Air ambulances that serve Nottinghamshire will carry blood on board for the first time to do emergency blood transfusions at the scene of incidents.
A donation of more than £16,000 from the Henry Surtees Foundation has paid for training and kit required for the air ambulance team to do the transfusions.
The foundation was founded by the late John Surtees CBE, an F1 race winner and four-time 500cc motorbike world champion, after the death of his 18-year-old son Henry who died while competing in a Formula 2 race at Brands Hatch in 2009.
The investment means Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance can improve the pre-hospital care of patients which gives them a better chance of recovery.
Blood is carried by the Ambucopter in specially designed temperature monitored boxes with a machine that warms it to the correct temperature.
It will increase the chances of survival for patients suffering from dangerously low blood pressure and who have, or are suspected to have, significant bleeding.
The charity is one of six UK air ambulances to offer on-site blood transfusions.
Leonora Surtees-Martell, daughter of the late John Surtees CBE, an F1 race winner and four-time 500cc motorbike world champion, said: “My father spent most of his life chasing time round the race tracks of the world.
“He knew that every second counted and none more so than for the Air Ambulance when accidents or illnesses occur.
“The service they provide is vital.”
Dr David Cookson, the lead doctor overseeing the implementation of the blood on board project, said: “Patients who are bleeding heavily and who have very low blood pressure are often not able to get sufficient oxygen to their vital organs.
“In these instances, giving the patient blood, as well as other treatments, can help the patient to continue to deliver oxygen around their body which buys them more time before they get to a hospital.”
The blood is supplied by Lincoln County Hospital and is delivered daily by the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikers to the air ambulance airbase.
Paul Bagwell, Chairman of Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service, said: “To be able to include the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance in our service is an honour.
“We will be providing daily transport will enable blood to be delivered to those that need it and potentially could be the difference between life and death.
“By returning any unused blood back to Lincoln County Hospital, we ensure it remains in perfect condition and prevents any wastage of this essential resource.”
