Thames Valley Air Ambulance has been given the keys to five bespoke Skodia Kodiaq critical care cars, thanks to a donation from the HELP Appeal.
This is the largest number of critical care cars the HELP Appeal has funded for any air ambulance charity and brings the total number of cars it has funded across the country to over 30.
The vehicles allow Thames Valley Air Ambulance to rotate cars throughout the community, having up to four cars operational at a time, providing the best possible cover for urban areas.
Carrying the same equipment and drugs as the aircraft, the new cars have a range of modifications based on the needs of paramedic and doctor crews. For example, retractable boot shelving that fits kit bags precisely and can be pulled out for easy access, a powerful white side light to help crew easily locate addresses, and a new storage system for oxygen cylinders.
Amanda McLean, Chief Executive Officer at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “This incredible gift of over £330,000 from the HELP Appeal has allowed us to buy five vehicles, each fitted out to allow us to quickly bring the highest level of critical care to our community.
“In 2024, our cars were called out 2,595 times. As a charity, every time we start our engines we are fuelled by public support. So, thank you to the HELP Appeal and everyone else who keeps our wheels turning.”
Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, said: "From lifesaving hospital helipads that save time to critical care cars that race to an emergency incident, the HELP Appeal is dedicated to improving emergency care at every turn and funding where we can really make a difference —because, for every seriously ill patient, every second counts. This donation would not have been possible without our supporters, to whom we’re deeply grateful.”
To see a detailed breakdown of Thames Valley Air Ambulance call outs in your county, visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk/mission-map
To find out more about how you can support your local air ambulance charity, visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk/support-us
