Ambulance service returns to serve airport

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) is set to have a dedicated paramedic service working out of Gatwick Airport again.

The Gatwick Solo team, also known as Gatso, will begin on 17 February, and will see a single Secamb responder unit permanently based at the airport.

Gatso will operate between the hours of 6am and midnight, seven days a week, Secamb said.

Dan Garratt, Secamb's operating unit manager for Gatwick, said: "The return will see us improve the care we are able to provide travellers who are unfortunate enough to become unwell on their journey."

Staff working for Secamb at the airport will respond to critically-unwell patients, potentially negating the need for an ambulance to attend.

Secamb said the team have completed additional training to enable them to work and access all parts of the airport.

Nick Williams, head of passenger operations, at Gatwick said they were "delighted" to have the service.

He said: "An on-site paramedic ensures passengers and staff receive the best professional healthcare we can provide.

"It means that patients can be treated on-site, improving their chances of making it on their holiday or avoid needing an ambulance trip."

The service will be provided under a medical provision contract for emergencies which occur within the airport perimeter.

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