EMICS, the charity that has provided crucial pre-hospital emergency care for the past four decades, is pleased to announce the launch of its "40 days for 40 years" birthday fundraising campaign, celebrating its 40th anniversary. Running from 21 September to 31 October, the campaign seeks to raise £10,000 to support EMICS' ongoing mission to deliver life-saving care across the East Midlands.

"This anniversary is a moment to reflect on our history. Over the past 40 years, EMICS has responded to more than 50,000 emergency calls, saving countless lives and improving outcomes for thousands more," said Dr. Tim Gray MBE of EMICS. "But it’s also an opportunity to thank our many supporters and look forward and secure our future. With your support, we can ensure that EMICS is ready to respond for years to come."

In 1980 emergency response relied on basic care and quick transport to hospitals. Trained in emergency medicine, Dr. Gray saw the need for better on-the-ground medical response. One snowy night, he was called out to treat a road traffic accident victim after the local policeman knocked on his door. He realised that while he had the training, he didn’t have the equipment.

That moment sparked the idea for what would become EMICS. Dr. Gray gathered local doctors, and they started the Rutland Accident Care Scheme, which later became the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS). Over time, EMICS improved, with better equipment and expanded services. 40 years later, EMICS volunteer doctors and paramedics can reach emergencies quickly in a "fast response vehicle"—a specially equipped car that brings the hospital to the patient in minutes. This fast response drastically improves survival rates and recovery outcomes, as immediate, high-quality medical care can be delivered at the scene.

The 50,000 emergency cases EMICS has attended range from severe accidents in rural areas to critical incidents in urban settings. One recent example of EMICS’ life-saving impact came in 2023, when two university students were victims of a tragic stabbing in Nottingham that made national headlines. Minutes after the emergency call, Dr. Tim Baker, an EMICS volunteer, arrived on the scene. Performing emergency heart surgery on one of the victims in the street, Dr. Baker’s actions, including an internal heart massage and searching for stab wounds, helped stabilise the victim until they could be rushed to the hospital.

"These events are thankfully rare, but they are tragic beyond comprehension," Dr. Baker reflected. "I feel privileged to be able to help and to be in the right place at the right time."

This is just one of many stories where EMICS volunteers have stepped in during life-or-death situations. Responding only to the most serious cases, EMICS works closely with the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), being dispatched either directly by the EMAS Control Room or requested by ambulance crews needing advanced medical support. Most of our volunteers are NHS professionals with day jobs, who give their free time to provide this crucial care. Together, they deliver life-saving interventions that dramatically improve patient outcomes—whether it's stabilising a trauma victim at the scene or providing emergency treatments in rural areas where hospitals may be far away.

Supporters of the "40 days for 40 years" campaign can get involved in a variety of ways:

Donate: Give £10, £100, or any amount to support EMICS. Every pound ensures that we remain ready to respond to emergencies.

Fundraise: Create a personal fundraising page and rally friends and family to contribute. (To do this, click 'be a fundraiser' in the orange box at the top of this page).

Share: Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #40DaysForEMICS to raise awareness.

"EMICS wouldn’t be here without the community’s support, and we need your help now more than ever," said Dr. Grey. "Your donations keep us ready to respond, whether it’s emergency heart surgery on a city street or providing care in rural areas. We are incredibly proud of the role we’ve played over the last 40 years, but our future depends on your generosity."

To learn more about the "40 days for 40 years" campaign or EMICS, please visit the EMICS website.