Friends of PICU fund new high-tech ambulance In June, a brand new state-of-the-art ambulance will be delivered to Southampton General Hospital for dedicated use by the PICU. The £110,000 vehicle has been donated by Friends of PICU following a phenomenal fundraising campaign over the last four years. Our current retrieval ambulance was commissioned in April 2008, replacing the ambulance from 2003. On average the ambulance covers 30,000 miles per year but in light of additional cardiac patient transfers from Oxford John Radcliffe, the mileage has increased. The ambulance collects emergency patients from across the South and the Isle of Wight. There is space in the ambulance for a parent to accompany the child. Hi-tech equipment includes a purpose built trolley containing ventilators, monitor, six syringe drivers, a Braun space + docking station, defibrillator, Portable suction cups, Portable nitric oxide monitor (Noxbox). The trolley also holds 2 E size oxygen and air cylinders and 1 cd oxygen cylinder. It’s wonderful news that the charity is able to provide all the funds for this ambulance. This is a true testament to the kindness of so many people who have donated money, completed a challenge or helped organise an event to achieve the total required. However, while we celebrate the generosity of our supporters, we do not forget the true reminder of what the ambulance is for: to transport seriously-ill children to Southampton for the specialist medical care that PICU is able to provide. The Friends of PICU would like to say a very big ‘Thank You’ to all those who have donated towards this ambulance. |
