The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) met with the chair of BASICS (NI) Davy Green, and other members on 11 March. BASICS (NI) is a local group of the British Association for Immediate Care, comprising volunteer doctors who deliver prehospital emergency medicine across Northern Ireland (NI) in support of the ambulance service. However, cover in the West is extremely limited which is worrying for rural families.
Chair of the UFU rural affairs committee Jennifer Hawkes said, “We had a very positive meeting with BASICS NI which provides a vital service to rural communities and farm families in NI. Currently there are 11 volunteers mainly based in the South and Mid East areas of the province. What is extremely concerning is the limited amount of volunteer cover in the West. In rural areas, ambulance response times and journeys to hospital may be longer, meaning that patients may wait longer for some time-critical interventions.
“We encourage health professionals in rural areas to consider giving some of their time to volunteer with BASICS. Their members are GPs, emergency medicine consultants and anaesthetists who have undergone additional training in prehospital care, and offer 24/7 support to Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) crews and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) supported by Air Ambulance NI, both of which provide vital and much-needed services to farm families. Their professionalism and expertise can make a huge difference when an accident occurs, especially when a life is at risk.
“We are indebted to the BASICS NI members who volunteer their time and resources to care for our rural communities. It is an extremely beneficial voluntary group, which is invaluable to rural communities. All support will be welcome.”
To find out more or to get in touch with BASICS NI, email basics.ni@btinternet.com.
There is also an NI Agri-Rural Health forum webinar taking place on 7 April at 7pm, and anyone working in health care in rural areas is invited to attend. To register your interest click here.
