LIVES is one step closer to life-saving milestone

LIVES doctors, paramedics and nurses are now one step closer to delivering life-saving blood transfusions on scene, thanks to a generous donation from the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS). 

A grant of £10,000 from BASICS, enabled by a kind donation from the HELP Appeal, has provided match funding towards the cost of providing LIVES Medic Responders with the equipment they need to administer blood transfusions to patients at the scene of a life-threatening injury. 

The new project, which has been named ‘Code Crimson’ by the charity, is a result of close working between LIVES and Path Links NHS Pathology Service. This will allow LIVES Medics to collect whole blood products from hospitals across the county when needed. 

The charity is undertaking extensive fundraising activities to the secure additional funds needed to launch Code Crimson later this year. Once additional funding has been secured, blood products will be  available to LIVES 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, meaning this service will be entirely unique within Lincolnshire. 

The capability to carry whole blood products means that when LIVES arrive on scene, they can provide greater care for those suffering from severe blood loss. 

Nikki Cooke, CEO at LIVES, said: “LIVES critical care teams attend the most injured and ill patients in Lincolnshire who, with our rural road network, are often a long way from the hospital facilities that they need.  For some patients, their chances of survival can be improved by providing them with a blood transfusion before or during their journey to hospital.  

“We are incredibly grateful to BASICS and the HELP Appeal for this generous grant, which will go towards the costs of providing equipment for our medics. This means that they can administer pre-hospital blood transfusion to the most seriously injured patients in our county, undoubtedly saving many more lives every single year.” 

LIVES is looking to fund the remaining £9,312 needed to launch this new venture in 2022. If you think you can help support this life-saving project, please contact the charity at fundraising@LIVES.org.uk 

The charity needs to raise £1.4million every year to ensure responders can help those in need when a 999 call is made. To donate, visit www.LIVES.org.uk/donate