SAVES is a registered charity that provides a network of volunteer doctors to support the ambulance service in Somerset. The doctors have specialised training in the emergency management of trauma and medical conditions outside hospital. They respond to incidents at the request of ambulance control in their own cars, which are equipped with blue lights and sirens for those with ambulance approved driver training (and green lights for those who have not).

Most of our work is in helping casualties of road traffic collisions, especially those who are trapped and seriously injured. We are also called to give immediate medical care to people who have become critically ill through medical problems or trauma.



Why the community needs us
SAVES Doctors provide emergency care to any patient and significantly increase their treatment options, potentially benefiting any member of the Somerset community. This can involve advanced assessment of the patient and specialised medical and surgical procedures at the scene of an accident or sudden illness. SAVES work alongside all the emergency services where team work is vital. Some SAVES members are also involved in a national provision of emergency training to other health professionals

Our impact on the community
SAVES supports doctors who have brought specialist knowledge to seriously ill patients in Somerset; saving lives, reducing distress and improving medical outcomes. The expertise and knowledge of SAVES doctors has ensured that patients have benefited from expert medical support across the county. In addition SAVES contributes to training of other health professionals and provides management support to the ambulance service at major incidents such as the M5 accident.