17 March 2008
Jonathan Djanogly recently visited Magpas' Emergency Medical Team to see how they operate alongside the police and the East Anglian Air Ambulance helicopters.

The Magpas team is the lifesaving team on Anglia 2 during daylight hours and then switch to using the police helicopter after dark. They are based at RAF Wyton near Huntingdon.

On Friday, Mr Djanogly visited the team to find out more about their work and the partnership they have with the other organisations.

He was shown around the police helicopter and control room and briefed by the Magpas team who had just delivered a patient to Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Mr Djanogly said, "The Magpas team are trained to a very high standard so they are able to deliver lifesaving treatment at the scenes of very serious incidents. It was fascinating to learn more about the service."

He continued, "Magpas is leading the UK in terms of clinical standards at the scene and we are very lucky to have such dedicated volunteers serving our region."

Ian Brooke, Magpas' Chief Executive said, "When people visit the team they are always amazed that our doctors and paramedics are volunteers doing this on their days off. Our Emergency Medical Team manager co-ordinates them so we manage to provide a seven day service often from 7am until 1am. We are very grateful to Jonathan for his continuing interest in the charity and coming along to meet the team and show his support for their work."

As a charity, Magpas receives no government funding. The lifesaving work of its Emergency Medical Team and its Community First Resoponders is funded entirely by donations and fundraising activities. If you can help call 01480 371 063.

 

Photo: (l to r) Magpas paramedic Rob Elias, Magpas Doctor Alistair Steel, Jonathan Djanogly MP and Ian Brooke, Chief Executive of Magpas.