North West Air Ambulance Charity expands its services

The North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) is expanding its services by introducing 'blood on board' for all its vehicles and increasing its night car service from two to seven nights a week.

This move will allow the charity to provide blood transfusions at the scene of emergencies, improving survival chances for victims suffering severe blood loss.

The introduction of blood on all platforms ensures that all vehicles are equipped with blood supplies (Image: Supplied)

Andy Curran, medical director at NWAA, said: "This advancement will make a big difference.

"It means we're now able to give blood to patients at the roadside, in their gardens, in car parks... essentially, wherever it's needed.

"Whether we arrive by helicopter or car, our teams will be able to give this lifesaving treatment as early as possible, and ultimately, save more lives."

The charity's night car service expansion will enable its critical care paramedics and doctors to provide coverage from 6pm to 2am, 365 days a year.

Mr Curran added: "We anticipate that our crew will help an additional 1,000 patients per year, due to the expansion of the vital night car service.

"We want to make sure that people get enhanced pre-hospital care to improve their chances of survival."

The charity is calling on members of the public to support their local blood banks (Image: Supplied)

The charity can provide blood on board its helicopters and cars with the support of Salford Royal, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Blood Bikes, and North West Blood Bikes.

A spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Blood Bikes and North West Blood Bikes said: "By delivering vital blood products to their fleet, we are helping to make emergency blood transfusions possible at the scene, giving patients a greater chance of survival.

"It's an honour to be part of such a crucial partnership that directly impacts lives across the region."

The charity calls on the public to support local blood banks amidst a national shortage of O-negative blood.