East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme launches public appeal to mark its 40th anniversary

Emergency medics are on a mission to raise £10,000 within the next month to mark a milestone anniversary.

The East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme has been running for 40 years and is calling on the public to help safeguard its future.

The charity’s volunteer medics have responded to 50,000 emergencies.

One of its most high-profile cases was the fatal stabbing of two university students in Nottingham last year which volunteer Dr Tim Baker attended.

He said: "These events are thankfully rare but they are tragic beyond comprehension. I feel privileged to be able to help and to be in the right place at the right time."

The charity was launched by Dr Tim Gray who realised there was a need for better on-the-ground medical care.

A policeman knocked on his door one snowy night asking for Tim’s help at the scene of a car crash. While he had the right skills, Tim realised he didn’t have the right equipment and the idea of EMICS was born.

The scheme started out as the Rutland Accident Care Scheme before branching out and rebranding.

Its volunteer doctors and paramedics can reach emergencies quickly in a fast-response vehicle having been requested by either the East Midlands Ambulance Service control room or directly from ambulance crews.

To mark its anniversary EMICS launched a “40 days for 40 years” campaign this week with the aim of raising £10,000 between September 21 and October 31.

Dr Gray said: “This anniversary is a moment to reflect on our history. Over the past 40 years EMICS has responded to more than 50,000 emergency calls, saving countless lives and improving outcomes for thousands more.

“It’s also an opportunity to thank our many supporters, to look forward and to secure our future.

"EMICS wouldn’t be here without the community’s support and we need your help now more than ever. Your donations keep us ready to respond, whether it’s emergency heart surgery on a city street or providing care in rural areas.

“We are incredibly proud of the role we’ve played over the last 40 years but our future depends on your generosity."

People can donate to EMICS by visiting the website at www.emics.org.uk