John Surtees

John Surtees

A former motor-racing champion has come to the aid of a scheme that could save the lives of injured climbers and walkers.

John Surtees, who won both motorcycling and Formula One championships, has provided cash for the ‘blood on board’ project for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

An undisclosed sum from the Henry Surtees Foundation, named after John’s son who died in a racing accident in 2009, will enable the air ambulance charity to buy thermostatically controlled boxes and blood warmers to enable its medics to carry out blood transfusions at the scene of life-threatening accidents.

It will also provide two four-wheel drive Vauxhall Mokka vehicles for the Cumbria Blood Bikes and Northumbria Blood Bikes to give them all-weather transport for ferrying blood between hospital and aircraft.

The GNAAS helicopters carry out numerous flights in support of mountain rescue teams across Cumbria, north-east England and North Yorkshire, airlifting injured outdoor enthusiasts from the hills and countryside.

GNAAS doctor Rachel Hawes, was serving as a reservist in Afghanistan when she witnessed military helicopters delivering blood transfusion supplies directly to the scene of severely injured patients. She recognised its potential in the NHS and on her return set about creating the blood on board project.

She said: “One of the first things medics have to do is stop any bleeding to save a patient’s life and many seriously injured patients risk bleeding to death.

“This project will bring life-saving treatment to the patient’s point of injury. That could be on the roadside, on a hilltop, or in a remote community, in cases where previously the patient has had to wait until they get to hospital. This will transform pre-hospital care and save multiple lives. It is going to be of huge benefit to the region.”

Mr Surtees said: “With a background in motorsport, I have spent my life chasing time round the race tracks of the world. I know that every second counts and none more so than for the air-ambulance services when accidents or illnesses occur.

“Last year the foundation supported the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, with a similar initiative. This has had an immediate result in the saving of injury and life. During the first year alone, over 70 transfusions were successfully carried out.”

Dr Hawes said: “We want to thank the Henry Surtees Foundation who has come forward to support us.”

Some articles the site thinks might be related:

  1. Sixth Helvellyn death this year as Swirral Edge walker dies of heart attack
  2. Night-time rescue for charity challenge group lost on fells
  3. Walker airlifted from Little Langdale after breaking leg
  4. Mountain biker critical after Honister Pass crash
  5. Walker airlifted to hosptial after breaking ankle in slip on Whiteless Pike