New suits for medics on red alert

PARAMEDIC aircrew on Devon Air Ambulance Trust's two helicopters are to wear bright red flight suits in future to make them more identifiable.

The distinctive suits will reflect the red of the helicopters, red being the internationally-recognised colour of the emergency services, and have been introduced thanks to fundraising by a Plymouth golf club.

Nigel Hare, a paramedic and the trust's clinical support officer, said: "The change from green to red flight suits is part of a broader policy.

"The new colour will help distinguish aircrew from the land ambulance paramedics in emergency situations which require a multi- role response, such as a major road traffic collision.

"At the same time, the land ambulance crews are all going green to further enhance the different identities.

Mr Hare said the colour would also help make the crews easier to spot when attending emergencies in remote locations.

"We sometimes land in country lanes and have to negotiate fields or moorland, so anything that more clearly identifies us to patients and others involved in an incident will help us all," he said.

Devon Air Ambulance chief executive Helena Holt thanked the captain and members of Staddon Heights Golf Club in Plymouth for funding the new suits.