31 Jul 2019
A group of highly trained volunteers from St John Ambulance’s Medical Response Team were invited to visit our team's base at The Royal London Hospital to participate in a joint training session.
Their visit, led by Paramedic Chris Doyle and Dr Neil Studd, included full casualty simulation and scenarios - designed to test and challenge the team's first aid. The team, who are often the first on scene at some of the most critical casualties, learnt how they could support our service in improving patient outcomes.
The session was held in memory of George Bairstow, a member of the St John Ambulance team who tragically died on his return from volunteering in 2013. George’s friends and family set up a charitable Trust to continue his legacy. The George Bairstow Charitable Trust was delighted to give a £2000 grant to our charity, funding a new training mannequin.
Paramedic Chris Doyle said “I had the privilege of working with George, so it was particularly special to be part of his legacy. The training mannequin will allow the London’s Air Ambulance team to realistically train clinical procedures. When we are with a seriously ill patient, every second counts - we need to be swift and efficient.”
Chair of the George Bairstow Trust, Maria Bairstow added “First aid training is so important. The GBCT were proud to not only donate the training mannequin to London’s Air Ambulance, but to help facilitate advance training for George’s friends in St John Ambulance’s Medical Response Team.
On behalf of everyone here, we would like to say a huge thank you to the George Bairstow Charitable Trust for their kind donation to our service.