Our service
DLRAA exists to provide a rapid Helicopter Emergency
Medical Service (HEMS) to people when they need us the most.
Our service not only transports patients to the nearest hospital
but routinely carries senior Doctors and Consultants to the scene
of emergency incidents in just minutes, providing lifesaving
treatment and medication at the scene and en-route to hospital. In
essence, we take the hospital to the patient, providing the best
possible chance of a full recovery.
We aspire to provide the best possible care to our patients and
to achieve this we constantly measure our effectiveness and manage
our performance. Modern healthcare provision is constantly changing
and now requires the rapid treatment and transportation of
critically ill patients to specialist trauma centres.
By bringing expert care to the scene we can provide medical
intervention within minutes, whilst also ensuring patients are
taken to the right hospital for their needs, not just the
nearest.
Our helicopters
Speed is vital when it comes to emergency situations. Receiving
rapid and appropriate medical attention is paramount. DLRAA's
state-of-the-art Agusta helicopter can be in the air in just 45
seconds from the time of an emergency call. With a top speed of
200mph it is the fastest civilian helicopter available, and our
average response time is just 6 minutes.
The Agusta also has the lowest cabin vibration of any air
ambulance helicopter, essential when transporting serious head,
neck or spinal injuries, and has enough cabin space for two
stretcher patients and for treatment to continue to the whole body
if necessary. DLRAA takes the hospital to the patient and has saved
countless lives.
Training
As well as providing expert clinical care, we also have an
impact on society in a much wider sense. The training programmes we
run in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and Pre-Hospital Emergency
Medicine for junior doctors, paramedics and nurses all have a
beneficial effect on the long-term future of the local NHS. In
addition, our engagement of volunteers not only brings vital funds
into the service, but also benefits the many individuals who join
us by giving them training, work experience and a sense of purpose.
Our schools education
programmes on first aid drive community awareness and also have an
effect on the greater society.
Clinical excellence
We have developed a robust governance structure to
ensure our doctors and paramedics provide the best
evidencebased clinical practice to our patients. Our
Clinical Governance Group (CGG) examines all aspects of
the delivery of a high quality healthcare system. In our
constant drive for excellence, we are ensuring that we are
ready to meet the standards required for registration as a
healthcare provider with the Care Quality Commission
(CQC).