WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance has loaned two ventilators to the emergency department at RUH, Bath, to help in the fight against Covid-19.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance recently purchased two new ventilators thanks to the money raised during the Big Give campaign.

The ventilators are vital in the treatment of coronavirus patients as they help those who are unable to breathe on their own, ensuring oxygen gets into the lungs and body.

Richard Miller, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s clinical service and ground base manager, said: “We have a fantastic relationship with all our local hospitals and we regularly convey patients to Royal United Hospital in Bath.

“Fortunately, we are well stocked for ventilators and we’ve been in discussions with our colleagues at RUH, who are doing a tremendous job under immense pressure.

"If these two spare ventilators can be used for the greater good elsewhere then we’re only too happy to help.”

Dr Bernie Marden, RUH medical director, said: “We’re extremely grateful to our friends at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance for this generous loan, helping us to care for our seriously ill patients at this most difficult time.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Paramedics continue to attend emergencies with appropriate precautions being taken at the scene of incidents to protect the patients and teams.

The charity relies on donations to generate the £3.75 million it requires each year to continue saving lives. It receives no regular funding from the Government or National Lottery grants.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has been forced to postpone all upcoming fundraising events, with a huge knock-on effect to the charity’s income.

Donations can be made on the charity’s website, at wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/donate.