Two of the region's leading charities are joining forces to help people involved in serious medical traumas.

Kent Air Ambulance and the British Red Cross have launched a new collaboration to give support and comfort to people who are involved in medical emergencies. The crew of the Air Ambulance will carry a special card with an emergency number to call where practical advice and assistance and counselling will be available through the British Red Cross.

David Philpott, chief executive of Kent Air Ambulance said: "Our own crews and the emergency services at the scene do a fantastic job of taking care of the injured. However, it is often after the event, when people are shocked and confused, that they need help. This new initiative will ensure that through the British Red Cross they get the support that they need."

Jane Roberts, operations director for the British Red Cross in Kent and Sussex, added: "We often rely on the emergency services to help us identify those in crisis need. It is great to have developed this new partnership with a fellow charity to enable us to reach even more people with our support. Together we can provide a more complete service to all those involved in often traumatic situations."