In the United Kingdom, 2,946 people died in road accidents and a further 30,720 persons were seriously injured during 2007. In Gloucestershire there were 256 adults/children either killed or seriously injured in 2007. The ‘cost’ to society from a trauma death has been calculated as around £1,000,000 (as those at most risk are young adults). Although the number of deaths on our roads have generally shown a welcome downturn in recent years, international studies conclude that as many as one-in-five who currently die could be saved by the swift application of medical aid. Around 60% of those killed in road accidents die within the first fifteen minutes. Our doctors fill a vital gap by administering emergency medical aid within their catchment areas. In addition to saving life, treatment given at the scene by an Immediate Care specialist also reduces the suffering of victims and helps to limit permanent disability.

The regional Ambulance Services throughout the United Kingdom provide the Statutory emergency response and, following the introduction of paramedics, there have been significant advances in the management of seriously injured patients by ambulance personnel. Even so there are certain procedures (mostly involving the use of special items of equipment or drugs vital for the treatment of critically injured patients) which can only be undertaken by doctors. In these cases, the doctor works alongside the ambulance crew to provide the highest possible standard of care at the scene.

The aim of the Service is to provide skilled medical aid at the scene of any medical emergency, be it road, rail, industrial, water, domestic or farming. Such aid is particularly necessary where there may be a delay in getting the victim to hospital – either due to the distance involved or when a person is trapped.

The Service undertakes to train and equip participating doctors. Training is an ongoing process since there is a need for a periodic update of clinical skills. BASICS Gloucestershire sponsors doctors to attend Immediate Care training courses. Each doctor is also supplied with a set of specialist Immediate Care equipment, currently costing over £8,000 per set.