real people saving real lives www.daat.org | 01392 466666 Charity No. 1077998
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
December 2010
Lottery Team: Tracy Owen Jane Raddon and Louise Newbery
Lottery Success for 2010 Did you know that the Devon Air Ambulance Lottery now has over 19,000 members and that the income generated by those members is on target to reach nearly £1 million this year! Tracy Owen, Lottery Team Leader, is proud of the achievements reached this year, “We are delighted with these figures and a huge thank you must go to everyone who plays each week. Our numbers are increasing daily, with special thanks to the hard work of all who promote and play the Lottery across the county. We are also proud that over 70 pence in the pound goes directly back in to the Charity which enables us to offer the people of Devon the fantastic benefits of our two Air Ambulances.”
Our Lottery started in September 2001, when the first draw took place with just 4,000 players. It has gone from strength to strength and seen an increase in members and income year on year. The most cost effective way to play our weekly draw is by Standing Order. This easy method of payment, set up with your bank, allows you to pay monthly, quarterly, halfyearly or annually – simple! You will be helping to keep your Air Ambulances flying AND in with a chance to win £1,350 every week. If you would like to join our Lottery, simply complete and return the form at the back of this HeliPad magazine
IN THIS ISSUE . . . A Mother’s Intuition, Operations, Commando Challenge plus much more!
Welcome to Helipad
Welcome from Heléna
As we approach the end of 2010 we can look back and review the year. It’s been a busy time at the Trust, which started with the proud opening of our Steve Ford Airbase at Eaglescott, near Umberleigh. Next came the great news that we had been selected as BBC Radio Devon’s charity of the year, a relationship that has already generated funds of over £100,000
Sledging and a Surprise
Katie had been enjoying a wonderful afternoon sledging with friends and family when she and her friend, Becky, hit a rut on the hill and both flew through the air. Katie fell awkwardly and knew immediately that she had badly hurt her back. Her friends also realised the urgent need for medical help and all were relieved to see the Air Ambulance arrive. While Becky was whisked away in a land ambulance, Katie was airlifted to Derriford Hospital with a broken back. To their surprise, both girls ended up in neighbouring beds in the same ward! Fortunately for Katie, following the advice of all the experts, she has since made a full recovery.
2
for the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal. I am pleased to report that our DAAT shops are still doing very well with many people benefitting from a wide range of goods and clothing at affordable prices. Our funds received a considerable boost this year from increased Gift Aid, reclaimed on donated goods as more and more customers are registering as Gift Aid donors. Our Community Fundraising Team have been busier than ever this year supporting a broad range of events right across the region as well our our own led events. My best wishes go to you all and a big thank you to everyone who has helped in any way throughout the year. Devon’s Air Ambulances would not fly without you!
After her accident, Katie was inspired to support the Devon Air Ambulance ‘to give a bit back’ and decided to host a party for her mum, Helen’s, 50th birthday. Between the family and the 220 guests who attended, they kept the event a complete surprise – and raised a whopping £735.00 into the bargain!
If you would like support for your event why not ring us on 01392 466666
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Patient Stories A Dartmoor Tale
Bill, a (retired) Master Skydiver, was riding his motorbike across Dartmoor on a beautiful summer’s day when the car he was overtaking suddenly turned right, t boning Bill and his bike! Whilst Bill doesn’t remember much about the accident, he remembers the Air Ambulance arriving and the next thing he knew he was waking up in hospital some 10 hours later. As for injuries, fortunately Bill suffered no more than a broken finger and a broken wrist. He said, “Obviously, the bang on my head (as evidenced by the severe damage to my helmet) left me dizzy and wobbly for a few days but again, fortuitously, there are no lasting effects. I am now very much on the mend but I will always be grateful for your help and assistance. As there is a DAAT shop within view of where I work in Exmouth, I fully intend to be their most regular contributor and customer. Once again, all the thanks and gratitude I can give.”
Reassurance for Sue & Ron
“I cannot tell you how grateful we are for the service provided by Devon Air Ambulance. Suffering from a suspected perforated bowel and in need of urgent medical help my husband was airlifted to RD&E and I truly believe he would not be here today if your service had not been available. The paramedics were so reassuring and calm; whilst Ron cannot remember anything about the day and didn’t even know he’d been in a helicopter, I was just so glad to see them and to know that he was at last in safe hands. Thank you so much to everyone.” Sue, wife of Ron
Not just one but two for Kate Kate from Chawleigh has become something of a celebrity in her village following not just one, but two recent trips in the Air Ambulance. At the end of September Kate suffered a major heart attack and was rushed to RD&E. She was recovering well when, on 2nd November she suffered another attack, necessitating a further trip back to the RD&E. To Kate’s surprise, Nigel Hare, Clinical Support Officer, was the Paramedic on board on both occasions!
If you’ve been airlifted why not ring us on 01392 466666 or emal info@daat.org Devon Air Ambulance Trust
3
Fundraising Well Done, Boys!
While many youngsters were relaxing after the pressure of GCSEs, Callum Stone, Lewis Honey and Max Neusinger are three 16 year olds from Tiverton who cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End in July 2010 – and raised over £10,000 in the process,to be split between DAAT and ELF. They revised and took their exams while training and began the 10 day, 900+ mile, ride on 12th July. Their ride was supported by all their families. Lewis, Callum and Max Dads, Adrian Stone and Paul Honey, followed on motorbikes and the mums, Ann Stone, Nicky Honey and Nonie Neusinger, took turns in driving the van providing meals and snacks when needed. The boys cycled an average of 90100 miles per day and say they loved every minute! A fantastic achievement – Well Done! It’s not just outsiders who raise funds for DAAT – our staff do too. Melanie Stevens and Tracy Owen are facing their fears and doing a Skydive next March – please check out their JustGiving sites to donate to the Trust.
4
A big thanks to John Howkins and his wife who have found a ‘novel’ way to raise funds for DAAT. Having inherited a shack on his driveway selling 2nd hand books, John saw the potential when £18 was taken in just the first two weeks. John now plans to do up the shed and promote the facility in his village at Chawleigh.
Gig in the Garden
With an eclectic mix of music, barbecue, bar, sumo wrestling, bouncy castle and even a bath of spaghetti, guests enjoyed a great time at Woodleigh Coach House Cafe in Cheriton Bishop for the 4th annual summer concert. Our thanks to Michelle Vardy, event organiser, on raising a fantastic £1,031.50. Michelle said, “We’ve had a really great day but this event just couldn’t happen without the support of a number of people.
My thanks go to, among others, Mike Ellis for arranging the bands, the Highways Agency, J&R Foods, Calor Gas for donating the barbecue and, of course, everyone who came along on the day!” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Cheque Out Banger Racing Bonanza
Our Volunteer Helen Phillips collects £3,000 from Banger Racing at Bratton Fleming
Sports Auction Raises £8,500
A Country Sports Auction, organised by volunteers Paul and Jane Beazley, was held in October in Molland. Many diverse items were available, including a pen donated by the Prime Minister and a jar of pickled onions! Huge thanks to all who attended and/or donated goods.
Bananarama A big thank you to all Coop Food Stores in Devon who, through a variety of fundraising activities, raised a wonderful £20,000 for the Trust. Special thanks to Nicola Kelly for all her coordination.
Well Fed Fish in Crediton!
Lottery Team Leader Tracy Owen was delighted to collect a cheque from Peter Muggeridge of Bow Aquatic Centre near Crediton. Peter kindly donated 20p from the sale of each bag of fish food and raised a fantastic £1,700!
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Ruby Run Presentation
Fundraising Director Caroline Creer met organisers of the annual Ruby Run Half Marathon to collect a cheque for £2,000. Thank you to all the organisers and all the runners.
5
Operations Helicopter Hot Desk
How The Helicopters Are Deployed by Nikki Bolt, HEMS Desk Supervisor “Someone help me…quick!” All too often these are the first words heard by the call taker in the Ambulance Control Room where 999 calls are received. The caller’s address is quickly established so that an ambulance can be dispatched towards them, and the calltaker can then take further details and provide reassuring advice to help until the paramedics arrive.
Within the control room is also the base of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk, the team of dispatchers that monitor all the emergency calls received to identify those to which an Air Ambulance needs to be sent. With around 600700 calls received daily during their shift, this is no easy task! The HEMS team need to identify those incidents, and patients, for which urgent treatment and transport could potentially make a significant difference, based only on the information we are able to gain from the member of the public over the phone. Once the HEMS
6
team have identified an incident that requires the skills of the Air Ambulance, they immediately alert the aircrew and give them all the details that they need to head towards the incident location. On route the crew will remain in regular contact with the HEMS team for any further updates. When they arrive on scene they begin to treat the patient, again maintaining regular contact with the HEMS team to ensure everyone is aware of the situation they are dealing with. The patient is then loaded into the aircraft and flown quickly to the appropriate hospital for treatment, with the HEMS team often assisting in liaison with the hospital to ensure they are ready to receive the serious, and often critical, patient. Of course, whilst the Air Ambulance crew is busy dealing with this incident, the HEMS team are continually monitoring the calls that are still pouring into the control room, ready to identify any further patients that may require their skills when they are available, just as they thought they were going home for a cuppa!
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Helicopter News Update on North Devon
This time last year our Eaglescott aircrews were working in difficult conditions from a cold, damp portacabin. But not any more, as Paul Shaddick reports.
A Guide to the Helicopter Patient Area
Clockwise from top left: 1. Cardiac Monitor 2. Vital Signs Monitor 3. Ventilator 4. Aspirator 5. Portable Oxygen 6. First Response Bag
On Duty Crew Damian Irvine, Dave Huyton, Paul Shaddick
“The North Devon based crews have been working from the Steve Ford Airbase for nearly a year now which has enabled us to provide an even better standard of service to the people of Devon. The bespoke designed facilities have allowed us to complete our daily activities in a more timely manner allowing us to respond to incidents more efficiently. Furthermore, the function room has allowed the charity to host many base visits, including the recent volunteer evening, in a safe, warm and inviting environment. This room has also been utilised by the aircrew team to facilitate ongoing training with the aim of providing an even better service to those we attend. The days of rolling in to work in the cold and damp are thankfully over and only because of the extraordinary efforts of our magnificent fundraisers– thank you.” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Ray’s Rescue
Ray Westcott was airlifted in June 2009 after he fell from the roof he was thatching, breaking his pelvis and shoulder. However, Ray and wife, Angela, happily celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in October 2010 and received over £900 in lieu of gifts, which they donated to the Trust. The cheque was presented at the Airbase where the family were delighted to meet with members of the aircrew at Ray’s rescue.
Airbase Visits for ExPatients
If you have been airlifted this year and would like to visit the Airbase and, possibly, meet some of the crew, please contact Debbie Gregory at DAAT on 01392 466666 or email d.gregory@daat.org
7
A Mother’s Intuition Sarah is 14 years old and lives with her family in Camelford, Cornwall. On returning from school one September day, Sarah complained of flu like symptoms and told her mum, Gaynor, that she had felt rough all day. In the early hours of the next morning Sarah was still very feverish. Worrying her daughter might faint, Gaynor took her to the bathroom and saw Sarah was wearing a tampon. Concerned immediately that Sarah displayed symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), Gaynor requested that the tampon was removed immediately and helped her daughter back to bed. Early the next day, Gaynor took Sarah to the Doctor’s where she underwent a number of tests. It soon became clear that Sarah was fighting a serious infection. She also had a sunburnlike rash all over her body. The indications suggested a possible case of meningitis and the Air Ambulance was called as a matter of urgency. The crew from North Devon were despatched to take Sarah to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. The paramedics, Paul Shaddick and Mark Hawley, monitored Sarah continuously throughout the flight; administering antibiotics and checking her vital signs, on a journey that took only 15 minutes; and would have taken more than an hour by road.
88
At hospital, tests revealed Sarah had Septicaemia, caused by TSS, almost certainly the result of a tampon having been left in for 24 hours or more. Sarah’s life hung in the balance as she was given iv drips with antibiotics to prevent her internal organs from failing and she remained in the High Dependency Unit for five days. Doctors advised that if it hadn’t been for Gaynor’s concern, the outcome could have been very different.
Paramedic Paul Shaddick with Sarah and her family on a visit to the Eaglescott Airbase Gaynor explained, “I am a very vigilant mum. Sarah was introduced to tampons six months ago and we had discussed the dangers of TSS. On this occasion, however, Sarah hadn’t changed her protection, explaining after that she hadn’t because ‘I was just too tired and felt too ill to bother.’ I dread to think what might have happened if Sarah hadn’t been taken by Air Ambulance. I cannot thank everyone enough – Dr Gibbons, the Devon Air Ambulance Crew the hospital staff at Truro. TSS is so rare most doctors in the UK will never see a case. I am so glad I trusted my instincts as a mum, and we are all just so grateful to everyone that Sarah is now well.” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
More Fundraising Stories Brand New Car for Lucky Winner
Commuting to work will now be a whole lot easier for Sue Timmins, winner of this year’s Grand Summer Prize Draw. Sue, who runs Central Perks Coffee House in Union Street, Torquay, was overjoyed to hear that she had won. Heléna Holt, CEO, said “The charity is proud to have worked once again in partnership with Peter Vosper and all at Vospers with regard to this fantastic prize. Over £70,000 was generated by the sale of tickets and related donations, and this would not have been possible without Vosper’s support, for which we are truly grateful.”
Helena added, “We would also like to add our thanks to Bovey Castle for their generous prize of a luxury break for six people. Both of our corporate supporters, and indeed everyone who has bought a ticket, should be extremely proud to have helped to raise such a fantastic sum!’ Third prize of £100 went to Claire Leahy of Winkleigh, who said, “The Air Ambulance is an essential part of the community which hopefully none of us will need, but it is reassuring to know that if we do, it’s there for us all.’ Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Schoolboy Pip Raises Funds Following the airlift of a friend’s Dad, Pip, age 12, was inspired to raise funds for DAAT. His first venture was to wash cars in his neighbourhood and his second was to hold a table top sale. Thanks and congratulations to Pip for a fabulous £655 raised.
Fun at the Commando Challenge
This year’s event saw over 4,500 participants enjoying the wind, rain and mud at the Royal Marine’s challenging course at Woodbury Common near Exeter. Thanks to entry fees and sponsorship a whopping £263,000 has already been raised.
Pictured are Gary, Ross, Todd and friends from the Mud Busters! Special thanks to Alan Hardy and his team, and to all the volunteers who helped the weekend go so well.
9
More Patient Stories Surf and Rescue
“The Air Ambulance came to my rescue when I broke my leg on Putsbough Sands on the 21st August 2010. Just 20 minutes into my firstever surf lesson and just getting the hang of it (or so I thought!) I jumped off the surf board in the shallows, to feel lots of discomfort in my left leg. Having experienced a similar pain four years ago in a horse riding accident I just knew I had broken it again. Massive thanks to Alec, from South West Outdoors, for his speedy response in coming to my rescue; also to the
Isabel Flown to Swansea
Isabel is a typical toddler and, at just 15 months old, she was enjoying an early morning rough and tumble with parents, Karen and Jason, when a cup of scalding coffee was accidently tipped and landed on little Isabel, scalding 80% of her chest and torso. Dad Jason stood in a cold shower with his daughter until the Air Ambulance arrived to take Isabel and mum Karen direct to the specialist burns unit in Swansea Hospital. Fortunately, after two days in Swansea Hospital and further treatment at Frenchay in Bristol, Isabel is now making a good recovery.
10
Coastguard, the land Ambulance and, of course, the Air Ambulance crew, who were totally amazing and delivered me safely and swiftly to Barnstaple hospital. After surgery to realign my Tibia and Fibula and 10 weeks in a cast I am finally back on my feet. A huge thank you to everyone who helped me on a very wet August morning on the beach!” Claire (Oxfordshire)
Motorcycle Versus Van
Sam spent over 10 weeks in two of Devon’s hospitals after being airlifted following a serious road traffic accident back in July. Despite his left leg being amputated below the knee, Sam is making good progress with a new prosthetic limb and is looking forward to returning to work in the New Year. “I am so lucky to be alive, I can’t thank the aircrew enough. From what I have learned, a witness thought I had died at the scene and here I am, walking around again, though it will be a long while before I am back on a bike! I want to thank everyone at DAAT.” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Retail and BBC Radio Devon Merchandise and Gifts Available
As well as a range of clothing including coats, t shirts, polo shirts, fleeces and hats, DAAT also has an extensive line of gifts such as pens, mugs, wallets, keyrings, bears, bags and the aprons (pictured left) modelled by Alistair and Penelope Gleave.
Our successful partnership with BBC Radio Devon has generated nearly £100,000 to date, with participants enjoying various activities, such as the Agatha Christie Sea Swim from Goodrington to Broadsands; the AirMiles Walks, with routes across the whole of the county to celebrate National Ambulance Day; and Devon’s Great Big Dinner Party. Thank you to all at BBC Radio Devon and the listeners for your continued support.
For full details of all our goods, please visit www.daat.org or any of our Charity Shops or ring us for a catalogue.
Retail Therapy Chrissie Peel, DAAT’s Retail Manager, is pleased to report continued support for our shops and said, “We are currently seeing really high quality goods being donated which makes for a wonderful array of stock in our outlets, and for which we are really grateful. If our donors are also tax payers, however, and register with us for Gift Aid, we can claim a further 28% from HMRC, which, in turn, will enable us to help even more patients! A big thank you to everyone who donates or buys at our shops.” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Pictured at the end of the Agatha Christie Sea Swim, BBC staff: Sophie Pierce, Anna Dunscombe and Alison Johns
Did you know that if everyone in Devon donated a penny a day, just £3.65 a year, it would pay our operating costs for one year?
11
Forthcoming Events EVENTS DIARY Jan Mar 2011 Most of our events are organised by our supporters or volunteers and listed on our website. However, we are happy to help with advertising, posters and press coverage. Please contact us on 01392 466666 if you require further information. 20 January
Test The County
JUDI NEEDS YOU! Test the County (TTC) is a giant, onair quiz, with the questions asked live on the radio by BBC presenter Judi Spiers. It will run from 7 until 10 in the evening with teams playing either individually or in groups. Our aim is to have TTC nights held in pubs, clubs, village halls, businesses and homes right across the county. In each venue there would be a winning team on the night, and we will also be crowning a Test the County champion from all the teams playing on the night. To take part you'll need a pack for each team of up to four players. Each pack costs £5. Simply send a cheque payable to ‘BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal’ along with your team name(s) and address to Test the County, BBC Radio Devon, PO Box 1034, Exeter EX4 4DB and we will send you everything you need. For more info: testthecounty@bbc.co.uk
John Groves and members of the Rose & Crown, Sandford, Motorbike Show & Meet present the cheque from this year’s event. 2429 January
Jack & The Beanstalk at the
Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Evenings at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2pm Tickets from £5 Tel: 01392 270891
1819 February
Folk Relief
A 24hour Folk Music Marathon hosted by Richard Digance, featuring Seth Lakeman, Ralph McTell and many others. Folk Relief will involve lots of local and national music acts and hopefully, you too! If you’re a musician or you run a venue, you can help too. Why not organise a concert, or go busking for us? Or, if you hold your own event, you could take your donations to the BBC studio we'll say a big thank you to you live on air and add your funds to the running total. Every penny you raise will help this fantastic charity.
If you are fundraising for the charity why not let us know? You never know, you may feature in the next issue!
12
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Lottery Form_green_DL:Layout 1
30/11/10
16:16
Page 1
DAAT LOTTERY FORM
DAAT LOTTERY FORM Please complete this form, plus Sec on A or Sec on B (overleaf) to advise us of how you wish to pay.
Please return the completed form to: DAAT Lo ery, FREEPOST SEA14647, Exeter, EX4 8ZY I confirm all members are 16 years of age or over Signed Date
SECTION B – PAYMENT BY STANDING ORDER I wish to join the DAAT Lottery by standing order
For Bank Use Only Please ensure you quote the following number on all correspondence
To (your bank/ building society) Mr/Mrs/Miss/Other
Address
First name(s) Surname Postcode
Address
Postcode
Name(s) of Account Holder(s) Sort Code
Account Number
Tel Email
Why not double your chances with two numbers? Tick here for a second number The second number will be in your name unless you wish to assign the number to someone else. If so, please enter their name below: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Other First name(s) Surname
SECTION A – PAYMENT BY CHEQUE I wish to join the DAAT Lottery by cheque If you pay by cheque you will receive a reminder by post prior to your subscription running out.
I wish to pay the sum of: ( ck one box only) One Number Two Numbers Half yearly £26 Half yearly £52 Yearly £52 Yearly £104 Please find attached my cheque payable to ‘DAAT Lottery’ for
£
We would like to use the winners names and location in promotional material. If you do not want your name to be used, please tick this box If you wish to receive mail from carefully selected companies regarding products or services which we think may be of interest to you, please tick this box
Please debit my/our account un l further no ce – I wish to pay the sum of: ( ck one box only) One Number Monthly £4.34 per month Quarterly £13 every 3 months Half yearly £26 every 6 months Yearly £52 every 12 months Two Numbers Monthly £8.68 per month Quarterly £26 every 3 months Half yearly £52 every 6 months Yearly £104 every 12 months I wish my standing DD/MM/YYYY order to start on: Please debit my account and pay to: DAAT Lottery, HSBC Bank Plc, St Thomas, Exeter Sort Code: 10 20 29 Account No. 11377566
Signature(s)
Date
Please return this form to: DAAT Lo ery, FREEPOST SEA14647, Exeter, EX4 8ZY Not Your Bank