected; an amount which would normally allow us to respond to over 60 patients.

Now they are calling for help to allow the team to provide the life saving first aid to as many residents as possible.

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A spokesman for the charity said: “Like you, we have been watching the development of the COVID-19 outbreak over recent days and taking guidance from the latest information available. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our patients, our crew, our staff and volunteers whilst maintaining our emergency medical services for the communities we serve. We are a lifesaving organisation; continuing to respond to patients is as important now as it has ever been.

The Magpas air ambulance in flightThe Magpas air ambulance in flight
The Magpas air ambulance in flight

“We want to reassure you that our Air Ambulance medical teams remain active across the region and have been equipped and trained to do so in the safest way possible. Magpas will continue to follow the latest Public Health and Government advice across our organisation. As a result, we have reduced the number of non-clinical staff in our offices and are promoting home working where appropriate. You can still talk to us on: 01480 371 060 or you can email us at: [email protected] and we will get back to you as usual.

“Whilst we will do all we can to maintain operations as normal, many of our fundraising activities have to stop. Being out in the community, supporting those who fundraise for us, at events and challenges, as well as talking to people about our lifesaving work in businesses and schools has always been at the heart of what we do. This activity also provides us with vital funds. As a charity, we are solely reliant on donations to continue to operate 24/7. Our current estimate is that our income over the coming months will be £200,000 lower than previously expected; an amount which would normally allow us to respond to over 60 patients.

“We know that we are not alone in having to deal with the financial impact of this pandemic and appreciate that these unprecedented times will put additional strain on many. We have always been fortunate to receive fantastic support from the public; this is what keeps us going - so if you are able to donate today, then you can do so here: www.magpas.org.uk

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The coming weeks will be more difficult for all of us, but particularly for our teams on the front line. Thank you for your continued support, it really is appreciated.”

A Magpas team in PPE gearA Magpas team in PPE gear
A Magpas team in PPE gear

The charity is also appealing for help to collect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The spokesman said: “Magpas Air Ambulance are activated, on average, four times a day to critically ill and injured patients across the region. They are specially trained to provide treatments and procedures at the scene of an incident that would usually only be available in a hospital. For example, Aerosol Generating Procedures, such as putting an Endotracheal tube in a seriously ill person’s Trachea (windpipe), to ensure vital oxygen gets into their lungs.

“It’s integral, for everyone’s safety, that these advanced procedures we carry out are delivered in the right way. As COVID-19 is highly contagious, without the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) our medical teams are at much higher risk of catching the virus. Therefore, full PPE is essential in order for the charity to continue to deliver enhanced emergency medical care to those in life-threatening emergencies 24/7, primarily serving the communities of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Peterborough (but our call outs also cover over 12 counties in and around the East of England).

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“If anyone has any FFP3 Respirator Masks: we are happy to come and collect them if that’s easier; just say the word.”

The charity also needs:

Surgical gloves – We are going through double the amount of gloves as we double glove now to further protect our clinicians.

Clinical Aprons – disposable aprons protect from bodily fluids.

Coverall Suits — we need Cat 3 Type 5/6 – Protective suits to ensure our uniform is not compromised and the virus is spread amongst us.

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Anti-fog glasses – wearing PPE is hot and draining and stressful, normal glasses fog up and cause the clinicians difficulties in the views of the airway.

Anti-bacterial wipes/gel small and large – to ensure our staff cleanse their hands regularly and also deep clean all our equipment after each job.

Anyone who can help should email [email protected] or call 01480 455004