Welcome to EMICS’ birthday fundraiser, celebrating 40 incredible years of providing pre-hospital emergency care across the East Midlands. Since 1983, our volunteer doctors have responded to over 50,000 emergencies, saving lives and improving outcomes for thousands. Now, as we mark this milestone, we invite you to join our mission and help us continue this vital work.
From 21 September to 31 October, we aim to raise £10,000—one pound for every five lives EMICS has touched. These funds will go directly towards supporting our doctors, ensuring they have the essential medical equipment and resources needed to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
“This anniversary is a moment to reflect on our history. Over the past 40 years, EMICS has saved countless lives. But it’s also a chance to thank our many supporters and look forward to securing our future. With your support, we can ensure that EMICS is ready to respond for years to come.”
— Dr. Tim Gray MBE, Founder of EMICS
In 1980 emergency response relied on basic care and quick transport to hospitals. Trained in emergency medicine, Dr. Gray saw a clear need for better on-the-ground medical response. One snowy night, he was called to a road traffic accident, but while he had the training, he lacked the necessary equipment.
That moment inspired the creation of EMICS. Dr. Gray gathered local doctors and founded what would later become the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). Fast forward 40 years, EMICS volunteer doctors now respond to emergencies in specially equipped “fast response vehicle” that bring hospital-level care to the patient in minutes. This rapid response dramatically improves survival rates and recovery outcomes, as high-quality medical care is delivered directly at the scene.
There are several ways to participate in the “40 days for 40 years” campaign:
Over the past 40 years, EMICS has been there for over 50,000 people in their most critical moments. Here are just two stories that highlight the dedication and skill of our volunteer doctors:
In 2023, two university students were victims of a stabbing in Nottingham. Minutes after the 999 call, EMICS volunteer Dr. Tim Baker arrived at the scene. His quick action—performing emergency heart surgery on the street—was critical in stabilising one of the victims before they were transferred to the hospital. Read story here >
In the rural Peak District, Dr. Dan Crook, an EMICS volunteer, provided life-saving care to a critically injured patient in an area difficult for ambulances to reach. His rapid response helped stabilise the patient, who was then airlifted to safety. In remote areas, EMICS’ quick intervention often makes all the difference. Read story here >
The stories above are just two of many stories where EMICS volunteers have stepped in during life-or-death situations. Responding only to the most serious cases, EMICS works closely with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), being dispatched either directly by the EMAS Control Room or requested by ambulance crews needing advanced medical support.
Most of our volunteers are NHS professionals with day jobs, who give their free time to provide this crucial care. Together, they deliver life-saving interventions that dramatically improve patient outcomes—whether it’s stabilising a trauma victim at the scene or providing emergency treatments in rural areas where hospitals may be far away.
Every pound you donate helps EMICS continue delivering critical care. Your support will fund:
Help us reach our £10,000 goal and ensure EMICS continues its life-saving mission for years to come. Whether you donate, fundraise, or simply share our campaign, your support makes a real difference.
To donate or learn more about the “40 days for 40 years” campaign, please visit our JustGiving page.
#40DaysForEMICS
Registered office: The Lodge, 2 Pasture Lane, Barleythorpe, RUTLAND, LE15 7EQ
Charity Number: 1188852
