Flying medics to provide quicker access to life saving care across north Wales

Patients in rural areas will have access to quicker life saving care as a 'flying medics' service is rolled out across north Wales.

Before the 'Welsh Flying Medics' service was introduced, all WAA helicopters were staffed by paramedics. But now consultants and critical care practitioners will now also be on board on Wales' flying medics service who work in partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance.

This means more advanced medical procedures can be carried out at the scene of an accident, such as being able to blood transfusions, administer anaesthetics, offer strong painkillers, and conduct a range of medical procedures.

Over the past two years, the 'Flying Medics' have become operational on the WAA helicopters based in Dafen and in Welshpool, but now will be available in Caernarfon.

The service is being launched today at Caernarfon Airport by the Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething AM.

An independent evaluation by the Farr Institute at Swansea University has already started to reveal how the 'Welsh Flying Medics' service is having a positive impact on critical care in Wales.

It says more people in rural areas have equal access to consultant led treatment, and the service has relieved some pressure on frontline NHS emergency services.