In April 1981 in Surrey, Service by EmergencyRider Volunteers was set up
to supply a quick and reliable means of Transporting Emergency Blood and Blood Products
to the hospitals and medical facilities at night.
Prior to SERV the only means available to hospitals, doctors
and other medical establishments for the transport of emergency blood supplies at
night were the following:
- Taxi
- Ambulance
- Police
- Courier
- Transfusion service vehicle
Each of these options had good and bad points:
Taxis: The advantage of these was that there were plenty of them. The disadvantage was reliability and cost. The cost to hospitals would range from £30 - £60 or more depending on location. The hospital also had to wait for one to be available and it was not guaranteed how long it would take to deliver.
Ambulance: Fast and able to respond quickly. The disadvantage was it removed a much-needed emergency vehicle from service during the transport time.
Police: Fast and able to respond quickly. The disadvantage was it removed a much-needed emergency vehicle from service during the transport time.
Courier: Limited availability during the night. High cost for service
Transfusion Service: Own vehicles are used during the day. Availability during the night was limited and hospitals were charged for the service.
SERV supplies this service FREE of any charge, thus freeing up much-needed funds for improved patient care and other needed facilities within the hospital.
