The critical role of Magpas Air Ambulance in saving lives during the fatal Bedford train collision in June was recognised this week during a special royal visit.
The medical team, the first air ambulance service to land at the crash site, met with their royal patron, HRH The Princess Royal, on Tuesday (29 September).
The event celebrated the lifesaving partnerships that enable the charity to support Bedfordians in their most critical moments.
Royal recognition
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The charity hosted emergency services colleagues, including police, fire and ambulance teams who responded alongside Magpas clinicians at the Bedford rail collision.
The team also highlighted their rapid response to a separate major incident at Huntingdon station earlier this year.
Magpas Air Ambulance chief executive Daryl Brown MBE DL said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness back to the Magpas Air Ambulance base, having last visited to officially open the building, which has helped our advanced medical teams respond to more patients than ever before in recent years.
“This celebration of lifesaving partnerships today highlighted the vital importance of partnership working, and acknowledged the professionalism, dedication and compassion demonstrated by all those involved in the responses to the Huntingdon and Bedford major incidents.
“We are always proud of our medical team members, who are there for our communities, families and loved ones, should the worst happen.
“But also of the supporters who are vital to enabling the medical team to respond when every second counts.
“We’re truly grateful for HRH The Princess Royal’s recognition of everyone who helps to save lives and for her wonderful support of Magpas Air Ambulance.”
Vital support
Read: Bedford train crash report highlights technical faults and missed warnings
The visit concluded with the clinical team showing the Princess the advanced treatments they provide on scene.
They also discussed their ongoing mission to train the local community in bystander CPR.
The charity operates 24 hours a day to bring advanced critical care to patients across Bedfordshire and the wider region, relying entirely on public donations rather than government funding.
