THE Women on Wednesday group held its ‘Summer Supper and Social Evening’ meeting on Wednesday, August 1, in Clawton Village Hall, where a donation to BASICS Doctors for Emergency Care was made.

Members also enjoyed a ‘bring and share’ supper and celebrated the fact that they had had a very successful third year in existence.

Dr David Hillebrandt, a representative from the BASICS organisation, based in Devon, which provides a volunteer doctor emergency response service, was also present and gave a talk about the vital work of this service.

He said: “To know that you were being treated by a ‘BASICS’ doctor during an emergency may sound slightly worrying. However, BASICS is an acronym for the British Association for Immediate Care and the doctor who carries it is highly qualified, experienced and equipped to deliver hospital level care at an accident or medical emergency, right here in the community. “

In Devon there are ten volunteer doctors endeavouring to offer a 24 hour emergency service in support of the local ambulance crews and the helicopter services. The Post’s area is covered by Dr David Hillebrandt from Holsworthy and Dr Angus Macdonald from Stratton who between them attend about 70 incidents per year. A map on the BASICS website illustrates the area and incidents they have attended — to view the map visit www.basics-devon.org.uk

BASICS doctors carry pagers and radio handsets and are mobilised by the emergency control desk from ambulance headquarters in Exeter. Most respond on the blue lights. They train and work closely with the local retained fire services, paramedics, police, coastguards, RNLI and Dartmoor rescue teams. Living locally and with a GP’s knowledge of the area, they are frequently the first to arrive on scene.

Dr Hillebrandt said: “Our cases include medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests and road traffic accidents which are particularly challenging on our rural roads. Further challenges specific to our locality include drownings, cliff falls and agricultural incidents. Summer tourist traffic and bikers increase the workload but winter presents challenges all of its own.”

As with all voluntary bodies the organisation has to raise funds to equip its vehicles and keep training up to date although items such as radios, some drugs and intravenous fluids are provided by the ambulance service. Several local organisations are now actively supporting this fourth emergency service and publicity fliers will be seen around the area.

Dr Hillebrandt added: “Hopefully you or your family will never need a BASICS doctor but when driving always use your rear-view mirror: if you see a blue/green light, don’t panic, indicate to show you are aware, then slow down and pull in when safe to do. Take the next bit of your journey slowly since there may be an accident around the next corner.”

BASICS Devon is a charity and receives no government funding, therefore relying on donations and with this in mind, the club was delighted to be able to present a cheque for £100 to the organisation, raised by hosting a dance earlier in the year.

Dr Hillebrandt was thanked by members who had no doubts about the importance of this vital and worthwhile service in a rural community such as theirs.