The Devon Air Ambulance Trust marked two significant landmarks within the space of three days last week when the Exeter based operation attended its 11,000th emergency, whilst the North Devon helicopter flew its 2,000th mission since it was launched in April 2005.
The EC135 helicopter, based at Middlemoor in Exeter, was called to the aid of a toddler near Dartington on Thursday 26th June, in response to a 999 call. Having been unconscious and turning blue, the toddler was flown to Torbay Hospital and was conscious and alert when the crew left to return to base.
This was followed on Sunday 29th, when the North Devon Bolkow 105b helicopter flew to a remote location on Exmoor to attend a teenage girl with breathing difficulties. She was stabilised, then airlifted several miles back to her walking group's minibus, where she was treated at the scene.
Heléna Holt DAAT's Chief Executive said: "It's a remarkable coincidence that both our helicopters were involved in landmark missions within days of each other.
"Both call outs demonstrate the value of our emergency helicopters - one getting a poorly toddler to hospital very quickly by flying over the heavy traffic that is typical of the roads between Totnes and Torbay, and the other reaching a very remote location, where it was the first and only resource on the scene.
"We are very proud of these achievements and very grateful for the generosity of the people of Devon which makes them possible."
Chief Executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust said "We as a Trust are delighted to share such a close partnership with our colleagues at the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. These impressive milestones show just what a crucial service the air ambulances play in saving lives and we are pleased to provide paramedics to crew the helicopters. It would not be possible to provide such an impressive service without donations from the people of Devon who we would like to thank for supporting this excellent, swift method of transportation for our patients."
Notes - Devon Air Ambulance Trust
o In late September the charity will take delivery of a new EC135 helicopter which has been purchased by the charity instead of the traditional leasing method.
o On 13th July the annual b2b motorcycle ride out takes place, starting in Bideford and finishing in Exeter - more info at www.daat.org
o On 24th July the charity's annual golf day will take place at the Exeter Golf & Country Club - more info at www.daat.org
o Devon Air Ambulance Trust is the charity which raises the funds to keep both Air Ambulances in Devon flying
o The first Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) mission was flown on 27th August 1992
o The charity will be celebrating its 16th anniversary on 27th August this year
o The charity was started by Ann Thomas whose son died in 1986 after being knocked from his bicycle. The consultant at hospital told her the quicker a patient gets to hospital/receives medical treatment, the more likely they are to survive
o It costs in the region of £2.2 million each year to keep both helicopters flying
o With 2 Air Ambulances 50% of Devon can be reached by Air Ambulance within 5 minutes, with the remainder within 15 minutes
o The charity receives no funding from central or local Government, nor the National Lottery
o Devon has 2 Air Ambulances - one based in Exeter, the other in North Devon
o The North Devon Air Ambulance went into service on 28th April 2005
o Since then it has to date flown over 2,000 missions
o The Exeter helicopter has flown over 11,000 missions since August 1992
o The 13,000th (joint helicopters) mission was flown in late June this year
Sarah Burden
PR Officer/PA to CEO
Direct Tel: 01392 466666 Ext 229
