LIVES, a Lincolnshire based charity attending 999 medical emergencies, has reported a dramatic increase in the number of serious road traffic collisions (RTC) it has been called to
attend across Lincolnshire this year.
This is the charity’s busiest year on record, with LIVES volunteers helping nearly 800 people involved in RTCs across Lincolnshire between January and August. This is compared to the 677 serious RTCs LIVES first responders attended in the same period last year – an increase of 18 per cent.
The trend of increasing calls is not limited to RTCs, with overall calls attended by a LIVES first responder also rising throughout 2017.
On average, LIVES volunteers attend nearly 60 calls per day and aim to get to the patient in eight to nine minutes to deliver immediate care, often before the arrival of an ambulance.
Nikki Silver, chief executive of LIVES, said: “Our volunteers make a huge contribution to their communities, responding to emergency calls day or night and whatever the weather.
“Our first responders and medics bring the hospital to the roadside to help the people of Lincolnshire in their greatest time of need. Now, as the number of calls we attend grows, more than ever it is important for us to raise funds to allow our volunteers to continue their exceptional lifesaving work.
“We are very grateful for the public support that allows us to continue to offer immediate medical care throughout Lincolnshire, and we would not have been able to help over 20,000 people each year without our generous supporters.”
LIVES needs to raise more than £1m each year to keep volunteers trained and equipped to respond to any medical emergency across Lincolnshire.
To support our volunteers and become a Friend of LIVES, visit lives.org.uk/donate
