South Western Ambulances donated to Ukraine

The ambulances recently left Bristol Ambulance Station to start their 1,200-mile journey to Poland’s border with Ukraine. Each ambulance contains a stretcher, scoop stretcher, long board and carry chair. The ambulances will provide urgent and immediate care to those injured by Russian bombardments.

Will Warrender, Chief Executive of SWASFT, said: “Like so many people around the world, we have watched on with great sadness at the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Along with other ambulance trusts around the country, we are humbled to be able to provide these ambulances to the Government of Ukraine and its people.”

The donation will help replace Ukrainian ambulances lost to Russian attacks, bolstering the existing fleet’s resilience as the war continues.

NHS continues to provide support to Ukraine

Elizabeth O’Mahony, NHS England and NHS Improvement South West Regional Director, commented: “The scale of the humanitarian crisis grows by the day and the NHS continues to provide support to Ukraine through aid donations. The UK has already provided more than 5.29 million items of medical supplies such as wound packs, doses of morphine, and intensive care equipment, and deploying a humanitarian team to the region.”

The ambulances were driven to a nearby Government airfield by lead paramedic, Kathy, paramedics Howard and Trudy, and event manager, Des. From there, they will be transported to Poland’s border with Ukraine.

The NHS’s national ambulance service fleet strategy requires the replacement of ambulance vehicles every five years. After this time, vehicles are decommissioned and either kept back for resilience, given to approved charities or sent to auction. All vehicles and medical supplies are checked before being sent to ensure they meet the standards required.