Every story and update from EMICS.
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We are writing to inform our members, volunteers, supporters and partners about a data security incident affecting Beacon CRM, a third-party software provider we use to manage donations and web form contacts.
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EMICS Stories East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) is delighted to announce a landmark £20,000 grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund. This significant funding will be used to secure the charity’s core operational infrastructure, ensuring our volunteer Doctors and Paramedics remain fully supported to deliver advanced pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) across the region. To celebrate the…
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EMICS (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme) is proud to announce the receipt of a £1,000 donation from Gates Garden Centre, following a highly successful festive fundraising campaign. The funds were raised through the sale of “Charity Jingle Bells” at Gates’ Garden Centre locations throughout the Christmas season. On January 22nd, Nigel Gates officially presented the…
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A runner who collapsed near the end of a Nottingham Half Marathon has praised the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) for their rapid response, which was crucial in preventing life-threatening complications. Ollie had been on track to complete the race when he suffered a sudden collapse around a mile from the finish line. He…
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Three members of Stamford XT 41 Club recently met in Collyweston, North Northamptonshire, to mark the club’s generous donation of £2,850 to the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). The funds went towards purchasing new, specialised medical equipment bags for the charity’s critical care team. Paramedic George Duffin, who arrived in one of the EMICS…
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Dr Abi Forsyth recently met Olivia Ridgard, the Carnival Queen of Derbyshire, to receive a cheque for an incredible £1,660, funds Olivia raised throughout her reign in support of EMICS, her chosen Charity of the Year. “Every penny raised helps us continue to bring hospital-level care to patients at the scene of emergencies, we’re so…
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The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) is proud to be working more closely with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Earlier this year, the Trust donated a LUCAS chest compression device to support EMICS’s life-saving work. As part of this collaboration, Dr Simon Topham, a volunteer EMICS doctor, delivered two specialist training sessions for the…
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The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) has recently introduced two cutting-edge developments to our clinical capability: the Polar Life Pod for Ice Cold Water Immersion (ICWI) and a trial of the Epoc NXS Blood Analyser. These innovations give our clinicians new ways to assess, diagnose, and treat patients before they reach hospital. Polar Life…
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A runner who collapsed during the Robin Hood Half Marathon has praised medical staff who used a “pioneering” treatment to help him recover from heat exertion. A record number of entrants took part in runs for the event last month, with organisers saying more than 14,000 participants signed up for the half and mini marathons. After becoming…
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Every second counts in an emergency. That’s why the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) is introducing its new callsign: MEDIC 20, replacing XD04. The new identifier ensures EMICS’ critical care teams can be dispatched faster and more efficiently when 999 calls come in. A callsign is the unique identifier used by the ambulance call…
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Having stepped down as Chairman of EMICS after nearly 40 years in post, I want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to all who have supported the charity in so many different ways. RACS and then EMICS have never been a “one man band” but a team effort. Our volunteer Doctors…
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A new chapter for EMICS East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) is proud to share some important updates as we continue our mission to provide immediate medical care to those who need it most across our region. Leadership changes After 40 long years of dedicated service, we announce that Dr Tim Gray MBE our Chair…
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Press Release Two Nottingham-based medical organisations have announced a new partnership to strengthen frontline care, expand response capacity, and improve outcomes for patients. East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS), the independent charity providing hospital-level care at the scene of emergencies, has partnered with Central Medical Services (CMS) to increase its operational capabilities including providing an…
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As the UK marks 20 years since the 7 July 2005 London bombings this week, EMICS doctor Dr Peter Holden reflects on his role in the emergency response to the Tavistock Square bus explosion, an event that helped shape Britain’s approach to pre-hospital care and major incident planning. At 09:47 on that Thursday morning, a…
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On Friday 20 June, a group of EMICS supporters took on the challenge of climbing Mount Snowdon, raising over £3,500 (and counting!) in support of our vital emergency medical work. They had sunshine from start to finish, the group enjoyed breathtaking views, though temperatures soared to a scorching 30°C. Among the climbers was 4-year-old Janosch,…
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A man was airlifted to hospital after suffering a serious injury in a fall from height in Lincolnshire this week. He was found conscious but in need of urgent care. The on-call EMICS team, Dr Simon Topham and Paramedic Roger Linnell, arrived within minutes in the Fast Response Vehicle (Critical Care Car), just two minutes…
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EMICS Update Every week, EMICS doctors and paramedics help restart a heart following cardiac arrest. One in five of our patients receives anesthetics to relieve severe pain. Every day, your support makes these advanced, life-saving interventions possible. At the roadside, in a remote field, or in people’s homes. Now, we’re looking ahead to secure our future. In…
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After calling 111 on the 20 February 2025 with severe back pain and breathing difficulties, I was advised to go to A&E, I was throwing up and passed out in reception and was rushed through. Dr. Dave Ridley was on duty at the hospital in his Consultant capacity, but also mentioned he was a volunteer…
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We are grateful to Derby Daybreak Rotary Club for raising £4,000 to help us invest in equipment that will strengthen our lifesaving work. Their hard work over the last two years and generous support will ensure that our volunteer doctors have the tools to provide critical care and give patients the best possible chance of…
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Imagine a driver trapped in a car after a high-speed motorway crash, bleeding heavily. A child in a rural village struggling for breath after a severe allergic reaction. A runner collapsing mid-race as their heart suddenly stops. A victim of a violent assault needing urgent intervention to survive. A few minutes without oxygen, without a…
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EMICS Update This International Women’s Day (8 March 2025), the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) celebrates two women in pre-hospital emergency medicine: Jean Cragg MBE, a pioneering paramedic and EMICS longest-standing female member, and Dr. Abigail Forsyth, the newest doctor to join the team. Jean’s career began in 1978, at a time when female paramedics were…
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We welcome five new expert doctors and one paramedic to our team: Dr Simon Topham Beginning his volunteer work in the late 1980s as a GP trainee in North Yorkshire. Although his background is in General Practice, his passion lies in Emergency Medicine. After five years in the Scottish Highlands, he returned to the East…
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Dr. Tim Baker and Paramedic Roger Linnell were on standby when an urgent call came in from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS). A person in Nottingham had suffered a cardiac arrest at home—their heart had stopped beating. The EMICS team in the Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) was the first to arrive, followed by an EMAS…
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A Lincolnshire family donated £700 to EMICS through donations made in memory of Margaret Haresign, who sadly died in August 2024. Geoff Haresign, Margaret’s husband, described the work of EMICS as ‘truly inspiring’ and a ‘tremendous asset to the communities across East Midlands’. Geoff said: “Through the generosity of our wonderful friends and family who…
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On 28 February 2025, BBC’s Ady Dayman from BBC Leicester Radio Breakfast Show spoke with Dr. Matt Woods outside Leicester Cathedral about the Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate volunteers, key workers, and everyday heroes. Matt’s story is just one of many. [Listen to the interview here – 2.09 in] In 2023, Matt was nominated…
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Friends, family, and colleagues of the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), Army responders, and other local service providers, are lacing up their boots to conquer Wales’ highest peak – Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) to raise vital funds for the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). This fundraising effort will help keep EMICS equipped and on the…
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EMICS, a volunteer doctor charity, operating across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire has received sponsorship from David Burrows-Sutcliffe, a specialist in Legal Training & Consultancy for Major Incident Management & Resilience. During a meeting with members of the EMICS team, David reinforced his commitment to supporting emergency responders by announcing his sponsorship for…
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Residents of Lincolnshire can now benefit from further enhanced emergency medical care when faced with a life-threatening situation, such as severe trauma, cardiac arrest or a major road accident. This specialist intervention is usually available only to patients in the hospital setting and has been shown to significantly improve survival rates by delivering critical treatment…
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Jean Cragg MBE, a volunteer Paramedic with East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme, was selected to be one of the Paramedics to meet HRH Prince William, at the recent College of Paramedics Conference in Birmingham, where he became their Patron. Jean, who has dedicated 45 years to to her profession, was the first operational Paramedic in…
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As the Rotary Club’s year of supporting EMICS comes to an end, the local community group has raised £3,000 to support the vital work of the charity. EMICS was proudly selected as the Rotary Club President’s chosen charity for the year (2024). Every call out for EMICS costs, on average, around £80. With approximately 100…
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Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to announce the donation of a LUCAS machine – a mechanical chest compression device – to the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS).This donation aligns with EMICS’ celebration of 40 years of voluntary service, delivering critical emergency care across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire. The LUCAS machine, which was…
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Jayne Saville, a dog trainer from Rutland, recently walked an estimated 480,000 steps, raising more than £1,250 for EMICS (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme) in memory of her late mother. Jayne’s mother passed away suddenly from an acute medical condition. While immediate advanced medical intervention could not have changed the outcome, the experience left Jayne…
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Dr. Peter Hughes recently appeared on BBC Radio Leicester with Ady Dayman to discuss the vital work of EMICS. You can listen to the interview here (starting at 50 minutes 50 seconds). _____ Dr. Peter Hughes, a Specialist Registrar in Anaesthesia based in Leicester, goes beyond his hospital duties by volunteering with EMICS (East Midlands…
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A collision between a bus and a lorry on the A46 near Cossington left 36 individuals requiring medical care last week (November 2024). Dr. Peter Hughes, a volunteer with EMICS (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme), was one of first medical professionals to arrive at the scene in the EMICS fast response vehicle. Emergency responders arriving…
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The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) has received the “Outstanding Achievement” award from the East Midlands Major Trauma Network. This award highlights the dedication of EMICS volunteers, who have been instrumental in delivering life-saving, high-quality emergency care across the region for over 40 years, with more than 50,000 patients treated to date. This recognition…
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Watch Dr. Tim Baker on NottsTV. Tune in at 12:45. Hear Dr. Baker discuss his crucial volunteer role with the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). From severe car crashes to other critical incidents, when one of our doctors are on call, we will often receive direct requests from NHS paramedics or the 999 call…
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EMICS Stories The story shared in this interview with BBC Leicester Breakfast Show revolves around the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) and the impactful role it plays in providing emergency medical assistance. Timestamp: 1.12 – 1.20. Mandy, a mother, recounts a tragic event that took place nearly two years ago when her daughter Amy was involved…
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Dr. Tim Baker, a General Practitioner (GP) in Nottingham, has devoted the past 12 years to serving as a volunteer doctor with the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS), attending to over 1,000 emergency call-outs. With an average of 120 call-outs each year, he plays a crucial role in saving approximately three lives every week.…
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Listen now to a story of courage, survival, and the extraordinary work of our volunteer doctors. EMICS (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme) has been saving lives for over 40 years, and in that time, we’ve treated more than 50,000 patients in their most critical moments. One of those lives saved was Peter’s. Listen to Peter’s…
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Peter, a 64-year-old runner from Leicester, suffered a cardiac arrest during a 10K race earlier this year. Known for his regular participation in local park runs, Peter had previously experienced a minor heart attack five years ago but had been cleared to continue running. “I was a bit nervous because I hadn’t done a 10K…
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A Manchester-bound flight from Gran Canaria was forced to make an emergency landing in Santiago, Northern Spain, after a passenger suffered a life-threatening medical emergency. The actions of Dr. Andrew Mockridge, who was onboard, were critical in stabilising the passenger until the plane could safely land. Dr. Mockridge, a volunteer EMICS doctor and soon-to-be consultant…
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EMICS, the charity that has provided crucial pre-hospital emergency care for the past four decades, is pleased to announce the launch of its “40 days for 40 years” birthday fundraising campaign, celebrating its 40th anniversary. Running from 21 September to 31 October, the campaign seeks to raise £10,000 to support EMICS’ ongoing mission to deliver…
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In 2023, two university students were victims of stabbings in Nottingham which made national headlines. Minutes after 999 was called, Dr. Tim Baker, a GP by day and EMICS volunteer, arrived to assist East Midlands Ambulance Service, the police, and the air ambulance team. Resources were split between the two victims – one was rushed…
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EMICS Update This summer, Dr. Tim Baker brought an exciting and educational twist to the Karate Union of Great Britain’s (KUGB) summer school. As a skilled GP by day, Dr. Tim, and volunteer EMICS volunteer emergency medic in his own time, taught the young karate students first aid in a way that was both engaging and memorable.…
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Many assume ambulance services can handle any emergency, but this isn’t always the case. Dr. Dan Crook, Clinical Lead for Emergency Medicine at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and a dedicated volunteer with the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) since 2018, plays a vital role in providing critical care in rural communities in and around Buxton.…
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Fundraising 41 participants tackled a 5K inflatable obstacle course in Lincolnshire to support your local fast-response charity ambulance service. This team, consisting of EMICS staff, volunteer doctors, and community supporters, not only completed the challenge but also raised over £800 for our life-saving charity. Our goal is £1,000—can you help us reach it? Roger, Operations…
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The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS), a charity that supports the local NHS ambulance service, has been awarded a £5,000 grant from The Foyle Foundation. This grant is part of the foundation’s initiative to support small charities operating at grassroots and local community levels.
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In July, the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) featured LIVE on NOTSTV, to highlight our vital fundraising efforts and celebrate the appointment of Roger Linell as our first paid Operations Manager. Roger, an ambulance service professional with an impressive 33-year career, shared EMICS’s journey and details of their his fundraising event. “I feel very…
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EMICS Update We are thrilled to announce the release of our new “about us” video, showcasing the vital on-scene care we provide during serious 999 calls across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, and Northamptonshire.
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Donating Following EMICS’s Dr Tim Gray MBE’s inspiring talk, we are delighted to receive a generous donation of £500 from the RCLE Charity Trust Fund. This support is instrumental in helping us recruit a new medical professional and ensure they have the specialised training and equipment needed to provide life-saving care. Together, we are making a…
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EMICS Update EMICS (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme) has reached a significant milestone with the permanent acquisition of its Fast Response Vehicle (FRV), marking the end of a successful trial period. Initially loaned by Smart Metering Services and BASICS (the national organisation supporting Immediate Care Schemes), the FRV has now found a permanent home with EMICS, thanks…
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EMICS Update In a significant milestone for the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS), the organisation has appointed its first paid staff member in nearly four decades. Roger Linnell boasts an impressive 33 years of service within the National Health Service (NHS) and various private healthcare sectors. He began his career in the ambulance service, later spending…
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EMICS Update In a bid to increase emergency medical care in the East Midlands, Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, has written an open letter championing the ‘invaluable services’ provided by East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). Established in 1984, EMICS has been at the forefront of delivering specialised emergency medical treatment across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland,…
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EMICS Stories A heartfelt thank you has reached us from a daughter who lost her father to a major heart attack. Despite the outcome, she found solace in the incredible support from our EMICS doctor and the paramedics. ‘The Doctor and paramedics were incredible that day, particularly by making the terrible news slightly easier to understand,’ she…
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Donating Supporting the incredible work of the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) has never been easier. If you enjoy online shopping, here’s a way to make your purchases directly benefit the lifesaving efforts of our volunteer doctors! We’re excited to introduce easyfundraising, a simple way to raise funds for EMICS with no extra cost to…
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EMICS Stories In the face of unimaginable loss, the value of time becomes immeasurable. We recently received a heartrending message from a mother who lost her daughter in a tragic road traffic collision. Her words shine a light on a unique aspect of the care provided by EMICS doctors. ‘We miss our daughter terribly but will be…
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EMICS Stories This past weekend, the East Midlands witnessed the valor and unwavering dedication of our EMICS doctors, who were instrumental in providing life-saving care in two harrowing incidents in Leicester. On Friday evening, the swift action of two EMICS doctors was pivotal in the aftermath of a stabbing in Leicester. They were first to arrive at…
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Donating We are excited to share a heartwarming moment that happened this week! We want to give a big shoutout to the Rutland Lions for their generous donation to our cause. In the picture, Kev Gladding, President of Rutland Lions, presents a cheque to EMICS’ Dr Tim Gray MBE. This support fuels our mission to provide…
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Partners We are delighted to extend our heartfelt thanks to ATS Euromaster for their invaluable support to our cause. In a generous gesture of community spirit and dedication to emergency medical services, ATS Euromaster has donated new tyres for our Fast Response Vehicle (FRV). This contribution enhances the safety and efficiency of our operations and underscores…
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EMICS Stories “A few weeks ago I was in the Adult Intensive Care Unit, pacing the floor, waiting to find out if my husband was going to live or die after witnessing a serious incident which nearly took his life; he was close to death in my arms. But he lived and has made an impressive 100%…
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Donating In the world of emergency medical care, it’s often the small gestures that leave the biggest impact. Today, we at EMICS are thrilled to share a story that perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the local Masonic groups for their incredibly generous donation of teddy bears to our Fast Response Vehicles.…
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Donating The Bakewell Rotary Club generously supported EMICS responders this holiday season, bringing the community together in the spirit of giving. Special shoutout to Alyson Hill, the Mayor of Bakewell, Ann Enders, the President of Bakewell Rotary, and our very own Dan Crook, an EMICS responder. They stood outside Aldi in Bakewell to collect donations, and…
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Doctor Update Success of the FRV Trial: Our FRV, equipped with the latest medical technology, has revolutionised pre-hospital emergency care in the East Midlands. The trial’s success has paved the way for expanded operations and enhanced emergency response capabilities. Expanding Our Team: EMICS seeks skilled doctors with Pre-Hospital Medicine experience to support this growth. This is an extraordinary…
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EMICS Update The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS), renowned for its dedicated network of volunteer doctors providing advanced pre-hospital emergency care, is proud to announce the success of its Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) trial. This pioneering FRV, equipped with state-of-the-art medical apparatus such as the Hamilton Ventilator and an Ultrasound Machine, can be instrumental in enhancing…
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EMICS Update This week saw the much anticipated and exciting arrival of our charity’s first-ever dedicated Critical Care Car. Presented to EMICS from our incredibly generous donor, Smarter Metering Services (SMS), the arrival of the Critical Care Car marks a vital and significant development for the future of EMICS. At a formal handover at Nottingham’s Wollaton Hall…
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Donating We’ve all heard the expression ‘a little goes a long way’ and if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the smallest things can make the biggest impact. There’s no better example of that than Run for Heroes, the charity which started the legendary 5km running challenge – Run 5, Donate 5, Nominate 5…
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Donating Twelve months ago, many of us would never have envisaged a global pandemic let alone be prepared for the impact such would have on our lives. As this week marks the one-year anniversary since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our management team reflected on the unprecedented circumstances in which we all find ourselves. At…
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Almost one year on since the outbreak of COVID-19 here in the UK, our team of volunteer doctors continue to work tirelessly to ensure, despite operating in the difficult circumstances of a pandemic, that they maintain the high standard of pre-hospital care that EMICS offers. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for the devastating impact we have witnessed on many…
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Our volunteer doctors offer a wide range of advanced skills that are not routinely provided by NHS pre-hospital resources. One of these very specialist skills is the ability to provide pre-hospital surgical intervention in the most extreme of circumstances. Each individual doctor carries all of the kit necessary at all times. In order to prepare…
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Donating In the early hours of 2 January one of our volunteer Doctors worked along side our EMAS paramedic colleagues to treat a seriously ill patient using the pacing facility on his Schiller monitor. This is an advanced care skill not routinely available in the pre-hospital environment. This enabled the patient to be safely transferred to…
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Emergency Story One of our recent call-outs was to a Motocross accident where a patient had sustained a severe open fracture dislocation of his ankle. The accident happened in the Peak District and as one of our doctors was at home nearby at the time he was first on scene within a matter of minutes. A member…
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EMICS Update We have recently invested a great deal of time and effort into the development of the EMICS Extranet. We identified a need to improve communication and governance in our system and with the expertise of Peak Net we have produced a platform that covers all of our needs. Here are some of the features of…
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EMICS Update Simulation training offers a safe space to develop communication skills, decision making skills and teamwork. It allows the testing and trial of new equipment and processes without any risks to patients. Simulation is often done ‘in situ’ meaning that the simulation is conducted in the same or similar environment that the patient is cared for.…
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Statement Dr Nick Foster, a gentleman who was instrumental in the formation of EMICS recently passed away. We pause to remember our respected, dedicated, valued colleague and friend. Nick was a legend in GP-PHEM where he inspired, taught and mentored many in the East Midlands. Leicestershire Live published a wonderful tribute in the days following his death,…
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EMICS Update Much like the rest of the world, the charity sector has been hit hard by Covid-19. EMICS combines two elements which have had to adapt, our medical response and our charity management. Alongside the increase in their usual workload, EMICS doctors continue to respond throughout the pandemic. Our doctors had to adapt quickly to updated…
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Emergency Story Alongside pre-hospital medicine expertise, our volunteer doctors have a vast range of skills. Dr Chris Press, our Clinical Lead, has more than 10 years’ mountain rescue experience that he was able to put to good use to help this patient. EMICS was called alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service and Edale Mountain Rescue to assist a…
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