This Christmas, BASICS Essex Appeals for Public Support

As families across Essex gather to celebrate the festive season, the volunteer clinicians of BASICS Essex, the county’s emergency pre-hospital critical care charity, will once again be on the road—responding to the most serious incidents where someone’s Christmas relies on us.

In 2025, the charity has experienced its busiest year on record, responding to over 300 emergency callouts at the request of the East of England Ambulance Service. These incidents typically represent the top 10% of the most critical emergencies, including traumatic injuries, cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions and life-threatening medical emergencies in homes and across the roadside.

To keep pace with demand and continue providing hospital-level care at the scene, BASICS Essex has made major investments this year, including a new critical emergency response vehicle, a Lucas Mechanical Chest Compression Unit, upgraded PPE, and other essential emergency equipment.

Despite these advances, the charity does not receive statutory funding and remains reliant on donations to operate.

With 25 highly skilled volunteer responders—including doctors, paramedics, and enhanced trained emergency clinicians—the team provides specialist support throughout the year, including throughout the festive period.

A Lifesaving Service, Powered by Public Support

To sustain its operations, BASICS Essex must raise £80,000–£100,000 every year. Funding ensures responders have the life-saving tools, training and equipment required to deliver advanced medical care before patients reach hospital—a vital link in the chain of survival.

The Charity’s Christmas Message

This year’s appeal centres around a simple but powerful message:“We provide emergency pre-hospital critical care because someone’s Christmas relies on us.”

The charity is encouraging individuals, communities, and local businesses to donate or fundraise throughout December. Even small contributions help ensure clinicians can continue to reach patients at their most vulnerable moments—often making the difference between life and death.

How to Support BASICS Essex This Christmas

Make a one-off or monthly donation

Choose BASICS Essex as your workplace charity

Organise a festive fundraiser, such as a Christmas jumper day or sponsored challenge

Share the charity’s Christmas appeal on social media to raise awareness

To donate or learn more, please visit: www.basicsessex.org.uk