Lifesaving paramedics treated their 5000th patient in Thames Valley last weekend.

In the three years since Thames Valley Air Ambulance became an independent healthcare provider, they have attended the victims of road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests and sport injuries.

With both a helicopter and a fleet of critical care response vehicles, the team brought hospital-level care to the roadside of 1,855 people from Bekrshire, 1784 were in Buckinghamshire, and 1202 were in Oxfordshire (the remaining patients being from surrounding areas).

The ability to perform procedures and administer drugs above and beyond those available on a traditional ambulance means the charity fights to give patients the best chance of survival and recovery.

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Chief operating officer Adam Panter said: “Reaching this milestone is a bittersweet moment for our team.

“Although we are proud to have helped so many people in our community, we are all too aware that behind every number is a real person who has been through significant trauma.

“We don’t want anything bad to happen to anyone but, if it does, the care our paramedics and doctors can deliver on scene can make all the difference when it matters most.”

As a charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance relies on the support of the community to deliver its service.

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“5,000 may seem like a big number, but the actual number of people touched by our charity is likely to be even higher, as our aftercare service provides ongoing support to former patients, their loved ones and even bystanders.

“When you need us, we will be with you every step of the way.”