A TEAM of volunteer doctors has received a £2,000 grant towards providing vital life-saving care.

The BASICS charity team, which includes a GP from Chudleigh, was awarded the cash from the Hospital Saturday Fund towards its community project supporting pre-hospital emergency care across rural parts of the county.

The volunteer medics provide 24/7 specialist emergency medical support alongside South Western Ambulance Service.

Covering one of the most rural counties in the UK, the team delivers advanced pre-hospital interventions at the scene of medical and trauma emergencies, significantly improving patient outcomes, relieving suffering and saving lives.

This new funding will contribute towards essential equipment, training, and volunteer support.

It will provide suction units and raptor rescue shears to manage critically ill patients at the roadside and specialist bags and modules to protect patient monitoring equipment.

The money will also be used for vehicle maintenance, fuel costs and volunteer training and education, empowering doctors and community members with lifesaving skills.

Chairman of Trustees, Rob Horton, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to the Hospital Saturday Fund for recognising the importance of our work.

‘The continued generous support will help us expand our reach, strengthen our volunteer team, and ensure patients in even the most remote communities of Devon receive the best possible chance of survival.’

In 2024, BASICS Devon volunteers responded to 371 emergencies, including 55 cardiac arrests.

In 40per cent of these cases, they were the first medical professional on scene.

With Devon’s rural geography and aging population, these additional resources will make a direct and measurable difference to patient care.

This year they have responded to 266 callouts so far.

Among the 16 volunteer doctors is Dr Simon Scott-Hayward, a GP from Chudleigh, who has expertise in urgent and emergency care and also works as Primary Medical Director for South Western Ambulance Service.

He is one of the network of doctors who provide immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness.

The charity relies solely on donations.