Medical unit
to rescue in
city centres

The unit is equipped to the same standard as an ambulance but has a clinical assessment and treatment area for patients, as well as a waiting area.

Units are already deployed at weekends and bank holidays in cities in the region.

It will also be used at major events – among them the upcoming Tour de France, and race days in York which place heavy demands on emergency services. Health officials have claimed 
that the unit will help to relieve pressure on busy emergency departments and free up ambulances.

In 2013-14, 765 patients were seen in a unit in Leeds, saving 350 ambulance journeys. Most patients were male and aged between 18 and 30 and suffering from wound injuries.

The initiative has been funded by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charitable Fund using donations and legacies from grateful patients and their families, and fund-raising across the region.