Essential personal protective equipment for the crews of the Magpas air ambulance during the coronavirus crisis has been provided thanks to a grant of £5,000 from Cambridgeshire Freemasons.
Magpas Air Ambulance brings crucial lifesaving care by land and air to patients in life-threatening emergencies in the East of England and beyond. They support the ambulance service paramedic crews by giving advanced procedures and treatments at the scene, such as general anaesthetic, which are usually only available in hospital; when time is of the essence.
The donation will help to purchase a range of PPE such as; high-protection masks, protective suits, respirators, gloves and gowns to keep the air ambulance crews safe to operate on the frontline.
Cambridgeshire Freemasons are regular contributors to local Air Ambulances. Last year alone, they received £9,000, with 20 Air Ambulances across England and Wales receiving £180,000 in total from Freemasons across England and Wales.
The grant from Cambridgeshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
In response to the extraordinary need created by the coronavirus pandemic, Freemasonry is providing special funding of £2.75 million for projects helping those who are particularly affected by the virus. This extra money comes on top of the estimated £45 million given to charity every year by Freemasons.
Lucy Chapman, Magpas Air Ambulance Director of Fundraising, said:
“We’re very grateful to Cambridgeshire Freemasons for their generous grant. This personal protective equipment is essential to keep our air ambulance crew flying during the coronavirus emergency. We’ll be able to carry on providing life-saving treatment to local people while keeping our team safe and protected.”
Michael Hinton, from Cambridgeshire Freemasons, said:
“Magpas air ambulance crews do a vital job helping local people who need emergency treatment, and it’s only right that they have the protective equipment they need to stay safe while they do their work. I’m proud that the Freemasons are continuing our long-standing support for this essential service.”