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real people saving real lives www.daa.org.uk | 01392 466666
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Spring 2011
Pictured: Russell Watson, Judi Spiers and Seth Lakeman
BBC Radio Devon pledges continued support A BIG thank you to BBC Radio Devon and their listeners We are delighted to announce the continued support this year of BBC Radio Devon and their amazing and generous listeners. We have now reached over £220,000! This sum is growing week by week. Test The County, an on air quiz hosted by presenter Judi Spiers, was a huge success, with over 1,048 teams taking part throughout the county. This was followed by Folk Relief, a 24 hour on air broadcast, with over 40 live acts performing. The telephone lines rang continuously throughout as listeners pledged donations, not only from Devon, but as far afield as Cyprus, Iraq and Australia!
There are more amazing BBC Radio Devon events still to come throughout the summer, including: Tandem Skydive 2 May Vintage Car Rally 5 June Russell Watson Concert 9 July Chagstock Music Festival 2224 July Shep & Jo’s Bus Tour 2529 July Agatha Christie Sea Swim 18 September For further details on any of these events please visit our website: www.daat.org or ring us on 01392 466666
IN THIS ISSUE . . . New appointments, our shops, patients, weather or not, plus much more...
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What’s New? Heléna’s new appointment .. We are proud to announce the newly elected Chair of the AAA (Association of Air Ambulances) is our own Chief Executive Heléna Holt, pictured above with outgoing Chair Hayden Newton, East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. The AAA performs invaluable work as a professional body where ideas and resources are pooled. It delivers high and consistent support and guidance to members on issues such as governance, operational management and clinical excellence.
.. and Nigel’s
Nigel Hare, a longserving paramedic and Clinical Support Officer for the Exeter based Air Ambulance, has been appointed as parttime Operations Manager. Nigel wil be responsible for development of the service including aircrew training and clinical development. He will also be advising on the implementation of improved systems and procedures. Nigel was instrumental in the customdesign of the Air Ambulance in Exeter, which is owned by the Charity.
Good intentions end in airlift
Shirley and her partner Scott were delighted to take part in last year’s DAAT Motorcycle Ride Out, until Shirley found herself in need of the Air Ambulance after an accident en route. Despite the accident really knocking Shirley’s confidence, she is determined to take part again in this year’s Ride Out and this year she intends to reach the end!
Diary Date: Sunday 10 July 2011 This year’s Motorcycle Rideout
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Tractor fall A title torun gofollowing here Fall from hay bales Andrew and wife Sue were prompted to organise a tractor run and Sunday Lunch to say thank you after Andrew was airlifted following a nasty fall from a mountain of haybales. Word of the event soon got round and no less than 41 vehicles took part in the 20 mile route around Holsworthy on 9 January 2011. Meanwhile back at Eastbridge Farm, Sue was busy organising lunch for 106 guests, including all the tractor drivers. With support from Waitrose, Mole Valley and the local community, Andrew and Sue raised a fantastic £1,225.00 our grateful thanks to them and their guests.
Protective gear a lifesaver
Timmy has a passion for kite buggying – but a nasty accident very nearly put paid to this last October. Whilst out with friends on Westward Ho! beach, Tim’s afternoon came to an abrupt halt when a sudden wind squall lifted him and his buggy several feet into the air, dumping him back on the ground, head first. Concerned about concussion and possible spinal injuries, friends and spectators were relieved to see the Devon Air Ambulance arrive. He was airlifted to North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple for further tests. Amazingly he was discharged later that day, suffering only from bumps and bruises. The shock of the incident really hit home when Tim saw his helmet and goggles, both of which had taken the full impact.
Patient confidentiality means we don’t know who we have helped. If you, or anyone you know has been airlifted, please let us know on 01392 466666 Devon Air Ambulance Trust
“I do believe I could have died had I not been wearing protective gear. My helmet and goggles were completely smashed and all that damage would have been to my head and face! This sport is great fun, and provided the recognised safety procedures are followed, it really isn’t dangerous.”
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Merryn and Archie Airlift for two week old baby
Merryn was only two weeks old when she was airlifted from remote Dartmoor. On her first family outing, Merryn was being carried in a sling by her dad when he tripped and fell. Abruptly woken up, Merryn cried out loudly. Almost immediately her body became rigid and she slipped into a very deep sleep. Unable to rouse her, the family called 999 and the Air Ambulance was sent. Mum Chrissy said “The sound of the helicopter arriving overhead was wonderful! Paramedics Helen and Eddie were fantastic; they were brilliant with Merryn and so reassuring to me as a new mum. After spending the afternoon in A&E, we were allowed to take Merryn home. She was diagnosed as having suffered from shock combined with a jolt to the head from which, fortunately, she rapidly recovered.”
On the way to heaven... We recently took a call from Gina who wished to express grateful thanks to the crew who airlifted her mum, 90 year old Lydia. Sadly her mum passed away, but Gina and the family are reassured to know
“You never imagine needing the Air Ambulance for your own family, but when that moment arrives, you really come to appreciate what a wonderful resource we have.” We also received a lovely letter from five year old brother Archie, along with £43. He wanted to raise some money and had sold his favourite videos.
that Lydia would have been delighted to have finally had a ride in a helicopter, being looked after by lovely paramedics. They believe she decided that “whilst she was half way to heaven, she would just carry on going.”
Did you know? The income raised from our red collection boxes during 2010 was a massive £189,240.28 ! Huge thanks to the outlets who have one of our boxes, our box collectors and everyone who has donated during the year.
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Fantastic fundraisers Tiverton Golf Club
The Star Inn, Liverton An annual bike ride organised by The Star Inn raised a fantastic £438. Thanks to everyone involved.
Our volunteer Rosalie Redwood recently accepted a cheque from Tiverton Golf Club for £4,368.63 They have raised over £10,500 in the last 2 years. Thank you to them all.
Coast to Coast raises funds Miriam Dodd, 71, was airlifted from Dartmoor following a fall last year and decided to raise funds to say thank you. What did Miriam choose? A coffee morning, or maybe a jumble sale? No, she decided to cycle from North to South Devon, a distance of 102 miles! Miriam says she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and was delighted to raise a fantastic £1,152.50. A big thank you to Miriam and her coriders daughter Petula and grandson David (Chief Mechanic and Navigator) pictured.
Golden Wedding
A BIG thank you and Happy Belated Anniversary to Barbara and Brian Hardiman who asked for donations in lieu of presents at their recent 50th Wedding Anniversary celebrations. They made a fantastic donation of £410.00.
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Our shops Quality goods needed
From trash to cash!
The Charity benefits greatly from selling on material items which aren’t of a high enough standard to be sold in our shops. For example the items you class as ‘rubbish’, could have ‘rag value’ for us. These include: • bedding (inc blankets) and curtains • clothing (ripped or marked) • work clothing ie old gardening or painting • footwear These items are bought from us by the bag from rag merchants. If you are having a spring clean or clear out, please do think of us! We can sell good quality clothing, linen, shoes, bags, belts, bricabrac, cds and books. Unfortunately we are unable to take televisions or ‘white goods’ such as washing machines, fridges and freezers.
Did you know? We can claim a further 28% from the Government if you are a tax payer (this will change to 25% in April). By simply completing a ‘Gift Aid’ form when you donate your goods, we will be able to make your donation go even further. THANK YOU
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Furniture collection
Have you visited our furniture and book store in Topsham yet (pictured above)? If you would like to donate furniture for this shop please contact Sarah or Lin on 01392 879285
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Supporters galore Corporate support
We are extremely grateful to all of the businesses supporting us including: Amey Atass Backline Logistic Support Cooperative Food Stores Cornish Mutual Fire Watch Group South West Helpful Holidays Howdens, Exeter Keytec Otter Nurseries, Plymouth Sitel Ways2Win
Imperial Ball
Thank you to Cormack and his team at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay, and everyone who attended the glitzy blacktie Imperial Ball in December, raising a superb £3,200!
Co-operative shares profits Having raised over £20,000 for the Charity in 2010, the Cooperative is now extending its support for the charity by launching a “Share Your Profits” scheme. The Cooperative gives profits back to members who can now choose to donate all or part of their share to our Charity. Nicola Kelly explained, ‘We are keen to support the charities that mean a lot to people in their local community and this initiative makes it easy for our customers to donate any amount, from loose change to their entire dividend.’ For further details, simply pick up a donation form in your local store or log on to www.cooperative.coop and follow the link to the members’ page.
Rose, Barnstaple Charity Shop
Very Helpful Holidays! Volunteers needed Do you have time on your hands? Have you thought about volunteering with us? Why not get in touch and find out more? This could be in one of our charity shops, attending presentations or events, giving talks, to looking after collection boxes in your area. For further details please call Debbie Collingwood on 01392 466666. Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Customers of Helpful Holidays in Chagford donated £856 last year, which was fund matched by the company. An obvious choice maybe, as no less than three members of staff or family have had need of the service! This includes baby Merryn, pictured being held by mum Chrissy who works for Helpful Holidays, paramedic Helen, and Helen of Helpful Holidays. You can read Merryn’s story on on page 4.
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Operational news Weather is snow problem
Paramedic Mark Hawley had cleared the helipad 3 times by 7.30am. Welcome help arrived shortly after with two local farmers and their tractors, fitted with snow ploughs. We were able to go on line by 8.30am and were called to our first mission of the day at 9.25am. We also flew to Torbay Hospital to pick up the Exeter pilot, who had been turned back by the Police as he battled to get over Haldon Hill, meaning both aircraft were online 1.15pm.”
North Devon base senior pilot Pete Martin told us about about his experiences during the recent snowy weather... “Despite most roads in North Devon being impassable to all but the hardiest 4X4 vehicles, all of the crew were on base by 8.30am. Two had slept at the base in anticipation of the extreme weather. A BIG thank you to the farmers mentioned above and those who help our crews out in difficult times such as this.
It’s all about team work...
On occasions we also work with other helicopter services, perhaps when the location of the incident is particularly challenging, including the RAF Search & Rescue from Chivenor and the Royal Navy Search & Rescue based in Cornwall. Recently we worked alongside the Maritime Coastguard Agency helicopter when a lady fell, hurting her leg on the coastal footpath near Sidmouth in East Devon. See photo opposite.
Did you know.. Every 1p increase in the cost of fuel at the pumps increases our costs by £2,000 per year! 88
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Mum’s the word One family ... two airlifts
Bridget was extremely grateful when daughter Dannee was airlifted from Merton to North Devon District Hospital in 2005 having been kicked in the back by a horse. Despite losing part of her kidney, Dannee (now 20) has since made a good recovery. However, Bridget has recently gone through the whole rollercoaster of emotions again when son Dean, 23, was crushed by a falling tree in a field on their farm, and again, the Devon Air Ambulance was called. The tree had to be sawn off while paramedics Kate and Eddie stabilised Dean and he was taken to the RD&E Hospital in Exeter, suffering from a compressed fracture in his back and a leg broken in three places. Dean and Dannee are pictured below.
Brave Little Sam Sam was just one year old when he was airlifted, after being scalded over his face, chest and arm by boiling black tea. His mum, Becca, was relieved when the Air Ambulance arrived and was able to convey Sam to the specialist burns unit at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, along with dad Ian a journey which took just 12 minutes! Becca followed with Sam’s baby brother Harry, just 4 days old, leaving big brother Jack, aged 2, being looked after by his God parents.
Bridget said “Despite everything, we feel very lucky. I will never be able to put into words the overwhelming relief when I heard the noise of the helicopter approaching. This isn’t a story, this is for real two siblings one family who are and will be forever grateful to the Devon Air Ambulance.” Devon Air Ambulance Trust
‘There wasn’t room for me and Harry to go in the Air Ambulance, but I’m so glad that Ian could travel with Sam. We are all so grateful that the helicopter got Sam to hospital so quickly his recovery has been so much smoother for receiving urgent treatment.’ Such was the gratitude of Becca, Ian and their boys, Becca organised a party for Ian’s 40th birthday and requested donations to DAAT in lieu of presents. The party was a huge success and raised a magnificent £350 into the bargain!
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Businesses on board It’s a ‘Mutual’ friendship
This year we are delighted to be supported by Cornish Mutual. The company has launched a new initiative called ‘Come Together, Eat Together’ with the aim of encouraging people to enjoy a eal with their family at least once a week.
Amey staff give up time
For further information and to get involved why not log onto their website at: www.cometogethereattogether.co.uk and upload your favourite recipe. The best recipes will be chosen for a charity cookbook, Cornwall Air, to raise funds for DAAT, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. The book, launched in May, will focus on traditional, homemade family recipes that may well have been handed down over the generations.
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We are grateful for the support of staff at Amey who, as part of their ‘community involvement scheme’, have volunteered to work for the Charity for a day. Some may work in our shops, others may attend events and some will distribute our literature. This Gift of Time is invaluable to us and we send thanks to everyone who participates. Richard Holifield from Amey is pictured above with Nigel Hare and Caroline Creer at our Exeter Airbase.
Could your company help? If you would like to find out more about how you could help please ring us on 01392 466666
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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Patients come to visit Lucky to be seen
Ray was walking a friend’s dog in Bradley Woods, Newton Abbot, when he tripped and fell several feet down an embankment, hidden by woodland. Luckily he was seen by a passerby and the Air Ambulance was called. Despite the complications of where to land, the crew attended Ray and he was airlifted to Torbay Hospital. He is pictured below meeting paramedic Adrian Parker.
Trodden on by her horse
Airbase visit for expatients
A bright, sunny, early spring day saw the meeting of no less than 9 expatients at the North Devon Airbase at Eaglescott. From Isabel, aged 21 months, to Win, aged 101 years young, all were able to meet paramedics Dave and Kate and pilot Pete and to see the helicopter that had been involved in their rescue. All agreed that the day had been very therapeutic and, in some cases, filled the gaps of missing memory from the day of their incidents.
Claire’s first thought when she fell off her horse was to keep hold of the rein. However, she hadn’t reckoned on the horse turning and treading on her. Struggling to breathe, Claire was airlifted to RD&E Hospital in Exeter, where it was established she had a lacerated liver and a hoof print to prove it! After a week in hospital and three months recovery, Claire is now well.
Guest of Honour: 101 year old Win Our oldest airlifted expatient
Call 01392 466666 | www.daat.org.uk Devon Air Ambulance Trust
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What’s on? Events Diary
We don’t run many events ourselves, most are organised by supporters or volunteers. We can, however, help with advertising, posters, press coverage etc. Please contact our fundraising team if you require more information. 02.04.11 Easter Fayre at Winkleigh Primary School 11 am – 2 pm. 02.04.11 Cabaret & Casino Evening at The Corn Barn, Sutton Barton, Cullompton. 7.30 pm 02.04.11 Easter Bingo at Newton Poppleford Village Hall 7.30 pm 04.04.11 Big Noise Chorus and The High C’s Concert at Northcott Theatre, Exeter 7.30 pm 0810.04.11 Riviera Rock’n’Roll at Beverley Park, Paignton Various dates through March June Dowsing Workshops See website for further details Various dates throughout 2011 (See website) Car Boot Sales, Elizabeth Hall, Exmouth Sea Front 9.00 am 1.00 pm 28.04.11 New Voices Concert at Christ Church, Bear Street, Barnstaple 7.30 pm 02.05.11 Tandem Skydive record breaking attempt at Dunkeswell. All day
Volunteer Helen Phillips collecting £750 cheque from Patricia Sennett following last year’s North Devon Show 08.05.11 Cream Tea, South Radworthy Farm, North Molton Shoot 2.30 pm 15.05.11 Tractor Run at Harrowbear Aerodrome, Yelverton 1000 am 20 22.05.11 Tiverton Balloon Festival, Hartnoll Farm, Tiverton. For more details: www.tivertonballoonfestival.co.uk 2829.05.11 Fine Arts Exhibition at Outer Down, on the Kestor Rock Road, just outside Chagford. 10.30 am 5.30 pm 28.05 04.06.11 Budleigh Salterton Gala Week. Fun for all the family 04.06.11 ScootALong Disabled Activities Day, Plymouth Hoe. All day 04.06.11 Tea Dance at The Elm Centre, Plymouth 1.30 pm 4.00 pm 0305.06.11 Exmouth Kite Festival 17.06.11 The Heli Ball at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club 7.30 pm
If you are fundraising for the charity why not take some photos and write in telling us all about it? You never know you may feature in the next issue.
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Thank you Thank you for taking the time to read HeliPad, we hope you found it informative. If you feel you would like to make an even bigger difference, why not request some further information from us or make a donation? If you would prefer to request information by post please fill in the form below, ticking all items of interest and return it to us at the address below. By Post: Devon Air Ambulance Trust 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NS Phone: 01392 466666 Fax: 01392 464329 Email: info@daat.org Website: www.daat.org
Making a donation If you would like to make a donation please fill in your details below and return together with your cheque made payable to ‘Devon Air Ambulance Trust’ to the address above. If you are a tax payer it would help us greatly if you could complete the form overleaf. To make a regular donation by standing order please see the form overleaf. Name Address
: Postcode Tel Email Signature
Businesses on Board Fundraising Gift Aid Give as You Earn HeliPad Magazine Junior Crew Club
Date
Gifts in Your Will Lottery Merchandise Sponsored Events Volunteering Charity Shops
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Devon Air Ambulance Trust STANDING ORDER MANDATE Please fill in the whole form and send to us and NOT your bank: DAAT, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS To (your bank/ building society) Address
Postcode Please pay HSBC, St Thomas, Exeter Sort Code: 40 20 29 Account No. 51363492 For the credit of Devon Air Ambulance Trust Amount in figures : The sum of £ Amount in words and thereafter Commencing (due date/frequency) (between 1st and 20th) Until you receive further notice from me/us in writing Quoting ref: Official use only
Please cancel all previous standing order/direct debit mandates in favour of the beneficiary named above.
Account name to be debited Sort Code
Account Number
Date
Name(s) of Account Holder(s) Address
Postcode Signature(s)
Date
NOTE The bank will not undertake to make any reference to VAT or other indeterminate element. Advise remi er’s address to beneficiary. Advise beneficiary of inability to pay. Request beneficiary’s banker to advise beneficiary of receipt. Accept instruc ons to pay as soon a er the specified date as there are funds to meet the payments, if funds are not available on the specified date.
GIFT AID DECLARATION Please sign so that we can reclaim the tax on your gift. I want to Gift Aid all donations I make to Devon Air Ambulance Trust from 6th April 2008 until further notice. Please tick I confirm that I am currently a UK taxpayer. Should my status as a taxpayer change, I will notify the Devon Air Ambulance Trust Signed Date To make Gift Aid donations, you must pay or have paid an amount of income tax or capital gains tax at least equal to that reclaimed by us on your donation.
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