THE Cornwall Air Ambulance has a new lifesaving piece of equipment thanks to donation from charitable trusts and the Freemasons, who have lodges in Bude, Launceston and Callington.

Since the ultrasound monitor was added to the service it has helped several, severely injured and ill patients by giving paramedics a ‘window into the patients body’.

Air operation officer Steve Garvey said: “Having the ultrasound monitor on board the helicopter enables us to bring even more critical care to the patient. In addition to signaling the need for intervention, the scans help us to select the best hospital unit for a patient because we can see the extent of their injuries or even the nature of a cardiac arrest.”

The new technology has allowed paramedics to identify internal injuries and bleeding and give a clear picture of the patient’s organs. This is particularly valuable where no visible signs of a penetrating injury are present, as it can show paramedics the extant of the internal damage caused so air ambulance paramedics can act immediately.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was able to secure the lifesaving technology thanks to generous donations from a number of organisations including the Masonic Charitable Foundation who donated £4,000 to secure the monitor.

Provincial grand master Stephen Pearn said: “Cornish Freemasons remain very loyal supporters of Cornwall Air Ambulance together with its dedicated staff as it provides such an indispensible service to the county and has touched so many people throughout.”

Donations were also received from Carew Pole, Tanner Trust, Patrick Trust, George Cadbury Trust, Norman Family Trust, Devon and Cornwall Police, The Cornishman through their Community Cash Back scheme and Cornwall Council Community Chest — collectively they contributed a further £6,000 to fund the kit.

Susie Croft, head of fundraising for the charity, said: “The support from the Freemasons of Cornwall over the years has been invaluable. This isn’t the first piece of vital equipment on board the helicopter that they have helped to fund and we are delighted that they, along with some other very generous supporters, have helped to purchase the ultrasound meaning that our crew are able to provide the best care possible to someone in their time of need.”