London’s Air Ambulance Adds Extra Medic Team for Winter Rush
London’s Air Ambulance is stepping up its game with a brand-new rapid response team. From December 1, 2021, a second duty team, dubbed “Medic 3,” will hit the streets in a specially equipped car. Operating Monday to Saturday, 2pm until midnight, this extra crew aims to get to seriously injured patients faster during the winter rush hour.
New Medic 3 Team Boosts Coverage Across London
London’s Air Ambulance currently runs two teams: Medic 1 works 7am to 7pm, and Medic 2 covers 7pm to 7am. The freshly launched Medic 3 team adds extra muscle between 2pm and midnight. It’ll be staffed by a senior doctor and a paramedic, and this trial will run for 12 months.
Each year, one advanced trauma team handles around 1,700 emergency calls across London. But with just one team on the job, patients in outer areas often face slower response times. When the team is already tied up on a call, other patients might miss out on urgent care.
Faster Response When Seconds Count
“Time is precious when a life is on the line,” said Dr Tom Hurst, Medical Director of London’s Air Ambulance. “During winter, with shorter daylight and peak travel times, our response is stretched, especially when one team is already attending a patient. This additional team helps us reach more critically injured Londoners quickly.”
Dr Hurst added that the move shows London’s Air Ambulance’s commitment to constantly improving its vital service. The organisation thanks Barts NHS Health Trust, London Ambulance Service, and supporters for making Medic 3 a reality.
Dr Fenella Wrigley, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer of London Ambulance Service, praised the new team: “This extra trauma team is a game-changer for Londoners. A London Ambulance paramedic paired with a Barts Health senior doctor ensures top-level care on the spot. It comes at a crucial time as reduced daylight limits helicopter flights during winter.”
She concluded: “As we face a tough winter, this boost means we can continue delivering expert clinical care to the capital’s most seriously injured.”
