A SOMERSET charity that provides a network of doctors to support the ambulance service across the county has thanked a Bridgwater business for a generous donation. 

HIGOS Insurance Bridgwater supports the work of Somerset Accident Voluntary Emergency Service (SAVES) and has donated a further £750.

The SAVES  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 their work is in helping casualties of road traffic collisions, especially those who are trapped and seriously injured.

The charity is also called to give immediate medical care to people who have become critically ill through medical problems or trauma.

The doctors are available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and perform this role in addition to their "day jobs" which are predominantly in General Practice or Accident and Emergency.

In addition to organising and supporting these doctors, SAVES provides specialised equipment and training for this highly specialised role.

Jackie Collings, SAVES Co-ordinator, said: "We would like to Thanks HIGOS Insurance Bridgwater for their continued support and further donation of £750."

Flick Franks of the Higos Community Fund said: “We are delighted to be able to support this fantastic charity once again.

"Higos is a local community broker and our charity fund aims to support charities which make a real difference to the lives of the people in our area.

"SAVES doctors provide a vital lifesaving service to Somerset, bringing hospital treatments to the patient and providing scene management for accidents.

"SAVES make a real difference in our area and we are pleased to be able to help them."