OUR SERVICE • OUR PATIENTS • OUR FUNDRAISERS • AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTY the official magazine of
DEVON AIR AMBULANCE
summer 2022 discover more @ daat.org
FREE MAGAZINE Fantastic Fundraisers
across our communities
A North Devon
double act
Climate conundrums in our gardens
Lynton & Lynmouth What Fitz did... 30 years ago
Enter our
Prize Crossword & Short Story Competition
Join Our Weekly
LOTTERY
INSIDE:
Special Issue
CELEBRATING
30 YEARS SAVING LIVES!
summer 2022 | WELCOME
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WELCOME Heléna Holt Chief Executive Officer 2022 is a significant year for Devon Air Ambulance, as we celebrate an amazing anniversary - 30 years of service. To commemorate this momentous milestone, we hope you will enjoy our special 12-page ‘magazine within a magazine’, looking back at three decades of our achievements but also very much focusing on the future and how our vital lifesaving service is continuing to go from strength to strength. I would like to thank everyone who came along to help us celebrate our 30th anniversary at our event in Bideford earlier in July, and for all the staff, crew and volunteers who helped with the planning and on the day. It was lovely to meet so many of our supporters and have a chance to chat about what Devon Air Ambulance means to them and their families. Our second celebratory event, which is free to attend, is taking place on Saturday 13th August at Dart’s Farm near Topsham, and we have an action-packed day planned for the whole family. The theme of the day is ‘Injury Prevention’ and, to support this, we will be staging a live simulation of a Road Traffic Collision by
Ali Simpson Helipad Editor While we are delighted to be focussing in this issue of Helipad on the amazing achievements of our Charity over the last thirty years, there is still plenty of room to showcase the interesting people, places and history of our county. We travel almost as far north and east as you can in Devon to explore the region known as ‘Little Switzerland’, noted for its glorious and varied scenery and the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, shaped equally by natural disaster and human innovation. Our horticulture expert, Richard Wilson, assesses the effects of the warming weather on our gardens and how to combat changes in the climate. I am also grateful to two of our operational team who are bringing their unique insights to this issue. Specialist Critical Care Paramedic Josh Barker tells us what is needed if you are
our clinicians and other emergency services including Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue. Our aircraft will be operational that day (as always, saving lives and treating sick and injured people across Devon) but, when they are not on a mission, they will be popping into the venue when our pilots and crew will be delighted to speak to members of the public. You will also have a chance to take a closer look at one of our Volvo XC90 rapid response blue light critical care cars and take a virtual trip in our H145 helicopter G-DAAS, courtesy of our 360 degree VR experience. Come for some retail therapy at our pop-up shop, enjoy our family activity trail, visit the ‘Evolution of DAA’ exhibition and meet the team from Radio Exe. For more details, see page 32. We hope to see you there!
looking to follow him in this challenging but rewarding career and Senior Pilot Captain Richard Tate leads us through the thought processes, safety considerations and split-second decision making our pilots take every time they have to land the helicopter in an unsurveyed rural location. We have once again teamed up with our good friends at RHS Rosemoor to offer two lucky winners tickets to visit their spectacular gardens near Torrington, so why not grab a coffee and try your luck at solving our Prize Crossword on page 13 … and I am also thrilled to be launching our brand new ‘Short Story Writing Competition’ in this issue! So, if you are a budding author who would like to see your story in print in our Winter 2022 issue, turn to page 17 to find out how to enter. Enjoy!
GET IN TOUCH! Devon Air Ambulance Unit 5 Sandpiper Court Harrington Lane Exeter EX4 8NS 01392 466666 info@daat.org www.daat.org Registered Charity No 1077998 Registered Company No 3855746
Fundraising & Events
fundraising@daat.org
Lottery
lottery@daat.org
Corporate Engagement
Tracy Owen
t.owen@daat.org
Volunteering
Becky Trout
b.trout@daat.org
PR
Ginette Gisborne
g.gisborne@daat.org
Community Landing Sites Toby Russell
t.russell@daat.org
Operations
Nigel Hare
n.hare@daat.org
Advertising Sales
Square7 Media
0203 283 4055
© All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Devon Air Ambulance Trust will not accept liability for loss or damage. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of our content but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any omissions, errors or alterations or for the consequences of any reliance on these details; neither can they vouch for the accuracy of claims made by any advertiser. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.
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helipad | www.daat.org
CONTENTS | summer 2022 OUR WORK The Offical Magazine of Devon Air Ambulance Celebrating the best in Devon 40,000 copies covering the whole county. 35,000+ delivered direct to our supporters Also available online at www.daat.org
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Stop Press...Stop Press A round-up of news, events and people from Devon Air Ambulance.
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Follow a career path to becoming a Specialist Paramedic Find out from Specialist Paramedic Critical Care Josh Barker what it takes to pursue a career in this exciting and demanding clinical role.
21 Devon Air Ambulance’s 30th anniversary – SPECIAL EDITION On the 27th August 1992, Devon Air Ambulance flew its first life-saving mission, and we haven’t looked back since! Our special ‘magazine within a magazine’ in this issue of Helipad reflects on some of our amazing achievements over three decades, meets our incredible supporters, volunteers, fundraisers and patients and looks to a very bright and exciting future.
Contributors David FitzGerald Richard Wilson
Publisher Heléna Holt h.holt@daat.org Editor Ali Simpson helipad@daat.org Advertising Sales Gaynor Garton 020 3283 4055 Design & Print Management Silver Foxes Publishing 07455 206470 Distribution & Mailing Silver Foxes Publishing 07455 206470 ISSN (Print) 2055-2343 ISSN (Online) 2055-2351
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Perfectly imperfect Our Retail team is looking at new ways to maximise the money DAA can raise by selling donated garments that would previously have been recycled.
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Community fundraising Lottie and Steffan round-up some of the community fundraising events that have taken place around the county and say a big ‘thank you’ to the companies and individuals who have supported us.
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Devon People and Junior Crew It’s great to see our imaginative and committed fundraisers – young and old – finding fun and innovative ways to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance.
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The Five S Procedure Senior Pilot Captain Rich Tate describes the complex procedures and decision-making required when any of our pilots need to land the helicopter at an unsurveyed rural site.
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Community Landing Sites Toby Russell, Community Landing Site Development Officer, takes us on a tour of the latest CLS to join our extensive network of night landing sites across the county.
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Reflecting on 30 years of saving lives Operations Director Nigel Hare looks back over three decades at Devon Air Ambulance that have seen fundamental changes to how we deliver our vital life-saving care to our patients.
Next issue Winter 2022
is published by DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
On The Cover Issue No.32 Summer 2022 Valley of the Rocks near Lynmouth, Devon © S. Heap
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Community Landing sites
summer 2022 | CONTENTS
PEOPLE, PLACES & LIFESTYLE 13
Prize Crossword Test your local and general knowledge with our popular prize crossword, with a chance for TWO lucky winners to win tickets for RHS Rosemoor.
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A winning double act Set within an area of outstanding beauty in North East Devon known as ‘Little Switzerland’, Lynton and Lynmouth are two picturesque villages joined by a world-record-breaking railway!
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Get writing! Do you fancy yourself as an author? Is there a short story inside you just bursting to get out? If so, why not enter our new Short Story writing competition for a chance to see your work in print in Helipad magazine.
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Climate Conundrums Year-on-year, season-on-season, it is impossible to ignore the changes of climate and extreme weather on our gardens. Our horticulturist, Richard Wilson, shows us what to plant for the warmer, drier years ahead.
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BackChat He was an icon of television here in the South West but, in the year Devon Air Ambulance started operations, Gus Honeybun was released back into the wild by Fitz (another icon of our screens!).
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30 years saving lives
Keeping in Touch Þ½¾ There are many ways to contact the team at Devon Air Ambulance: www.daat.org – You’ll find lots of information about the Charity and our service on our website. If you’ve been airlifted, go to our Who We Help page and tell us your patient story. For all sorts of fundraising advice and information, go to our Get Involved pages. us, like our page, share c Message our events, post photos if you see our helicopter and post a review if you’ve witnessed our service first-hand.
14 Lynton & Lynmouth GET INVOLVED 9
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Volunteering If you have a passion for online selling, are a great photographer or enjoy creative writing, we have a volunteering opportunity just for you, supporting our exciting online sales. Lottery Don’t miss out on joining our Lottery now to be in with a chance to win our special 21st anniversary prize while supporting our vital life-saving charity.
Join Our Weekly
news from the aircrew and our d For Charity staff, follow DevonAirAmb to see what we’re up to.
us at devonairambulance f Find on Instagram. Email us at info@daat.org 01392 466666 Write to us at 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS
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helipad | www.daat.org
The latest news from Air Ambulance HQ
Campaign UPDATE We have now completed our first five public CPR/ Defibrillator training days – in Bideford, Totnes, Cullompton, Ivybridge and Okehampton - and are delighted that almost 270 people attended these sessions. We have received some amazing feedback and everyone we spoke to said how much more confident they felt to be able to step in and help someone who may be suffering a cardiac arrest should the need arise. They also felt well informed about the difference between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack. 100% of those who have kindly responded to the feedback form we issued said they would recommend the event to a friend! A huge thank you to our amazing paramedics John, Adrian, Jess, Paul, Josh, Lee, Andy and Nigel for sharing their knowledge and expertise at the events and also to Becky,
I t ’s great to be back... After a couple of years away due to the pandemic, it was great to once again be back at Westpoint Arena near Exeter for the Devon County Show! Thanks to everyone who came to our stand to chat with us, to our business supporters and for all the crew, staff and volunteers who helped out on the day.
our Interim Volunteer Manager, who was on hand to meet with participants including many of our own volunteers who signed up to find out more. We are hoping to be able to offer more training sessions later in the year, possibly expanding participation to include secondary schools, colleges and universities. We are also looking at how we may be able to offer similar sessions to specific community and local interest groups across the county.
We’ll see you there! Don’t forget Devon Air Ambulance will be attending a number of summer events across the county and we would love to say ‘hello’ – why not come along to our stand to speak to our great fundraising team, staff, volunteers and operational crew to find out more about what we do? Wed 3 August
North Devon Show
Thurs 4 August
Honiton Show
Wed 10 August
Exford Show
Thurs 11 August
Okehampton Show
Sat 13 & Sun 14 August
Megaride Festival Plymouth
Thurs 18 August
Chagford Show
Thurs 25 August
Holsworthy Show
Sat 3 September
Kingsbridge Show
Sun 4 September
Uffculme Fair
Tues 13 September
Widecombe Fair
and don’t forget DAAs Dragon Boat Festival at Exeter Quay on Sunday 11th September.
summer 2022 | NEWS
Making a Regular Donation Your generous support keeps Devon’s Air Ambulances flying – to make a regular donation, please complete the attached Direct Debit form or follow the instructions on the main menu of our website home page
Champion!
We are delighted to share with you that one of our fantastic fundraising volunteers, Kelly Hayman Bruce is one of only 490 people in the UK to be awarded the Platinum Champions Award as part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee. Kelly has dedicated her time and efforts to volunteering and fundraising for many years for a variety of charities. She joined the DAA family in 2021 and, to date, her group of friends and fundraisers have raised over £4,000 to help save lives with Devon Air Ambulance. Thank you so much Kelly for everything you have done for DAA, for your local community and for all the great causes you have supported. We are proud to have you as part of our fundraising family.
Service User Number
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As we celebrate 30 years of service this year, we would love to invite you to take a virtual tour of Devon - sign up to take part in our DAA Amble, add your steps to the 165-mile route between 1st August and 30th September and discover a little of our history and presence in the county at the same time as raising lifesaving funds!
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Please fill out all boxes in the form with a ball-point pen and send it to:
Devon Air Ambulance Trust, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS
Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay Devon Air Ambulance Regular Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Devon Air Ambulance Regular and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.
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Please now complete your details below Name
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Celebrate with us!
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I wish to give Devon Air Ambulance Trust a donation of £ I wish to give Devon Air Ambulance Trust a donation of £ (delete as appropriate) per month/quarter/year
per month/quarter/year as appropriate) Please take Direct Debits (delete on 6th/20th of the month (delete as appropriate) Please take Direct Debits on 6th/20th of the month (delete as appropriate) We take your personal data seriously and do not sell on or share with any We take your personal seriously do not sell on or share third party. If you would data like to receive and our Helipad magazine or with any third party. If you would like to receive our Helipad magazine or occasional information occasional information about the Charity please tick: Post Email about the Charity please tick: Post Email Telephone SMS Message to Gift Aid my donation of £ ___________ to Devon Air Ambulance II want want to Gift Aid my donation of £ ___________ to Devon Air Ambulance I want to Gift Aid my donation of £ ___________ and any donations I make in the I want to Gift Aid my donation of £ ___________ and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to Devon Air Ambulance future or have made in the past 4 years to Devon Air Ambulance Please notify the charity if you: Please notify thethe charity if you: • Want to cancel declaration Want to your cancel the or declaration •• Change name home address Change or home address •• No longeryour payname sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains • No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains I confirm I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or I confirm I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference. is my responsibility to pay any difference.
The Direct Debit Guarantee This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit DevonAir Ambulance Regular will notify you five (5) working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Devon Air Ambulance Regular to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. • If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by Devon Air Ambulance Regular or your bank or building Society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Devon Air Ambulance Regular asks you to. • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building Society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
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Go to #DevonAirAmble, visit www.daat.org/amble or scan the QR Code above for more details.
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summer 2022 | VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering at DAAT online shop and
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Alongside our 19 shops - which can be found in town centres across the county Devon Air Ambulance also sells items online via eBay and shop DAAT, where our customers can log on to search and buy pre-loved bargains from the comfort of their own homes. Interim Volunteer Manager, Becky Trout explains why, just like our traditional stores, our online shops also need the help of a great team of volunteers.
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olunteers who support our online shops help us to make the most out of the weird and wonderful items that get donated in our high street shops. Some of these items are then sent to our online shops so that they can generate more income to keep our helicopters flying, and our crew saving lives.
Our volunteers research items to find their true value as well as photographing them to make them look their best for selling online. These items are then listed online ready for treasureseekers and bargain-hunters to find and buy them. Once an item has been purchased, our volunteers then package them safely and send them out to their new owner.
Shop DAAT is a wonderful place to find fashion, homewares, vintage and collectibles - to see the kind of items we sell online, visit shopdaat.org. Our online shops provide exciting new volunteering opportunities for people looking to use their digital skills to support Devon Air Ambulance. If you would like to join our online shop volunteering team, we are looking for people with: • A passion for selling online using eBay or other online platforms • Good photography skills to help make donations look their best • Creative writing skills to help make listings stand out
By volunteering for Devon Air Ambulance’s online shops, you will: • Meet new people working in a friendly environment • Learn new skills and gain online retail experience • Be part of our innovative online projects • Be raising money to help Devon Air Ambulance save lives
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at our online shops either in Exeter or North Devon, please contact me on b.trout@daat.org
Volunteering
Profile: Becky Trout - Interim Volunteer Manager While Cara Jones is on maternity leave, Becky is responsible for co-ordinating volunteering across Devon Air Ambulance, including the recruitment, induction, training and support of our volunteers working in our shops and across our community.
helipad | www.daat.org
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Follow a career path to becoming a
Specialist Paramedic Josh Barker is one of Devon Air Ambulance’s Specialist Paramedics Critical Care, having joined the team in 2019. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this challenging but rewarding clinical role, Josh gives a useful insight into his own experiences of the work it involves, the ongoing training and the academic commitment.
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oles within Critical Care and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) are really sought-after and I, like other Specialist Paramedics and doctors at Devon Air Ambulance feel really fortunate to be able to support Devon Air Ambulance within one of these roles. Here’s a little bit about how I came to serve Devon Air Ambulance as a Critical Care Paramedic and what you would need to consider if you would like to follow in my footsteps.
How to become a Critical Care Paramedic Some of my colleagues began their careers as emergency technicians in the ambulance service, before qualifying as paramedics. However, I began my career as a direct entry paramedic through a university degree. After I registered as a paramedic, I needed to continue my professional development by undertaking a series of courses, further university modules and consolidating my practice. Most air ambulances ask for a minimum of three to five years of post-registration experience before you can be considered for interview.
“ Having voluntary experience on your CV really helps your chances of securing your desired role. ”
The HEMS application HEMS roles are incredibly competitive, so you will need to demonstrate exceptional clinical decision making and assessment and dynamic thinking, as well as having a CV of varied activities. To become specialist practitioners, candidates must show how they can meet the 4 Pillars of Advanced Practice: Clinical Excellence, Educational ability, Leadership and Research skills. Mentorship or clinical teaching experience and participating in quality improvement projects is useful here too, as well as volunteering time and making the most of opportunities available while working in the ambulance service.
What’s special about working for Devon Air Ambulance? Our responsibilities, as part of the HEMS team, don’t stop at our clinical and aviation duties. Part of this role is to help support the charity in its fundraising, because, without local community support, air ambulance charities couldn’t operate. Our paramedics, pilots and doctors often help out at events or shows so that the public can chat to us about our work and truly understand how their support helps to save lives.
summer 2022 | CAREERS
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What is involved in training to be a Specialist in Critical Care? It’s a steep learning curve and, as well as becoming a critical care provider, HEMS paramedics also undertake the role of Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Technical Crew member (HTC), which is a recognised aviation role, working to some of the rigorous regulations that govern pilots and other flight crew. You have to undertake a three-week training programme which covers everything from aviation principles, legislation and basic understanding of the systems on board the helicopter, to refuelling, navigation, meteorology and various other subjects that allow us to contribute to the safe operation of the aircraft. We are also required to complete a 3 year Master’s degree and complete learning in a number of areas, including sedation portfolio and surgical skills training, as well as being required to spend several weeks in operating theatres learning anaesthetics and advanced airway management.
A Masters Degree with Devon Air Ambulance The course has been designed by Devon Air Ambulance to cover the advanced training and education requirements that are part of becoming a Specialist Paramedic Critical Care and it covers advanced diagnostic reasoning, anaesthetic and ventilation principles and critical care medicine, as well as research and critical analysis modules. This is coupled with daily simulation training at the airbase, reflection on every case we attend and in-depth governance sessions during which the team learns from each others’ experience. The learning is ongoing as there are always new pathologies to encounter, and the service is regularly introducing new equipment and medicines to treat our patients. Needless to say, our skills are continually adjusting and evolving.
As you can see, there is a lot to becoming a Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care and, while the role is challenging and often demanding, working to treat and save the lives of some of the most seriously ill or injured patients in the county is also incredibly rewarding.
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Prize Crossword
summer 2022 | CROSSWORD 13
WIN tickets to
RHS ROSEMOOR
Thank you to everyone who entered our Helipad Prize Crossword in Spring 2022 issue – Frances Bridger of Tiverton was the winner of a family day out at Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens. Fran says she is delighted to have won! Congratulations Fran, we know you and your three guests will have a great time. As usual, we hope you all enjoy this new crossword which once again tests your local and general knowledge. Back by popular demand, we are once again delighted to have teamed up with our friends at RHS Rosemoor to offer two complimentary tickets to their gardens near Great Torrington to each of TWO lucky winners. In a beautiful valley setting, Rosemoor showcases a spectacular blend of formal and informal gardens and planting to magical effect. As well as the unparalleled horticulture, there is also lots to do for the ‘non’ gardener, with tempting food, drink and retail opportunities to enjoy. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to be one of our TWO winners this time, why not plan your own visit to RHS Rosemoor by visiting www.rhs.org.uk
Clues Across 1 A strike or kick of a ball made before it touches the ground (6) 4 Popular coastal resort in the South Hams (8) 10 Country in south west Africa, capital Windhoek (7) 11 City in the Jutland region of Demark, a major exporter of grain, cement and spirits (7) 12 English rock band from Teignmouth (4) 13 A place to go to eat (10) 15 A translucent form of gypsum, often carved into statues (9) 16 Site of a famous battle in San Antonio Texas in 1836 (5) 18 A domestic ruminant that lives in a flock (5) 19 Gave approval, comfort or encouragement to (9) 21 Sunak, Osborne and Darling have all held this senior ministerial position in government (10) 23 To plagarise someone else’s work (4) 26 More annoyed (7) 27 King of Belgium from 1865 to 1909 (7) 28 Threadlike organisms, also known as nematodes (8) 29 Celebrity chef Michael, chef/patron of Lympstone Manor near Exmouth (6) Clues Down 1 Poison in a snake bite (5) 2 A decorative cover for a table light (9) 3 Napoleon was exiled to this Italian island (4) 5 A device for connecting pieces of electrical equipment together (7) 6 A small machine for doing mathematical sums (10) 7 Slang for cash (5) 8 Eight times as great (9) 9 A warning to consider something before taking action (6) 14 A type of Italian coffee made with espresso and frothy milk (10) 15 A professional partner or colleague (9) 17 The period from midday to early evening (9) 19 Magnificent Georgian mansion overlooking the river Plym (7) 20 Breed of dog that comes in Standard, Miniature and Toy (6) 22 A celestial spirit or guardian (5) 24 Remains or stays somewhere (5) 25 Loose garment worn by ancient Romans (4)
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How to enter (and terms and conditions) Complete the crossword to reveal the letters in the yellow shaded boxes – simply solve the anagram to identify a word relating to Devon Air Ambulance. Enter online at www.daat.org/crossword-competition-summer-2022 or by writing your name, contact details and the answer on a postcard, and posting to : The Editor, Helipad Crossword Competition Summer 2022, Devon Air Ambulance, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NS. The competition is free to enter, one entry per person. The closing date for entries to be received is midnight on Friday 30th September 2022 when the two successful winning entries will be selected at random. Full Terms and Conditions can be found at www.daat.org/crossword-summer-2022-terms-and-conditions or by writing to The Editor at the above address.
Spring 2022 Issue Answers - The answer to the anagram was - FUNDRAISING ACROSS 1 Agatha 4 Drainage 10 Shih Tzu 11 Tutored 12 Mace 13 Cockington 15 Cruelties 16 Innie 18 Rated 19 Boot Laces 21 Bottomless 23 Anna 26 Agrippa 27 Fiancee 28 Execrate 29 Sousse DOWN 1 Assam 2 Agincourt 3 Hutu 5 Retakes 6 Intangible 7 Afrit 8 Endangers 9 Lugosi 14 Clodhopper 15 Cerebrate 17 Nick Nacks 19 Ballast 20 Ossify 22 Torre 24 Adele 25 Mayo
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A winning double act
Lynton & Lynmouth If you go as far north and east in our county as possible to the northern edge of Exmoor and just before you cross the border into Somerset, you will find the villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. Like all good partnerships, they are rarely spoken of separately, but each has its own unique characteristics and charms, famously joined by the highest and the steepest fully water-powered Victorian railway in the world! Scenery everywhere! Lynmouth provides a romantic escape from modern life at the base of a 700 foot gorge, with its pretty harbour and rows of charming fisherman’s cottages. Lynton, perched high above it, is a vibrant village with a Victorian feel that retains a pleasingly quaint mixture of the past and present. It is little wonder that the area around Lynton and Lynmouth is often referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’, a picturesque landscape of spectacular hills and valleys, verdant woodland, clear spring water streams babbling over rocks and tranquil moorland. Hardly surprising therefore that this scenic splendour was popularised by the Romantic Movement of English poets such as Wordsworth, Coleridge and Shelley. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Walking Capital of Exmoor’, the area boasts numerous nationally recognised trails such as the Coleridge Way, the Two Moors Way, the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail. There is a trail or walk to appeal to everyone, from those looking to do a serious multi-day hike to the day-tripper just wanting a leisurely amble to take in the natural beauty of the landscape. A good place to start is Watersmeet House, about two miles from Lynton. A former fishing lodge which has been owned by the National Trust since 1996, it now serves as an information centre, tea-room and shop. The lodge, which dates back to the 1830’s, stands at the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water and is an ideal starting point for around 40 miles of picturesque walks through woodlands and along streams and coastline. For those keener on a more sedentary tour of this spectacular landscape, there is also a 21 mile figure-of-eight scenic driving route to enjoy.
summer 2022 | DEVON COMMUNITIES
Devastation! On Friday 15th August 1952, the village of Lynmouth suffered what has been described as the worst river flood in English history. On that day, just over nine inches of rain fell, with six of those inches falling in a few short hours during the afternoon and early evening. Coming after a very wet fortnight, it was hardly surprising that Exmoor – which would normally have absorbed the rain – was unable to contain such unprecedented levels of water and was soon overwhelmed. The rain water flooded relentlessly into the many tributaries of the East and West Lyn rivers, gaining momentum and funnelling down through the narrow gorge, totally overwhelming Lynmouth under a torrent of water, soil, vegetation, boulders, collapsed buildings and ruined bridges as it reached the sea. In purely statistical terms, this was an apocalyptic event. The West Lyn river was reported to have risen 60 feet above its previously recorded highest point, and tragically 34 people lost their lives that night, 28 of them in Lynmouth alone.
The rise and fall of Sir George Newnes Sir George Newnes was born in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire in 1852 and it is often argued that his wealth, energy and enthusiasm were the key to transforming the villages of Lynton and Lynmouth into popular tourist destinations, beloved of the Victorians. Starting his working life as a haberdasher, Sir George found fame and wealth in magazine publishing, moving into politics as the MP for Newmarket in 1885 and gaining the title of baronet in 1895. Sir George frequently spent holidays with his wife Priscilla and family in the area and was keen to develop ‘Little Switzerland’ into a playground for the wealthy. He is considered to be one of the area’s greatest benefactors, providing funds for the town hall, Congregational church building and famous cliff railway (more later!). There seemed no end to Sir George’s generosity but his largess came at a price – by 1908 his businesses were failing badly and he was plagued by financial worries. It is said he died a broken man in 1910. The wider Newnes family were unfortunately saddled with his debt, and his mansion, Hollerday House, stood empty for three
It was estimated that the amount of rain water that fell that day would have been enough to supply the water needs of Lynmouth’s population for over 100 years! During the clean-up operation, 114,000 tons of debris was cleared from the village. Around 8,000 tons of boulders were deposited by the West Lyn River; some individual boulders weighing as much as 50 tons were too big to move by conventional methods and had to be blown up by the army. Following the event, it took six years to rebuild and remodel the village, including a robust flood overflow area which was created above the Maybridge and is calibrated to take one and a half times the amount of water that brought such devastation to the village that night, something that can give current residents of Lynmouth reassurance that no such catastrophic flood can ever happen again. To commemorate the events of that terrible night, the Flood Memorial Hall near the harbour houses a permanent free exhibition, including a scale-model of the village, eye-witness testimonies and photographs of the devastation wrought.
years before eventually burning down, some say under mysterious circumstances. Despite his woes, Sir George Newnes’s patronage is largely credited with the popularity and success of the resorts in the late 19th century and his contribution to the area is commemorated in a stone bust which can be seen at the town hall.
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Shake hands with The Walker It’s hardly surprising given the gorgeous landscape that Lynton and Lynmouth have attracted artists from around the globe to soak up its unique atmosphere and seek inspiration for their paintings, drawings and sculptures. One such sculpture – ‘The Walker’ - stands proudly on the waterfront at Lynmouth. The sculpture, created by Richard Graham, was commissioned to symbolise walkers everywhere and signifies the meeting point of four exceptional national trails; the Coleridge Way, Two Moors Way, South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail. Unveiled by John Craven of BBC’s Countryfile in 2017, many people visiting the village like to shake the hand of ‘The Walker’ and have a photo taken for posterity. This has particular significance for those completing very long distancewalks (such as the 51 miles of the Coleridge Way across the Quantock Hills and Exmoor in neighbouring Somerset) and brings a great sense of achievement. Don’t worry if you visit Lynmouth and ‘The Walker’ isn’t on his usual seafront spot – he spends his winters just inside the doorway of the Pavilion to keep him safe from any passing storm and high tides!
Up and down – the iconic cliff railway Arguably the most famous, and undoubtedly the most visited, local landmark is the cliff railway which links the two villages. Enjoying panoramic views of the North Devon coastline, the iconic funicular train glides effortlessly between the two villages along 862-feet of track and can claim an impressive record as the highest and steepest water-powered Victorian railway in the world! As the potential for tourism became apparent in the latter half of the 19th century, the steep gradient between Lynton and Lynmouth was seen by many as a deterrent to visitors and a major obstacle to economic development. Holidaymakers arriving into Lynmouth harbour on paddlesteamers from the Bristol Channel ports faced a daunting hill climb up to Lynton or an uncomfortable ride up the steep gradient on the back of an unfortunate pony or donkey. In December 1881, the local paper received an anonymous letter proposing a cliff tramway between the two villages powered by water from the River Lyn. While intriguing, this solution required a large amount of capital to get it off the ground and so remained a pipedream for several years. However, the idea never completely went away and continued to be a talking point. In 1885, a scheme to install a solid pier and a cliff railway began to gain real momentum and was brought to fruition by a number of visionaries who took up advocacy for the scheme, notably wealthy businessman Sir George Newnes, distinguished lawyer Thomas Hewitt, entrepreneur John Heywood, designer George Marks and local engineer Bob Jones – the man who rose to the challenge when Sir George said “Is there anyone in the place capable of constructing such a railway?” While there are many challenges involved in designing and constructing a railway of such length and gradient (some 900 feet rising over 500 feet vertically with an incline of
1 : 1.75), one of the most pressing to get right is the braking system. Hydraulic brakes were used filled with water not oil which was later to become unique to this lift. In June 1888, Newnes, Jones and Marks patented their four separate braking systems which allowed for the brakes to be applied independently to each car, something that has been key to the railway’s remarkable accident-free safety record of over 130 years! So the idea of a water-powered cliff railway now had real impetus; work began in 1887 and it was opened just three years later in 1890, at a cost of about £8,000 (close to a million pounds in today’s money!). The Cliff Railway is now one of the area’s most popular attractions, seeing huge numbers of visitors carried each year (the highest number in a single year was 470,000!). o
Short Story
summer 2022 | COMPETITION
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Competition
To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to launch our short story competition! Are you a frustrated fiction writer? Do you have a short story inside you waiting to burst out? Would you love to see your story in print and read by thousands of people across the county and beyond? Now’s your chance! Open to all residents of Devon, we want you to get creative and write a short original story, of no more than 1,000 words. The theme of the story should be celebration but everything else is up to you - perhaps a charming romance, a heartracing thriller or intriguing mystery. Your creation can be set in the present day, in decades gone by or might have an historical twist – the choice is yours. All we ask is that you make it appealing and entertaining to our wide audience of Helipad readers. We are delighted that our short story competition will be judged by a panel including Sheila Norton, Devon Air Ambulance supporter, local resident and award-winning multi-published author, whose works include 25 books and well over 100 short stories. For more information about Sheila and her work, please visit: www.sheilanorton.com
Submitting your st ory
• Your story should be no longer than 1,000 words (excluding the title). • Your story must be an original piece of work and not have been publishe d previously. • You can email yo ur story as a Word attachment (.doc or .docx) to he lipad@daat.org (pl ease do not copy and paste yo ur story into the bo dy of your email). • Alternatively, po st your story to ‘Th e Editor, Helipad, Short Story competi tion, Devon Air Am bulance, 5 Sandpiper Court , Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NS’. • All entries must be received by em ail or post by 23:59pm (UK time) on Friday 30th Se ptember 2022. • Maximum of one entry per person. • Don’t forget to inc lude your name, ad dress and contact details (email and/ or phone) on the firs t page of your Word document.
The Prize Not only will our winning author see their story in print in our Winter 2022 issue of Helipad magazine, they will also receive a bag of Devon Air Ambulance goodies as well as copy of Sheila’s book ‘Winter at Cliff’s End Cottage’.
Competition Terms and Conditions • The Devon Air Ambulance short story writing competition is open to Devon residents only. • No employee of Devon Air Ambulance Trust or Devon Air Ambulance Trading Company Ltd is eligible to participate. • All submissions must be sent as a Word document (.doc or .docx) via email or by post. • Only stories that have previously been unpublished will be considered. • One story per person. • All stories must be received via email or by post by 23.59pm on Friday 30th September 2022 at the latest. • The judging panel will consist of: • Sheila Norton, Author • Ali Simpson, Helipad Editor • Ginette Gisborne, Communications Manager, Devon Air Ambulance • The judges’ decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. • The writer of the winning story will be notified by email or telephone by Friday 14th October 2022. • The writer of the winning story agrees to its publication in Winter 2022 issue of Helipad magazine. • The winner also agrees to their name and photograph being used for publicity purposes only.
Good luck!
…and happy writing!
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Kniphofia in the Hot Border at RHS Garden Rosemoor RHS / Liz Blyth
Climate conundrums
Regardless of different opinions on the climate and changes within it, as a fulltime gardener it is impossible to ignore the year on year, season by season changes that are affecting our plants, ground conditions and routines.
Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ RHS /Wendy Wesley
Eccremocarpus scaber AGM RHS /Graham Titchmarsh
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ RHS /Neil Hepworth
summer 2022 | GARDENS
T
here are reams of historical data available to all and, having had a good peruse through quite a chunk of it, one or two things hit home and correlate with some of the challenges that we face on a regular basis. Spring is getting earlier and autumn later, stretching the growing season. Rain is on the rise but increasingly coming in extreme weather events instead of the ground penetrating steady precipitation. Finally, it is without doubt getting warmer. Something that I always say to home gardeners is to keep a garden diary. This not only acts as a memory jogger but over the years it becomes a record of change. When you work in the same areas and with the same plants (mostly) and have done so for a number of years, you find your routines shifting, plant habits subtly adjusting and, in some areas, maintaining what we have is becoming more of a challenge. One of many examples of this (and a slightly more positive one) is the ever-lovely, colourful and slightly exotic looking Kniphofia. A native of South Africa, they struggled to thrive in the Hot Garden when I arrived seven years ago as they didn’t enjoy the wet winter conditions. Fast forward to recent years and they are now relishing hotter, drier conditions and are a spectacular staple from late spring to early autumn. There are so many things we can do to help combat both the causes and effects of climate shift. Here are my suggestions for us all to make a small but tangible contribution in our gardens towards the move to slow the pace of change: • Planting any trees, shrubs and plants removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, can reduce the risk of flooding by slowing down rainwater runoff and can even capture particulate pollution from cars and lorries. • Increasing the range and diversity of your plants builds
“ Take time to enjoy your garden this summer! Slip on a hat, slap on some suntan lotion, take a seat in a shady spot with a cool drink, and take in all your hard work ” resilience to weather events and including plants for pollinators with differing flowering times will provide as much nectar as possible for the longest period. • Where practical, make use of technology, moving away from petrol powered tools and hiring or sharing tools with others. • Go peat-free, there are now many good quality alternative products to be had for your gardening needs. • As our gardens become drier and hotter, some of our more traditional plants begin to suffer, needing more watering, attention and often struggling to grow to their full potential. As gardeners, our thoughts therefore inevitably turn to plants that can withstand these conditions better. • Drought tolerant plants often have silver or grey/green leaves which help to reflect the rays of the sun and can have leaves and stems covered in fine hairs which trap moisture around the plant tissues.
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Eryngium × zabelii ‘Big Blue’ AGM
From my experience at Rosemoor, this is my list of tried and tested plants for a dry environment, all with an Award of Garden Merit. Evergreen in the South West and aromatic, Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ AGM is a feast for the eyes. Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’ AGM is compact, rounded and has white flower spikes in profusion from late Spring. Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’ AGM will grow in the driest of conditions and treat you to tall, purple/blue flower spikes all summer. With a profusion of yellow button flowers, Santolina chamaecyparissus AGM is an aromatic must for a sunny corner. Eryngium × zabelii ‘Big Blue’ AGM is a stand out conversation piece with its electric blue flower heads. Echinops bannaticus ‘Taplow Blue’ AGM is a back of border, blue bee magnet, they love it! Verbena rigida AGM is a slowly spreading, lower alternative to the ever-popular Verbena bonariensis. Eccremocarpus scaber AGM is self-clinging and will scramble up and through a hedge or trellis treating you to a profusion of red and orange, living up to its name of Glory Vine. And finally, from a long list of grasses, I chose Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ AGM because it gives 100%, providing a plethora of colour changes through the seasons, year on year. o
Planting your plants for dry conditions should be done early, using smaller specimens and adding organic matter to the planting hole. This allows for water retention and plenty of time for them to establish and acclimatise to their environment. Applying a mulch will also retain moisture in the ground. And finally, a few additional thoughts for our drier, hotter gardens; • Add gravel as a mulch in baskets and containers. • Scarify and aerate your grassed areas, allowing for better water penetration. • Mow less, using a higher blade setting. Grass is robust and will generally recover from the effects of drought. • Ventilate and shade your glasshouse. • Install as many water butts as possible. • Water only when necessary and in the evening to reduce evaporation. • Place pots and containers in a shady spot when going away for a while.
Gardens
Richard Wilson - RHS Rosemoor Horticulturist
I have been with the RHS as a member of the Formal Gardens team here at Rosemoor since May 2015 and am currently responsible for the maintenance of our colour themed gardens, the Hot and Cool gardens. In addition to this, areas of shrubbery along the stream side fall within my remit. I live near Barnstaple and enjoy helping with volunteer garden projects. I run competitively, row with Barnstaple Pilot Gig Club and enjoy long distance cycling. In my spare time, I tend to sleep!
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CELEBRATING
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SAVING LIVES!
1992-2022
O T N I G N I Y L F E R U T U F THE
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helipad | 30th Anniversary Special
Introduction On the 27th August 1992, Devon Air Ambulance flew its first lifesaving mission and it is still hard to believe that thirty years have passed since that momentous occasion. Then it was all about speed – getting the patient to hospital and to advanced medical care as quickly as possible but our focus now is on taking that same level of medical care and treatment directly to the patient on the ground. Our highly skilled and trained clinicians can now deliver advanced medical techniques, treatments and even surgery on arrival ... something that would have been impossible back in 1992. In celebration and recognition of our 30th anniversary, this special ‘magazine within a magazine’ is dedicated to looking at how we have developed as a service over the last thirty years. We highlight the invaluable contribution of our volunteers, fundraisers, shops and business supporters and, importantly, tell you how we are making the service ‘Fit for the Future’ with our exciting new airbase project. On this very important anniversary, my special thanks must go to Ann Ralli, the driving force behind the creation of Devon Air Ambulance back in 1992. Although we have developed out of all recognition as a service since then, none of it would have been possible without her initial commitment and relentless focus. While Devon Air Ambulance may have been born out of tragedy, the service has saved countless lives over the last
Back in the day... One of our longest serving members of crew, pilot Captain Rob Mackie, who retired in 2021, takes us back to the very beginning of DAA and how things were very different in 1992. It was by pure chance that I was holidaying in North Devon on the 27th August 1992, when I became aware that it was launch date for Devon Air Ambulance. Although I was then working flying back and forth to gas rigs in the North Sea, I am Paignton-born, so have a great love for the South West. Little did I know that, seven months later, I would become Devon Air Ambulance’s Senior Pilot (actually, that’s the title I gave myself as, in reality, I was the only pilot!). Back then we were only flying for five days per week, Thursday through to Monday, as the statistics showed that Tuesday and Wednesday were the ‘quietest days of the week’ for accidents. We flew nine ‘daylight’ hours only which, during the summer was 08:30 – 17:30 and during the winter 08:00 – 17:00 - although then, as now, we rarely finished on time!
Our founder, Ann Ralli (second left) and her family with DAA Operations Director Nigel Hare, the Dean of Exeter Catherdral and DAA CEO Heléna Holt celebrate the arrival of G-DAAN in 2013
thirty years, something that everyone connected to Devon Air Ambulance, now and in the past, is extremely proud of.
Heléna Holt Chief Executive Officer
At the start, the Charity only had two members of staff, a CEO and a secretary, and a small army of volunteer helpers. It soon became apparent that our main problem was ‘getting the word out there’, letting people know they had an Air Ambulance and that, as a charity concern, we needed funds. The aircraft and crew were, of course, the best ambassadors for the fledgling service, but that was a slow process of education. In the early days, our expenditure far exceeded our income so, to turn things around financially, we were restricted to one hour’s flying a day averaged over our five operational days . My first task when starting each duty shift was to phone the office and confirm we had enough money to fly that day. Most days we did, but there were quite a few when we didn’t! To say we have progressed and developed as a service in the last thirty years would be a huge understatement and, to be honest, back in 1992 we were concentrating so much on surviving, we didn’t dare dream about future developments. But back then, as now, we couldn’t have achieved anything without the amazing support of the people of Devon – thank you.
Our 30 YEAR timeline 1986 Ann Thomas’s son Ceri was tragically killed in an accident when he was knocked from his bike. When she asked what could have saved her son, she was told that the quicker a patient receives treatment the better their chance of survival. This stayed with Ann and she launched the ‘Ceri Thomas Appeal’ to raise funds for Devon’s air ambulance.
1992 On 27 August Devon’s Air Ambulance flies its first mission. Prior to this the crew and helicopter landed on Exeter’s Cathedral Green for a blessing by the Bishop of Exeter. The service launches flying five days a week.
Ceri Thomas
1997 On 7 July 1997 the service is extended to seven days a week
1999 Devon-born Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies launches a larger stretched Bolkow aircraft at The Gipsy Hill Hotel, Exeter.
summer 2022 | 30th Anniversary Special
Volunteering for DAA We are proud to have over 800 volunteers – they volunteer for us for a number of reasons, whether that is simply to support a charity they feel is worthwhile, socialise, learn new skills or, like some of our former patients, find it a very rewarding way of giving something back to the service after we have been there to help. As we reach our 30th anniversary we would like to say ‘thank you’ to all of our volunteers, past and present, who have helped to maintain our service and make it what it is today.
Volunteer Helen Helen became a volunteer in 2022 after she was involved in a horse-riding accident that left her unconscious and with a significant head injury. Luckily a first responder was nearby to attend the remote scene and soon after, our crew and helicopter arrived to provide full emergency treatment on site before flying Helen to hospital. Helen and her two daughters, Alice and Olivia, all decided to volunteer for Devon Air Ambulance to say thank you for all that we did to help. The whole family are passionate about sharing how vital our service is to providing rural communities across Devon with lifesaving treatment in emergency situations. We are so grateful to Helen and her daughters for donating their time to support us.
450
Retail Volunteers
128
68
11
43
Fundraising & Logistics
Box Collectors Trustees
Speakers
108
Event Volunteers
3
Volunteer Charlie Charlie Jeffery has long been a supporter of Devon Air Ambulance. Living in a rural community he is well aware of the importance of our service bringing lifesaving treatment and a swift journey to hospital but wasn’t expecting to need us himself. In 2018, Charlie suffered a heart attack and after treating him at home, he was airlifted to Exeter RD&E and thankfully went on to recover well. A day later Charlie saw one of the paramedics who attended his call who commented how much better he looked than the day before! That was just the beginning of Charlie’s closer association with us - he has since been attended to by our crews twice more. When the local volunteer box collector in Charlie’s village retired later in 2018, he volunteered to take over servicing the boxes. We are thankful for Charlie’s support in looking after the collection boxes in his village, as well as his efforts supporting and thanking local fundraisers who support us.
Volunteers Margaret & Jeff Margaret and Jeff Lilley are volunteers in our Totnes shop who have been donating their time to DAA since February 2015. Little did they know that two years later Devon Air Ambulance would be airlifting their 8-year-old grandson Ryan to Derriford Hospital. Margaret started volunteering after seeing a poster at the local hospice where she worked and, when Jeff retired, he joined the volunteer team too. One day, Margaret received a call from her daughter-inlaw, saying that Ryan had had an accident on his scooter. When the ambulance crew arrived, Ryan had started to choke and paramedics called for the Air Ambulance as a matter of urgency. Thankfully, after spending a night in hospital, Ryan made a full recovery.
Every volunteer contributes to the success of our Charity. We simply couldn’t run our shops, service our 4,000 collection boxes, give numerous talks to local communities or run the many events that we go along to every year without them! Our volunteers are an integral part of the DAA team. If you would like to join our brilliant team, please contact our Interim Volunteer Manager Becky at b.trout@daat.org
2001 In September, Devon Air Ambulance launches its own in-house lottery.
2002 DAA celebrates the 10th anniversary of its first lifesaving mission with its Air Ambulance Challenge. This involved visiting all emergency helipads throughout the UK.
2002 Ten years on, the Bishop of Exeter re-blesses the helicopter and crew.
2004 In June, the new state of the art EC135 helicopter arrives. This was leased from Bond Air Services.
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helipad | 30th Anniversary Special
Patient Stories As we look back over the 30 years of service, it is phenomenal to see how things have changed. Back in 1992 we only flew five days a week and certainly not in the dark, but things are very different now. It is thanks to the incredible support we receive from the people of Devon and beyond that our service is operational for 365 days of the year. We currently provide a combined total of 29 hours of operational cover from our Exeter Airbase and our North Devon Airbase each day. Our two aircraft are fully equipped to fly in the hours of darkness and our two critical care cars that were welcomed to the fleet in 2020 now enable us to respond by land. Times have certainly changed from the old way of working when the air ambulance simply arrived quickly
and delivered a patient swiftly to hospital to receive the necessary treatment. Today, our service is about highly skilled critical care paramedics and doctors delivering advanced lifesaving treatment and interventions on-scene, stabilising a patient and then transporting them either in the helicopter or accompanying them in a land ambulance to the hospital which offers the specialist treatment needed to provide the patient with the most successful outcome. Over the years our patients have kindly shared with us some truly humbling accounts of their experience of the care they received from Devon Air Ambulance, including how we reassured them they were in safe hands, eased their pain and suffering, involved them in decisions about their care and provided comfort to their loved ones at a very distressing time. The Patient and Family Support element of our service has quickly embedded itself as an essential aspect of how we care for and support not just our patients, but also their families and loved ones.
Everything changed in an instant One morning in January 2020 on her way to work, Karen Barber dashed to her local shops at Heathfield near Newton Abbot to pick up some shopping. The next thing she knew, it was one week later. Karen had parked in a layby adjacent to the shops and was just getting back into her car when a lorry came alongside to turn right. The driver misjudged the space and hit Karen, trapping her between the car door and the side of the lorry, the driver unaware of what had happened, continued his journey. Luckily, a bystander quickly called 999. Karen’s son, 14-year old Charlie, was also at the scene soon after the accident - he was heading for the bus to school. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he realised what had happened to his mum. Our crew soon joined land ambulance paramedics at the scene and immediately recognised that Karen had suffered life-threatening internal injuries that would need emergency surgery. The aircrew decided it would be safer to transport Karen to Derriford Hospital by road as there was a huge possibility that Karen could deteriorate further before reaching the hospital. Karen spent four days in Intensive Care and when finally meeting her surgeon for the first time, she learned that she had suffered horrendous internal injuries; with most of her ribs broken ‘like pieces of Meccano’ and five fractures to her spine. The fragments of her ribs had lacerated several organs including her lungs, liver and kidneys. In a nine-hour operation, surgeons were able to stitch most of these but one of her lungs was so badly damaged that half of one
2005 A cycling accident left 17 year-old, Tom Staniford, with similar injuries to those suffered by Ceri Thomas. Tom was airlifted to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Wonford, Exeter. Despite suffering two cardiac arrests in the aircraft he went on to make a full recovery.
2005 In May, our second aircraft launches, based in North Devon. The Bolkow helicopter is operational five days a week.
lung had been cut away altogether. Karen ended up with eight metal plates in her spine and 67 staples in her back. Over two years on, Karen still suffers some restrictions in what she can do, but she is now able to walk without her stick and is a little more mobile. She explains: “I’m back driving again now so I can manage to get to the gym 3 times a week which helps to strengthen muscles and keeps me as agile as I can be. I’m getting married in Cyprus in July which is something for my whole family to look forward to after everything that has happened. I don’t remember much about the incident but I’d love to meet the guys who helped me that day, to say a very big thank you for everything they did.”
Karen and Steve proudly wearing their DAA t-shirts and right, at their wedding in July 2022
2006 HRH Princess Anne opens a new airbase at Exeter Airport shared with Devon and Cornwall Police air support team.
2006 In January, the service celebrates the arrival of a purpose built incubator. DAA were the first Air Ambulance to have one, which was funded by corporate supporters.
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A terrible accident leads to amazing fundraising In January 2016, 21-year-old Katie Backhouse left her home on a cold and icy morning to make her way to work. Unfortunately she didn’t make it to work that morning, her car skidded on black ice and careered off the road. Katie suffered numerous facial fractures and a head injury and was airlifted to Derriford hospital. She faced a long period of rehabilitation and after an initial stay of 10 days in ITU, which was then extended by a further 3 weeks, Katie was transferred to the rehabilitation unit. After a stay of 6 weeks, Katie had made good progress and was discharged a month earlier than anticipated. Following Katie’s airlift, her brother Tom was inspired to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance, and undertook a ‘Walk Wild’ challenge, in which he walked the length and height of all 15 UK National Parks in just one year, spanning several thousand miles and several thousand metres in elevation. Tom is the first recorded person ever to undertake this challenge. Katie told us: “I got married last August after it was postponed from 2020 and it was a beautiful but very emotional day. My dad and I had a dance together before my first dance with my husband Sam. It was to ‘This is me’ from the movie The Greatest Showman (this is something myself and dad associate with me and my accident). It was an emotional day for my dad and he said giving me away and having our dance together was the best thing ever, before he handed me over to Sam!” Katie’s parents will always be grateful to Devon Air Ambulance for saving the life of their daughter and continue to fundraise
Katie and her father take the first dance
for the Charity. The couple are planning to walk the South West Coastal Path and have set up a fundraising page of their own. If you would like to support their challenge, and help patients like Katie, you can do so on this link: www.bit.ly/ AirAmbFundraiser
Katie with husband Sam and her siblings
Tom on the North Yorkshire Moors during his epic fundraising challenge
2007 CEO Heléna Holt joins the Charity.
2007 The country’s first HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) dispatch team is created by DAA. It is based at the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust’s (SWASFT) 999 call centre.
2007 In May, the second helicopter, based in North Devon extends its service from five to seven days a week.
2008 In October, the Charity buys a Eurocopter EC135 helicopter, including a customised fit. The Exeterleased aircraft moves to North Devon to replace the older Bolkow aircraft.
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helipad | 30th Anniversary Special
Our Fundraisers Over 30 years ago a passion for saving lives was sparked after a tragic incident. Following the untimely death of her son Ceri, Ann Ralli embarked on the biggest challenge. She had a vision, she knew what was needed and she started her campaign to fund an air ambulance for Devon. By utilising her networks, talking to everyone who would stop and listen, engaging her local community in Sidbury and beyond, her passion and drive enthused others. She got her message across that Devon needed an Air
Terry Moore We want to shine a light on Terry and his amazing fundraising for DAA. Terry was a local builder and, along with his brother Colin, was recognised by many across the community. Terry’s popularity certainly went in his favour when it came to his love of fundraising! Terry was also the Captain at Bigbury Golf Club and, in 1993, he chose to host a Charity Golf Day for Devon Air Ambulance at the request of Kingsbridge Rugby Club, after we had attended one of their players. When he received a generous gift of £1,000 from a local tradesman this only fuelled his enthusiasm and soon an array of prizes were gathered. The day eventually raised a mammoth total of £14,000! After the event, Terry and his wife Pat went on to support DAA as volunteer box collectors and event volunteers within their area for three years before retiring. We would also like to thank Bigbury Golf Club for the club’s ongoing support of DAA. Many captains have chosen to support us over the years, and between the club and seniors club, we have received over £11,000. Thanks also to Kingsbridge Rugby Club, for their significant involvement in the Bigbury event and for supporting us over the years.
Cyril Emmet – From humble beginnings We are delighted that one of our long standing supporters, Mr Cyril Emmet has achieved his dream of publishing his own book. A delightful read that follows his life, memories and the trials
2009 After being gifted the land for a new North Devon airbase by Barry Pearson of Eaglescott Airfield, trustee Jack Lomas digs the first turf.
2010 In January, the Steve Ford airbase is officially opened in North Devon. The airbase is named after our much-loved pilot Steve Ford, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
Ambulance and her dream was realised in 1992. Thirty years on, we are proud to continue to be the ambassadors in the community and the people who get the message across that Devon needs our air ambulances, that we still need funding and we need to keep the legacy of what was started all those years ago alive. Over the years, fundraising has seen many changes. However, many things are still the same. We still rely on all our fundraisers’ efforts, whether that is holding events, making a regular donation or leaving a gift for us in their will. Our fundraisers are all still the lifeblood that keeps our amazing service operational.
and tribulations of farming in Devon. If you would like to know more about the amazing life and work of Mr Emmet, please do get in touch with fundraising@daat. org to find out how you can get your copy.
Adam & Charlie Fleury – Emergensea Duo
Earlier this year we celebrated an amazing feat completed by two incredible doctors from Devon! Adam and Charlie Fleury, the only husband and wife team in the Talisker Whisky Challenge, completed an incredible journey across the Atlantic to raise funds for four of their most treasured charities. From the Canary Islands the pair rowed around 1.5 million strokes and battled all that mother nature sent their way to reach the finish line at English Harbour in Antigua. Persistence, or Percy for short; a 24ft Rannoch R25 ocean rowing boat carried them safely on their way and after 51 days, 3 hours and 4 minutes, they arrived, still smiling and still married! On board the boat for almost eight weeks and burning up to 5,000 calories per day, Adam and Charlie have had to stay fit, healthy and strong enough to withstand the physical endurance that this task demanded. We can’t thank this generous and dynamic duo enough for all they have done to support Devon Air Ambulance, they really are fantastic fundraisers!
2012 January saw the conclusion of the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal, which exceeds all expectations by raising over £852,000.
2012 DAA celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first flight with a special weekend of celebrations at Darts Farm, Exeter.
summer 2022 | 30th Anniversary Special
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Our Lottery Supporters Lucky Lottery Number Back in September 2001, Devon Air Ambulance launched a brand new in-house Lottery which today is one of the most significant income streams for our Charity with over 43,000 numbers in the weekly draw every Friday! When local gentleman Mr Stephen (known as Henry to all who knew him) from Whimple near Exeter heard about this new initiative, he took himself to our offices in Broadclyst, to join up. In actual fact, Henry was the very first person to join up so was awarded his “lucky lottery number 1”. Since Henry sadly passed away in 2005, his son Rob has continued to keep his father’s lottery membership. He said “My father was a very passionate supporter of Devon Air Ambulance, especially being a Devonian and coming from a horticultural background. He wanted to support the Charity where he could, so thought joining the weekly lottery was a good place to start.” Our huge thanks to Henry and Rob and all of our lottery supporters who have helped and continue to help maintain the emergency medical service we provide to the people of Devon and beyond. Henry judging flowers at the Whimple Show
2012 In June, flying hours are extended during summer months – now flying up to 14 hours a day.
2013 DAA celebrates the 21st anniversary of its first lifesaving mission with a special weekend at Darts Farm, Exeter.
Beating the Odds! When Roderick Hayes, a beef and sheep farmer from Witheridge and former DAA patient, was approached by one of our Lottery canvassers in his local supermarket, he couldn’t say ‘no’ – and in 2018, not only won first prize but was amazed to win third prize the following week! “I first learned about our Air Ambulance back in the very early days of the service. I witnessed someone collapse in front of me, so I ran to the telephone box to call 999. I got such a surprise when I realised that the Air Ambulance was coming. It landed just two or three minutes later; it was flying back to base from another job – it was amazing.” Roderick was inspired to fundraise to support the service and organised two sheepdog trial events on his farmland. Fast forward to a freezing cold New Year’s Eve 2009 and Roderick found himself in need of the same service. “I was checking on the bullocks but they were more familiar with my son, James, and didn’t know me very well. As I climbed into the pen they took fright. One bullock tried to unsuccessfully jump the gate and kicked me on the upper thigh, knocking me off my feet. “I could see the bullocks all fighting together but I was unable to move, I was motionless – and in excruciating pain. Terrified that the bullocks might trample me I managed to phone my son, who was on his tractor and hadn’t heard the commotion.” As well as calling 999, Roderick also managed to contact his neighbours who swiftly appeared at the scene and helped support his badly broken leg. When the paramedics from the Air Ambulance arrived, he questioned whether the helicopter was really necessary. The aircrew knew, however, that Roderick was becoming hypothermic and needed urgent surgery. Roderick remembers “As they tried to straighten my leg, I screamed, my pain had gone from a 2 out of 10 to a 12. I didn’t realise how badly broken it was.” After surgery, Roderick spent six weeks completely resting and recuperating. “It was strange after a lifetime of 12-hour days, like an enforced luxurious rest!” On joining the lottery, Roderick said “I was so grateful to DAA for my speedy flight to Exeter – winning a prize two weeks’ running was such a surprise, I just couldn’t keep it all – and donated a lump sum back to the charity to say ‘thank you’.”
2014 In October, the Charity buys its second custom build EC135. This aircraft is future-proofed and nightflight ready.
2014 In March, the Charity becomes completely independent after being awarded its own Air Operating Certificate (AOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority. The benefit of being financially independent means we can make long-term plans for our service based solely on local needs and priorities.
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helipad | 30th Anniversary Special
Corporate Supporters As we celebrate 30 years of service we are also giving our huge thanks to the many businesses, small and large that have been an integral part of our fundraising mix during that time. They may have chosen us as their Charity of the Year, lent their support by match funding their employees’ fundraising activities, sponsored our fundraising events, or offered donations of gifts in kind, raffle prizes or probono professional services. They have all contributed in so many ways to our success. We pride ourselves on building relationships with every one of them, learning about their companies and individuals that support us and the reasons why they have chosen to support our Charity. Some organisations have a personal connection with the air ambulance as a loved one or friend of an employee may have been attended by us, and others just want to show their support for a charity that anyone may need to call on. Here we highlight just a few of our amazing businesses on board...
Howmet (previously called Alcoa) We first met Howmet Aerospace in 2003. Their support has grown, from collection boxes in their canteen to lottery membership and payroll giving, to taking part in our Dragon Boat Festival (which they have won twice!). Golf Days and numerous other activities. A huge THANK YOU Howmet for your continuous support and for helping us to keep saving lives by raising over £26,000!
Bridge Motorcycles – Jump on! Our partnership with Bridge Motorcycles started in 2006 with collection boxes, encouraging motorcyclists to donate to us and arranging monthly Bike Nights with Biker Groups and customers. Bridge have been a massive part of our journey, supporting the work that we do through sponsorship of our Motorcycle Ride Out and our two 30th anniversary events. Our relationship with Bridge has enabled us to reach new audiences
2015 Working in partnership with DAA, Plymouth University launches a new Msc Pre-hospital Critical Care/ Transport and Retrieval Master’s degree for aircrew.
2015 Doctors fly on board for the first time, acting as mentors as part of the Master’s degree.
and engage with supporters through fundraising and road safety awareness.
Marley Comms – Great to communicate! Marley Comms is a long serving corporate supporter who kindly helped to make a recent radio advertising campaign possible. As part of our Cardiac Awareness Campaign, “Help with all your heart” they sponsored a series of ads on Radio Exe which helped to promote our Community CPR and Defibrillator training events across the county. Marley have been a massive help to the Charity providing their tech support and communications equipment for our Royal Marines Commando Challenge completely free of charge.
EY (Ernst Young) This year we welcomed Ernst Young’s Bristol Office to the mix of our amazing corporate supporters! Their Charity of the Year is decided by their team and those at the Bristol office kindly chose to support Devon Air Ambulance. On Friday 13th May, over 100 members of Ernst Young staff took the trip from Bristol to Devon to take part in a charity coastal walk from Exmouth to Sidmouth. It was a glorious day and they ALL finished with massive smiles on their faces. They have so far raised over £2,700 and the year isn’t finished yet!
South West Water The team at South West Water are an integral part of our history, supporting the work that we do through sponsorship of events including our Dragon Boat Festival. In 2021, SWW donated £5,625 plus additional funding of £3,419 from their Neighbour Fund. This enabled DAA to purchase an extremely important piece of sanitising equipment for the Charity and, in 2022, SWW kindly became our main sponsor for our annual Dragon Boat Festival which will be held at Exeter Quay on Sunday 11th September.
2016 ‘Make night time flight time’ awareness campaign is launched.
2016 The first tranche of 20 paramedics pass their first year Msc Pre-hospital Critical Care / Transport and Retrieval Master’s degree course.
summer 2022 | 30th Anniversary Special
Retail Milestones Our first shops opened in Plymouth and Topsham and following these we also tested various locations across the county including Teignmouth, Tiverton, Mutley and more, all of which led us towards a dedicated retail development strategy. Each shop we opened that didn’t prove successful, we learned from, and this experience helped us to shape the future, leading us to continued growth and the 19 shops we have today.
2007
2016 Exmouth £3 £2 £1 shop opens We wanted to make sure that we had given every item donated to our shops every chance to find a new home so, having spent a number of weeks on sale in our standard format shops, anything that has not sold is now moved to our discount shop in Exmouth where everything is priced at £1, £2 or £3.
Logistics launch
2018
In 2007, we acquired our own logistics vehicle and warehousing to support the retail operation. This enabled us to move stock around the county to maximise sales and offer our customers a great choice of items.
Vintage & Variety shop opens
2009 Gift Aid launch Launching Gift Aid was a great boost to our retail income as this meant that the government would give us an extra 25p in the pound when items kindly donated by a UK tax payer were sold!
2010
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We were lucky to be receiving the most wonderful donations from a bygone era in our shops and it soon became clear that we had such an incredible variety of vintage items arriving, that we needed a special place to sell them. We now have two totally unique Vintage and Variety shops in Dartmouth and in Topsham.
2020 Online Shopdaat launches
Recycling Recycling has moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years and we are always striving to make the most out of donated items that we find we are unable to sell. As part of our ongoing work regarding sustainability, we now work with a recycling company who contributes to our Charity in return for the goods collected.
2012
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and a full retail lockdown was on the horizon, we accelerated our plans to launch an online shop of our own, not only to build resilience for our retail operation but to give our customers an alternative way to shop with us. Being online means we now ship all over the UK and abroad too.
2020 Our 19th shop opens
Ebay launch Our Ebay shop was launched ten years ago, but the recent pandemic and the lockdown in 2020 saw online sales soar as people couldn’t visit their high street shops. Our Ebay shop continues to grow, now with a dedicated team and over 2,500 items available to buy online, including clothing, collectibles and vintage goods.
Despite all the challenges of the pandemic and the obstacles we had to overcome, in July we opened our 19th shop in St. Marychurch, Torbay. We were aware that we had wonderful support in this area and we’re proud to have joined a thriving precinct with a wonderful team of volunteers who lend their time and expertise to keep our newest shop looking fantastic.
One thing is for certain, our shops would not have been so successful without the dedicated support of all of our volunteers, who have kindly given their time and expertise to us over the years. If you would like to help out in one of our shops please pop in to see us or contact our Interim Volunteer Manager Becky at b.trout@daat.org
2016 The first Community Landing Site opens.
2016 In November, night flying starts flying up to midnight every day.
2017 We celebrate 25 years of saving lives.
2018 Devon Air Ambulance lifts 100th patient during the hours of darkness.
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helipad | www.daat.org 30th Anniversary Special
FLYINGINTO THE FUTURE With the plans for the new Airbase and Head Office underway, the future of the charity is an exciting one.
A strategic approach Our commitment to continuously improving our service for the benefit of our patients is intertwined with the vital need to withstand future challenges and potential shocks. We rose to the challenge of treating more patients than any previous year under incredibly difficult circumstances during the pandemic, and we continue to work hard to ensure the Charity’s resilience in the face of a cost-ofliving crisis. Careful financial management over the years and rigorous planning has enabled us to occupy a position from which we are well-placed to prepare for the future. The new airbase and head office will be designed in line with the precepts of our Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship strategic pillar. That means that we are building a home for the Charity that meets stringent environmental credentials, is fit to withstand the impact of our changing climate, and as self-sufficient in terms of energy and water resources as possible. The base will include features and facilities that will
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2019 100th Community Landing Site goes live.
2019 Flying hours extend from midnight to 2am.
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2019 Devon Air Ambulance is named in the Sunday Times Top 100 Not for Profit Companies to work for.
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In our Spring issue of Helipad, we shared the news of a landmark project, one that we have been preparing for over several years: the new combined Airbase and Head Office. Times are changing, and for the Charity to continue to meet increasing demands on the service, we need to invest in a space that is resilient, versatile, and future-ready. We can work towards meeting that demand by ensuring our workflows are optimised, we have a space that can accommodate a collaborative workforce, and one that will serve as a hub for our patients, their families, our supporters, business partners, colleagues, and the communities we help. By combining our head office with the new airbase, we are enabling greater, more effective communication and collaboration across teams, while offering a state-ofthe-art space for training, for education and awarenessraising that is accessible to colleagues across services and to the public.
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2019 In April 2019 Devon Air Ambulance becomes clinically independent.
summer 2022 | 30th Anniversary Special
increase the potential to generate some of the income needed to help keep the service financially sustainable too. Our business partners and colleagues across the emergency services and healthcare sector will benefit from training facilities that enable collaboration and sharing of good practice. Underpinning the project will be the benefits of digital and technological mastery; ensuring our technology supports the efficiencies, automation, and stringent security that we depend upon to enable the smooth running of the organisation. All this while fostering and nurturing the people, talent and culture that are at the heart of everything we do. Visit our strategic plan at daat.org/strategic-plan to read more about our strategic pillars.
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Digital Transformation The impact of the pandemic has compelled many charities to accelerate their movement towards digitising their workstreams, processes and activities. Digital transformation encourages us to rethink old models and to experiment more so that we can anticipate and respond better to changing circumstances and the expectations of our supporters and patients. Integrating and enhancing digital technology in all aspects of the organisation fundamentally changes our culture and how we serve the people of Devon. This diagram illustrates how we are working towards developing our digital and technological mastery.
Here to serve, now and in the future The annual rise in demand for our service, the continued complexities of patient needs, and the capacity to deliver time-critical care to the 1.2 million people of Devon and Devon’s visitors is an increasing challenge. We will do this by creating a human-centred, versatile space that enables our crew to become still more efficient and supported in their lifesaving work, with enhanced workflow spaces and human-friendly design. Devon’s new airbase and HQ will help to support the needs of our staff, of our patients and those connected to them. We have outgrown our existing facilities at our current Exeter location, and future-proofing our vital service by developing the new Airbase & Head Office will accommodate our people and create the right environment from which to serve the people of Devon, who make our service possible. As we are at the research and development stage of the project, at the time of going to print we are not able to confirm a location for the build, but you can find out a lot more about the project’s progress, its rationale and how it will further support the people of Devon by visiting daat.org/airbase.
2020 In March we expanded our service with two Critical Care Cars and a new, larger helicopter.
2020 In October we opened our online shop - a space for online shoppers t0 access the same affordable quality pre-loved items we sell in our shops.
2021 Working with innovation partners allowed us to continue our service throughout the pandemic period.
2022 Our Patient Services Team rolled out a series of Cardiac and Defibrillator training days across Devon.We also launched our First Responder Volunteer Scheme.
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helipad | www.daat.org
Perfectly imperfect...
At Devon Air Ambulance, we have a responsibility to ensure that we maximise the value of every donation we receive.
I
f you have been into one of our 19 shops and bought an item of clothing, we are sure you will agree that the quality is of a very high standard. This is because we want to make sure our customers love visiting our shops and can rely on the quality of the garments they purchase from us. However, if there are any items of clothing that don’t meet our strict quality control threshold, they have to be recycled. This could be any item which, although otherwise perfect, does not meet our high standards – perhaps a pair of jeans with a slight stain or a coat with a missing button. Did you know, we also aren’t able to sell items that have had the care label cut out! Because we know that many clothes we have to recycle would be perfectly good to sell if only it wasn’t for one or two flaws - and could certainly be worth more to the Charity than the 30-40p per kilo we get from recycling them - we are currently researching with our customers their appetite to have a chance to buy these items as part of a ReUse range. We will let you know how we get on! Whatever you do, if you want to donate items for sale to Devon Air Ambulance and are a UK tax payer, don’t forget to sign up to Gift Aid – this scheme enables Devon Air Ambulance to reclaim the tax on sales of donations, effectively increasing the amount we can get for each item by 25%.
DAA welcomes Kickstarters We have been working with Job Centre Plus across Devon to identify young people aged between 18 and 25 to join DAA’s Retail Team for a six month placement. Part of the requirement of the UK Government’s Kickstart programme is to ensure that we provide coaching and support to our Kickstarters by giving them a project to work on. We are pleased to say that we now have a new E-Commerce Kickstarter called Leila. Leila has a passion and fine eye for everything vintage, especially clothing, and has been working on developing our range of vintage items for sale on our online E-commerce website.
“ Did you know, we also aren’t able to sell items that have had the care label cut out! ” Check out our supporter donations that Leila has been listing at: www.shopdaat.org/collections/vintage-womens-clothing
summer 2022 | RETAIL
Bon Voyage to Chrissie Peel This summer we said goodbye to Chrissie Peel, our Retail Operations Manager, who has been with the Charity for 21 years. Retail at DAA was in its infancy when Chrissie joined us as a Shop Manager and, as her role developed, she became instrumental in driving forward our retail operations and making them the successful part of DAA they are today. Chrissie has helped oversee the refitting of all our existing 19 shops with a strong DAA brand, has launched three different specialist formats with our ‘£3, £2, £1’ shop in Exmouth, Vintage in Topsham and Dartmouth and our online presence with Ebay and ShopDaat. Her creativity, flair and artistic design have also been at the forefront of creating the distinctive look of our different shop formats. Chrissie has also contributed as a regular writer for Helipad for many years. As well as being the fountain of all retail knowledge, Chrissie has also been an awesome colleague, described by her team as supportive and encouraging, as well as being a bit mischievous and great fun to be around. So, while retail will, of course, continue to thrive and grow as it always has, it’s worth pausing for a moment to reflect on Chrissie’s significant contribution over many years - thank you and goodbye Chrissie from all your colleagues and friends here at DAA, you will be missed.
Sweet 16
We’ve have also recently said farewell to Sarah Woolfenden, our Topsham Vintage & Variety shop manager, who has just retired after 16 years with DAA. Sarah is another member of staff who has been an integral part of the Retail team over many years and a large part of the success of our Vintage specialist formats is down to her. Her ability to cultivate relationships with local dealers and traders and her knowledge of the vintage sector is second to none and her commitment to DAA has been unwavering. Sarah will be very much missed but we know her love of travelling in her camper van will keep her busy and happy, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.
Retail
Sarah (centre) with Becky Trout, Interim Volunteer Manager (left) and Helena Holt, CEO (right)
Pete Vallance – Head of Business Development Email: p.vallance@daat.org
As Head of Business Development, Pete’s role focuses on many aspects of enterprise and income generation. Most recently, he has been working with the retail team to develop our online shopping and e-commerce presence and has a passion for making our retail shopping experience part of our wider commitment to ‘Healthy High Streets’.
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Former DAA patient Jon Plumbley recently ran the Exeter Inflatable 5k Race in aid of Devon Air Ambulance. He was motivated to support us after our crew airlifted him last year following a nasty accident. When discussing the day we airlifted him, Jon told us “I had a nasty motorcycle crash on November 4th in 2021 near Starcross, and was taken by road ambulance to the RD&E. They did scans there and found I had two skull fractures, a cheekbone fracture and two haematomas. Nasty stuff! Devon Air Ambulance then flew me to Derriford Hospital for emergency brain surgery, which saved my life. I wouldn’t have made it there in time without DAA. I remember absolutely none of it, which is probably a good thing, but I know I’d be dead if it wasn’t for DAA.” We are so pleased to receive an amazing £319 from Jon’s efforts and fundraising. Thank you, Jon!
Reuben’s Scout Challenge in aid of DAA
As a Beaver Scout soon to move up to Cubs, our young supporter Reuben,was set the Personal Challenge task. When he was invested as a Beaver, he made a promise: I promise to do my best To be kind and helpful And to love our world.
He decided to include this in his challenge by cycling 20 miles and walking 10 miles over two days, doing his best to raise as much money as possible for Devon Air Ambulance to help us save lives. Along the walk he decided to collect litter to do even more to look after the world. On the first morning Reuben started out on his 20 mile bike ride. With a few stops along the way it took him four hours to complete. With some energy left, he decided to make a start on the walk, going along the coast path around Torquay and completed an additional five miles. The next day he completed the remaining five miles of his walking challenge around Hope Cove and Galmpton, and this time he didn’t spot any litter at all! Thanks to his immense efforts, Reuben raised an incredible £350 for Devon Air Ambulance. We were so pleased to be able to send Reuben his very own DAA badge to sew on to his uniform, as our way of saying ‘thank you’ for his amazing effort.
100 not out!
We were delighted to receive a wonderful donation from Mrs Joan Armsworth who celebrated her 100th birthday with lots of fun, memories and of course cake, shared with friends and family. Joan has been a keen supporter of DAA for many years, and in 2001 took a tour of the helicopter (pictured) when she presented us with a cheque raised in memory of her dear husband Jim. Congratulations Joan and thank you so much for your continuing support.
summer 2022 | COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
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Victor Brook’s John O’Groats The Bowling Green – Head Shave to Land’s End tractor run On Wednesday 4th May, Victor started his long journey from north to south. Driving his 1961 Fordson Super Major, 74-yearold Victor covered between 60 and 80 miles a day! The journey is more than 960 miles, with 400 of those just being to get through Scotland - a trek which was made an even bigger challenge as his tractor’s top speed was 13mph! With Victor and his wife supporting Devon Air Ambulance for many years, they have raised over £11,000 which is a fantastic achievement. We are extremely grateful to him for this brilliant result from a unique challenge!
CODS –
Crediton Operatic and Drama Society We were recently contacted by Heather Barlow, a member of CODS, who told us that, each year, the group choose a charity to raise money for throughout that year. Back in 2021, Heather’s husband Chris was involved in a road traffic collision. Devon Air Ambulance attended the scene and flew Chris to Derriford but, sadly, and despite their best efforts, Chris passed away. This tragic event was the motivation for Heather and CODS to fundraise for Devon Air Ambulance, raising an incredible £1,700 in Chris’s memory. We are grateful that the team were able to raise such a huge amount of money. We thank them very much for all of their fantastic support and for thinking of us at such a difficult time. Our long-term volunteer, John Groves, recently attended the cheque presentation at Crediton Town Hall.
On Sunday 29th May, husband and wife team, Nigel Cook and Saskia Russell, along with pub regular Mike Knight, braved a fantastic head shave. With their hair being donated to The Little Princess Trust – a charity that makes real hair wigs free of charge for children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment - they decided to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance. To date, they have raised over £3,500! To make things even more interesting, one customer said they would donate £60 if Nigel dyed his beard ahead of the event. Of course, Nigel obliged, and displayed an eye-catching pink beard!
Jumping into the blue Despite some awe-inspiring storms which rolled in on 4th June putting paid to all our lovely fundraisers meeting to skydive and wing walk together, our supporters are nothing if not resilient and committed. Lou Venables took her own 15,000 feet plunge later in June in aid of Devon Air Ambulance – the thrill is clear to see on her face!! Huge thanks to all of our skydivers and wing walkers who will be rescheduling their own jumps over the summer, and for all raising an incredible amount of money for DAA! If you would like to skydive or wing walk in aid of Devon Air Ambulance, please contact us at fundraising@daat.org
Thinking of fundraising? If you would like to get involved in fundraising in your community, or if you are already planning a fundraising event for Devon Air Ambulance, speak to our Community Engagement Officers Lottie Clark and Steffan Anderson-Thomas who will be delighted to support you in your fundraising endeavours. Steffan:
Lottie: l.clark@daat.org 07399 115358 s.anderson-thomas@daat.org 07399 115351
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helipad | LOTTERY
2nd & 3rd Prizes
First Prize
£210 £2,100
Join our Charity Lottery now to be included in our 21st Birthday Draw!
C
elebrate 21 years of our Charity Lottery and be in with a chance to win big in our special 21st birthday draw on Friday 23rd September. You could win our special 1st prize of £2,100 with £210 also awarded to our 2nd and 3rd prize winners. Don’t put off joining today, as you can still win one of 13 prizes with our current top prize of £1.350 every week. It’s only £1 entry per week, less than the national lottery and helps support a local charity at the same time!. Join securely on-line by Direct Debit or why not join by popping into one of our 19 charity shops while having a look around too. Remember, from every £1 entry fee, an average of 75p goes back to the charity, helping to maintain our life-saving work. Last year, over £2.1m in sales were received this way.
Important Announcement In July we will be starting a three month trial where we will be canvassing door-to-door. This will be to a specific postcode area and carried out by our canvassing team. ALL our canvassers will be in DAA uniform and have ID badges. The areas where we will be commencing canvassing will be announced on social media and on our Lottery page the week before.
Telephone Campaign Update In preparation for our 21st birthday celebration draw in September, we recently launched our second lottery telephone upgrade campaign. With the help of our third-party supporter Unity 4, we are calling some of our current members to ask if they would like to increase their existing chances by taking an additional number. Although we appreciate that times are financially hard for many people, the support shown already has been amazing. In 2021, our first upgrade campaign resulted in a phenomenal £41,000 of additional income! This made a huge difference and we are really grateful to all members who increased their chances of winning by signing up for an additional Lottery number. If you have been thinking about joining our Lottery or increasing your chances, signing up could not be easier. Just head to www.daat.org/lottery or complete the form on the opposite page and pop it in the post to us. You’ve got to be ‘in it to win it’ and every entry helps to keep our crews responding!
To join scan this code: Or call: 01392 466666 option 3 Email: lottery@daat.org
Lottery Meet: Tracy Owen - Corporate Engagement and Lottery Manager Email: t.owen@daat.org Tel: 07494 292384 Tracy has been with DAA for over 16 years and is now our Corporate Engagement and Lottery Manager, so administers all aspects of our Corporate supporters, old and new, plus oversees the running of our own in-house Lottery.
Lottery Membership Application Lottery Membership Application
Thesum sum of of (tick only) The (tickone onebox box only) 1 Number 1 Chance
DAATLottery Lottery Offi Office, SandpiperCourt, Court,Harrington HarringtonLane, Lane,Exeter ExeterEX4 EX48NS 4NS DAAT ce, 55 Sandpiper Tel: email lottery@daat.org The01392 above469886 postaloraddress is all you need when contacting us by post. Staff I/D Number
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2 Numbers 2 Chances £8.68 £8.68 Monthly Monthly
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Lottery promoted by Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Devon Air Ambulance Trust is licensed by the Gambling Commission, Number 000-0005032-N-308657-001. Responsible person: C. Creer www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Please gamble responsibly. For advice visit www.gambleaware.co.uk DAAT is a member of the Lotteries Council and is committed to promoting a responsible approach to gambling. Contact us at : T: 01392 469 886 E: lottery@daat.org www.daat.org
Administration Office: DAAT Lottery Office, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS. You will shortly receive a letter from us showing your lucky number/s. There is no need to claim as all prizes are paid automatically.
All proceeds go to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust Charity No 1077998. Your subscription is greatly appreciated as our Lottery raised over £2m which helps to keep both helicopters flying. We receive no funding from either the Government or the National Lottery. We rely on your support, to help us to continue our essential lifesaving service. Results are printed in the Plymouth & Devon Sunday Independent and published every Friday afternoon on our website at www.daat.org. Thank you for your support - you are truly making a difference.
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• All customer funds intended for the use in future gambling and or lottery subscriptions will be held in a separate bank account or accounts relating to the relevant affiliated charity lottery and will be completely separate from the Charity’s trading income. • We are required by our licence to inform customers about what happens to funds which we hold on account for you, and the extent to which funds are protected in the event of insolvency. www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/consumers/protection-of-customer-funds.aspx We hold customer funds separate from Charity’s funds. This means that steps have been taken to protect customer funds but that there is no absolute guarantee that all funds will be repaid. This meets the Gambling Commission’s requirements for the segregation of customer funds at the level: medium protection. • The licensee operates a strict no ‘cash policy’ to prevent the risk of crimes such as money laundering, to avoid the giving of illicit credit and to provide assurances that gambling activities are being conducted fairly. Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.
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DAA would like to keep you informed about our work, how your support has helped to keep our helicopters in the air and how you can be involved in the future. We take the protection of your personal information very seriously and don’t share your data with any third party. If you would like to receive our Helipad magazine or occasional information about our charity please tick the relevant boxes below: Please contact me by email Please contact me by post Please contact me by telephone Please contact me by SMS message
To read our Supporter Promise: Visit www.daat.org/supporter-promise or to request a copy, email fundraising@daat.org or ring 01392 466666 To read our Privacy Statement: Visit www.daat.org/gdpr-statement or, to request a copy, email: fundraising@daat.org or ring 01392 466666
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helipad | www.daat.org
Huge thanks go to Palladium Building Supplies for their amazing donation of £2,000 last year. This donation is one of many, with Palladium also hosting an ongoing collection tin which raises money for DAA. The company has donated and collected over £10,000 in total! Palladium’s owner, Keith, is pictured with our volunteer Rex.
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A number of children in Year 6 at St Marychurch Primary School, Torquay, organised a charity event as part of their Torbay and Devon Civic Award. The event was held in school and had to be planned and organised by the children. Two children pictured, Edward Rackley and Bradley Harrison, decided to run a ‘Guess the name’ stall alongside a ‘Guess how many sweets in a jar’ stall. The children all chose their own charity to support and the boys chose DAA, raising a great total of £13.77.
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Real people saving real lives – we love to showcase our fantastic fundraisers, young and old, to say ‘thank you’ for all the awesome things they do to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance
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Michelle Stevens organised a box of goodies and treats including sweets and cakes and even homemade jams, chutneys and marmalades made by her mother Julie Snell for the Clarity Copier’s office and their ‘Clarity Charity’ box. Despite only being a small team with a head office in Newton Abbot, everyone at Clarity Copiers is very generous and every few months they send off a donation to various local charities – we were very grateful to receive £40.80 from their collection. Leo Whittington and Michelle are pictured above. Huge thanks go to twin sisters Josie and Maddy who recently both ran the Rome Marathon, in aid of DAA! The sisters, from Topsham, chose to support DAA as a way of honouring the memory of their best friend’s dad, who DAA attended in 2002 after he was involved in a road bike accident and who, sadly, recently passed away. They have raised an amazing £4,146.23.
Moorland Merrymakers recently donated £250. The group was founded in 1965 and is still going strong with around fifty members who put on an annual pantomime at the Leusdon Memorial Hall on Dartmoor. Due to recent restrictions their latest production was filmed and screened to small audiences.
summer 2022 | DEVON PEOPLE & JUNIOR CREW 43 On the 25th May, Gina Owston sold cakes and held a raffle at the GK Pony Fun in Marldon. Gina’s daughters, their friends and suppliers donated cakes and prizes for the raffle. The money was then split between three nominated charities, with Devon Air Ambulance receiving a generous £50 – thank you to Gina and all involved in donating the cakes and raffle prizes. An Incredible £500 was raised by the Dulverton Farmers Hunt where Master Huntsman, Bones Allibone (mounted on the grey horse) completed Dry January by abstaining from any alcohol for the duration. South Pool Coffee Morning Club meet on the first Tuesday of each month for coffee and a chat and yummy cake, exchange books and have a fun raffle for charities close to their hearts. They recently donated £160 which is one of many donations we have received from the group. Thank you ladies!
Nigel and Sue Lamacraft have been collecting foil and drinks cans for over 8 years via a network of collection points in and around Porlock. There is a huge community spirit in Porlock Vale, where a local farmer stores all the collections before they are sold to South West Metals in Barnstaple.
Blastridge Sporting Club is a small syndicate in North Devon, organised and hosted by three neighbouring farmers and their families. They provide a selection of syndicated and sold sporting days throughout the season, and in addition they hold a Christmas raffle and sweepstake. All money raised is donated to charities chosen by the hosts at the beginning of the season. DAA has received donations from the club each year since it began.
Frank Clemens from Plymouth raised £209.10 for DAA with his stall at the Tamerton Foliot Fete this spring.
Keith loves to turn wood into beautful items, but his wife isn’t keen on dusting them! They came up with the idea of selling some items and donating the profits to DAA, as they feel the charity is a muchneeded service. They have a stall at the village Christmas fayre and, since Christmas 2019, Keith and Rosalind have donated a grand total of £1,114. The photo above was their first table at their village Christmas Fayre. Thank you Keith and Rosalind.
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helipad | www.daat.org Farmers Rosie Cookson and Ashley Lee pictured with their daughter Erin are getting married later in the year and have decided to support DAA by buying everyone who will be attending their special day a Devon Air Ambulance pin badge to wear, which will help raise awareness of the Charity’s work while donating at the same time. Thank you Rosie and Ashley, what a lovely and creative idea - good luck for your special day!
Sally Blowey thought her 30th birthday celebrations were a good chance to raise some funds for her favourite charity, so asked for donations instead of presents. Around 120 people attended and very generously donated £530.
Felicity Knell organises games of bingo costing £1 per week – there are currently 196 people who play, mostly from Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth. For each game, a percentage is set aside for charity – the winner of the game chooses which charity the money will be donated to - Cameron Rogers (pictured centre holding the DAA picture) won a game and nominated DAA for the £120 donation.
New Cross Rugby Football Club returned to their fundraising ways with a BANG! They decided to host a black tie evening, with casino games, a raffle and an auction. The members raised an incredible £1,900 - thank you to Gerry and Zoe Wotton for organising.
Jeff Bowskill recently won second prize in our lottery draw and gave us a generous donation of £68.85 back which was half of his Lottery winnings. Thank you Jeff.
summer 2022 | DEVON PEOPLE & JUNIOR CREW 45 Thank you to Joyce Ford, her family and friends, for the kind donation of £200, following their cream tea and duck race event. A big thank you also to the Lost Kitchen Chettiscombe where the event was held.
Students of Lifeworks College in Dartington have raised over £300 for DAA through a series of fundraising activities. At Christmas time and Valentine’s Day, the students made calendars and decorations, and sold handmade cards and jewellery. The College also held an art competition for students, staff, family and friends. Then finally, at Easter, students made flannel bunnies which also contained a chocolate egg.
The Teignmouth and Shaldon Bridge Club ran a charity day and raised an impressive £316. The Club’s chairperson Avril said huge thanks go to Ros Prouse and Liz Penn for all their efforts as, without their hard work, the raffle would not have achieved such a large amount of money. Our sincerest thanks go to Thurlestone Golf Club, and Men’s Captain Mike Allen, for supporting us as their Charity of the Year. All their fundraising efforts raised a magnificent £1,902.22 for DAA. Two of our operational team, pilot Matilda Woodard and clinical lead Dr Kate Sharpe, and their Ju Kyu race crew, recently undertook the Eddystone Pursuit Challenge in aid of DAA. Jy Kyu completed the 26 mile challenge coming ninth place in the race organised by the Eleanor Creeke Charitable Settlement.
Joanna Watts ran the Derby Marathon recently and raised an incredible £1,247 for DAA. Joanna went above and beyond in her commitment to raising awareness and funds for Devon Air Ambulance, constructing her very own DAA helicopter costume to run in. The likeness is uncanny!
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If you are planning a fundraising activity of any kind, please do give us a call. We can offer support materials such as posters, collection boxes and even running vests and we can promote your event on our website and social media.
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HELICOPTER SERVICES | www.daat.org
The
‘Five S’
Procedure for rural landings Senior Pilot Captain Rich Tate describes the important and complex considerations that every helicopter pilot at Devon Air Ambulance has to make when looking to land at an unsurveyed rural site.
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he challenges faced by the crew when selecting a suitable location to land vary with each task. When we are called to a job, we receive a grid reference or occasionally a What3words description. The grid reference given is transferred to the aircraft’s GPS system which steers the auto pilot in the direction of the job. If time permits enroute the crew will look at available landing options. As we get closer to the job we get an idea of what other medical resources are in attendance, such as the land ambulance, and updated details of the patient’s condition. Once we are overhead, we carry out a site recce using the following format, which we refer to as the five ‘s’ procedure:
SIZE: Is the landing site big enough? The size of an average tennis court is the minimum. SLOPE: This should be no more than around ten degrees as over this angle the aircraft will be beyond its centre of gravity limit and may topple over once we shut down. SURROUNDINGS: Checking for hazards within a three hundred meter radius; assessing obstacles that are obstructive or potentially damaging to the aircraft or that would be affected or damaged by our downwash: specifically people, livestock, trees of any size, wires, telegraph or electric poles, crops, greenhouses, fragile buildings and fencing to name but a few.
SURFACE: We try to avoid crops so we don’t damage them moreover the dust from them (and dusty areas in general) can damage the aircraft’s engines. We also steer clear of muddy and boggy areas so the aircraft doesn’t get stuck!
SHAPE: The orientation of the field in relation to the wind direction to decipher which approach direction works best: the aircraft’s performance and stability relies on the need to land into wind.
While still in the air we have to take into account the exit points on the ground for the doctors and paramedics to be able to access the patient(s) swiftly, safely and easily. This will include potential obstacles like gates or low fences that a stretcher may need to be navigated through, whether a gate is locked and if there is road access for the ambulance. Once the crew have selected the most appropriate site we carry out our pre-landing checks and begin the approach to land. Occasionally one of the crew members will slightly open a door to check for unseen hazards. All of this is done visually. Once below a set height called ‘landing decision point’ we commit to landing. Sometimes we allow a couple of the crew to disembark with just part of a skid on the ground. This is done if we find the slope to be too great to be able to shut the aircraft down or if the addition of a patient means we will be too heavy to lift (the aircraft cannot operate in exceedance of a set weight). In such circumstances the pilot would need to fly away from the site for up to ten minutes to reduce the weight by burning off some fuel. Once we have landed and the crew have disembarked to the scene, the pilot will then shut down and begin to ready the aircraft for departure, carry out external checks and complete paperwork. Then depending on the nature of the job they will either stay with the aircraft to protect it from livestock or go and assist the crew with the patient. It is always our aim to land as close to the scene as possible but making sure we are away from livestock, other animals, crops, buildings and people – always remembering that our priority is a patient in need of critical care.o
summer 2022 | OPERATIONS
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Community Landing Sites A round up on the latest sites to join the Devon-wide network
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s ever, we are very grateful to all the individuals and organisations who have enabled these sites to be established which means Devon Air Ambulance can operate by air into the heart of these communities when it is dark. Their efforts, alongside so many others through this initiative, have helped establish a network of 193 community landing sites in Devon. Despite the challenges posed during the pandemic, we continue to work with around 40 communities as we look to extend the network to all parts of the county.
Exminster The night landing site project at Deepway Recreation Ground, located in the western part of the village, was developed and funded entirely by Exminster Parish Council who own the grass playing field and adjoining car park.
Otterton Developed by Otterton Parish Council alongside Otterton Football Club, the night landing site at Stantyway Recreation Field, to the east of the village, was generously funded by range of donors including County Councillors, local businesses, and a Lions Club.
Bishops Nympton: A partnership between Bishops Nympton Primary School and Bishops Nympton Parish Council has recently helped establish the night landing site at the school playing field. The community funded project involved installing new lighting and carrying out access improvements at this central village site.
Several of the project supporters gathered to formally ‘launch’ the Otterton night landing site
Horrabridge:
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The night landing site project at Fillace Park in Horrabridge was brought together by Horrabridge Recreation Field Trust, Horrabridge Parish Council and Horrabridge Rangers Sports Association. The remotely controlled lighting and access improvements were kindly funded by Horrabridge Parish Council.
Cornwood Parish Council, in partnership with Cornwood Cricket Club and Delamore Estate, have established a night landing site on the main cricket pitch. The community fundraising was successfully run by a small group of dedicated volunteers from the parish.
Denbury Recreation Ground is a large playing field located just to the north-east of the village and Denbury & Torbryan Parish Council worked with Ogwell Football Club to install the new lighting, with funding provided by their County Councillor and Parish Council.
If you would like to get involved with a community landing sites project, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please contact CLS Development Officer Toby Russell on: 07943 207673 or t.russell@daat.org.
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helipad | www.daat.org
Reflections on three decades of service
Nigel (second from right) celebrating the start of daily flying operations in 1997
As our 30th anniversary approaches, I recently shared some recollections with the team of how our service today differs from that which we provided in our early years, and I thought I would share some of these memories with you.
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them away. There were no changing or training facilities, just truly believe that the service we provide our patients a couple of cupboards to store our equipment, a two-ring today gives them the best chance they have ever had for tabletop hob, and an electrical system that meant you couldn’t a successful outcome when suffering from serious injury or use the toaster and the kettle at the same time without illness. In hospital, the specialist staff and equipment required tripping the fuse! to help save your life or ease your pain are just moments Money was tight and everyone sought to direct every penny away. Our journey over 30 years has seen us develop to not we could to keep the helicopter flying. It was an MBB Bölkow only arrive at and transport patients quickly, but to also bring 105 built in 1972, designed primarily for military application. forward in time the point at which time-critical lifesaving It had its cargo space converted to accommodate two treatment and interventions are delivered to the patient. stretchers, one for the patient and one to carry our equipment. When we first took to the sky in 1992, the composition of There was very little room inside and once a patient was the clinical crew consisted of a Paramedic and an Ambulance loaded, the stretcher Technician both seconded wedged the feet of the from the ambulance service. “ The public and businesses were clinical team in such a way Our crew worked just one as they couldn’t move, with week a month on the fantastic and supported us in raising the access to the patient limited helicopter, spending the funds needed to extend our service from to just their head and chest. rest of their time on land Seeing first-hand the five days a week to seven and from eight ambulances, with the clinical positive difference we were care consequently broadly hours a day to ten. ” bringing to patients, we the same as that delivered became more involved with by land ambulance crews. helping the Charity raise the profile and funds to keep Devon However, it was quickly evident that a team passionate about Air Ambulance flying. Some of our patients were telling their patient care, keen to develop their capabilities and given the stories which showcased our service, with many visiting us means to reach and transport patients quickly, is a powerful at the airbase and actively helping to raise funds. The public combination and the lives of many patients were saved. and businesses were fantastic and supported us in raising the I joined the team in 1997 as an ‘Air Ambulance Paramedic’ funds needed to extend our service from five days a week to when our service was still only operational just eight hours a seven and from eight hours a day to ten. day and only five days a week; there was no air ambulance Our development has always been with the aim of delivering service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. We were based in an the very best care to our patients. Sometimes this has meant old run-down Portacabin type building with much of the furniture and fittings acquired from sources that were throwing investing in equipment, aircraft or extending our operating
summer 2022 | OPERATIONS hours, other times it has meant investing in our team through education, training or developing skills. Alas, there have been so many great achievements that I can’t cover them all over just two pages, so I have picked a few highlights and you can read more about them and many other aspects on our websites – www.daat.org and www.daatcl.co.uk To meet the increasing demand for our service, we introduced a second helicopter and strategically located it so we could cover an even greater area of Devon in the shortest time possible. To meet the needs of this increased demand we also funded and introduced the first dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Dispatch Team, who more accurately targeted our deployment to the patients most in need of the specialist care we provide; a model now used in many places throughout the UK. Paramedics became seconded full time on the Air Ambulance enabling us over the years to pioneer and introduce new clinical equipment, treatments and
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a Pre-Hospital Emergency Anaesthetic (PHEA). We registered with the Care Quality Commission as an Independent Healthcare Provider, enabling us to directly employ our own clinicians and to develop an even greater level of clinical care. Our Patient Liaison Clinicians seek to contact as many of our patients or their families as we can after their injury or illness, providing information on the care we delivered and offering further support. We seek to understand their experience of the care we provided so we can learn from their experience as we develop and improve further the service we provide. Operating two Critical Care Cars alongside our helicopters enables the crew to respond should an aircraft not be available or bad weather means it’s unable to fly, or when the team are able to reach a patient quicker by road. Our helicopters have evolved greatly since the first Bölkows we leased and, thanks to your support, we now own our two helicopters, both of which are able to operate in daylight and Receiving the Air Ambulance Association Award for Innovation in 2016
We welcomed a new onboard incubator in 2006
Celebrating gaining our own National Air Operator Certificate from the CAA in 2014
“ All of this and more has only been possible because of the many people who have worked for or supported Devon Air Ambulance over the past 30 years. I feel truly honoured to be part of our team as I see each day, regardless of their role, how everyone works to saves lives and reduce suffering. ” interventions not previously available to paramedics, many of which have since become standard practice for land-based paramedics. We have lobbied for legislation and regulation change so appropriately educated and experienced paramedics can deliver an increased skillset and administer and prescribe a greater range of medication to relive pain, reduce suffering and to enable essential treatment to be delivered that would otherwise be too painful. We invest in the education and development of our paramedics through Master’s degree level education and Independent Prescribing courses to make these treatments a reality for our patients. Critical Care Doctors have become an essential aspect of our service and together with our Specialist and Advanced Paramedics in Critical Care come together to form a Critical Care Team, able to deliver an ever-increasing range of lifesaving interventions, surgical procedures as well as delivering
the hours of darkness’. Owning the helicopters means we have been able to design the medical interiors to meet the specific needs of our patients and clinical team. We are no longer limited to accessing just the patient’s head and chest. All of this and more has only been possible because of the many people who have worked for or supported Devon Air Ambulance over the past 30 years. I feel truly honoured to be part of our team as I see each day, regardless of their role, how everyone works to saves lives and reduce suffering. None of this would have been possible without the untiring help of you, our supporters, giving your time and raising the funds needed to keep our service operational. It is truly humbling that you have given and continue to give so much. On behalf of our patients and our team, I would like to pass on our huge appreciation for helping the thousands of patients who have had their pain and suffering eased or their lives saved. Thank you! o
Operations Meet: Nigel Hare - Operations Director Email: n.hare@daat.org Nigel is accountable for overseeing the care we provide to our patients, including liaising with the Care Quality Commission, NHS and emergency services, as well as leading our team of paramedics, doctors and support staff. Nigel joined Devon Air Ambulance in 1997 as an Aircrew Paramedic.
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helipad | www.daat.org
Hop it! As Devon Air Ambulance was taking off for the first time, Fitz was releasing the South West’s most iconic bunny - famous for hopping, winking and a dangerous pair of ears – back into the wild.
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hat was I doing thirty years ago? Well, 1992 was a very big year for me! This was the year I said goodbye to a small friend of mine, about a foot tall, covered in fur with very dangerous ears. It was in this year that Gus Honeybun left our television screens having first appeared back in 1961. If you are not from the West Country, the name might not mean much to you … he was a rabbit who loved birthdays allow me to explain. According to the official story, Augustus Jeremiah Honeybun was found under a gorse bush on Dartmoor and, such was his talent, he was soon employed by Westward Television. When that franchise lost its licence in 1981, Television South West (TSW) took over and his career took off. He was normally seen at the end of children’s TV for about two to three minutes filling in a gap at about 5.15pm and just before... I forget what used to be played after that … some Australian soap, I think! He used to sit beside me, hopping up and down, turning the lights out, standing on his head and occasionally just staring at me in total disbelief. The final programme aired on the 31st December 1992 and fellow presenter Ruth Langsford and I were later seen up on Dartmoor releasing Gus back into the wild. The then 31-year-old rabbit vanished from our lives only to turn up living in a retirement burrow at Flambards
amusement park in Cornwall. Still to this day I get comments about the bunny, once even being recognised in Hong Kong with the usual comment of … ‘Didn’t you have a hand up a rabbit at one point!?’ In truth, I never touched him, Gus had a series of ‘Auntie’s’ who looked after his every need. His fame spread … dear Terry Wogan used to refer to Gloria Hunniford as Gloria Honeybun on Radio 2, Steve Wright mentioned him after a Radio 1 roadshow, Victoria Wood’s ‘As Seen on TV’ had a wonderful sketch with a continuity presenter accompanied by Wally Wallaby, influenced no doubt by the magic birthdays programme. Even Gordon the Gopher could possibly trace his roots back to the most famous bunny in the South West. Hundreds of children had their birthdays read out on the ‘tele’ … hundreds of adults as well, they just lied about their age. As for his dangerous ears? He would waggle them at children while hopping up and down and in order to get the best ‘waggle’ they were weighted at the end with a 2 pence coin. Twice I ended up with a black eye and a boxing style cut to the eyelid. Gus can now be seen at The Box in Plymouth, a museum display complete with a picture of me … yes, I am an exhibit behind glass. Have a look online for long forgotten films of the bunny, ignore the blonde with him who was six stone lighter then... it was thirty years ago after all! o
Backchat
Meet: David Fitzgerald - BBC Broadcaster and DAA Patron David first began broadcasting on commercial radio in the early 1980s, before moving to television. As well as a busy broadcasting career David still finds time for writing as well as enjoying a regular round of golf.
Fitz
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