DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
| Published: 21st November 2006 17:45 |
Flew first mission on 27th August 1992
Charity started by Ann Thomas, whose son Ceri, aged 18 was knocked off his bike and died of his injuries. When asked what might have saved him, the consultant told his family speed was of the essence.
Funded by people just like you
Costs £2.2 million each year to fund
50% of Devon can be reached within 5 minutes by Air Ambulance, with the remainder within 15 minutes
Would you like to know more abour your Air Ambulances? Contact us for an information pack or log onto our website at www.daat.org
Devon Air Ambulance Trust
5 Sandpiper Court
Harrington Lane
Exeter
EX4 8NS
Tel: 01392 466666
Fax: 01392 464329
Email: info@daat.org
Registered Charity No: 1077998
No matter where you live in Devon, it’s reassuring that should you have the misfortune to be ill or have an accident, the Devon Air Ambulance will be at hand. The red helicopter is a common sight in the skies around our county. But did you know it is charity funded and paid for by the community of Devon. People just like you and I?
Behind the Devon Air Ambulance is a charitable trust who have to raise £2.2 million each year to keep your Air Ambulances flying. It’s a complex set up, which in fact involves 3 very different companies/organisations. The Devon Air Ambulance Trust, as mentioned above, put in simple terms is the charity which raises the money to fund the service. The Westcountry Ambulance Service NHS Trust operate the helicopters. They decide when and where the helicopters should be deployed, provide the paramedics and drugs carried on board. Finally Bond Air Services Limited lease the helicopters and provide the pilots and engineer. They also ensure when either helicopter needs essential or routine maintenance, there is a relief aircraft to cover, meaning Devon is not without its Air Ambulances.
Devon has an extensive road network of in excess of 9,200 miles. Because of the remote location of many places in our county, where speed is of the essence an Air Ambulance comes into its own.
50% of Devon can be reached by Air Ambulance within 5 minutes, with the remainder within 15 minutes. The advantage of using a helicopter is it can go direct to the hospital who can best deal with the injuries of the patient. For example if someone was suffering from head injuries although not the closest hospital, the patient could be taken to Derriford, where there is a specialist head injuries unit.
2005 was a fantastic year for the Devon Air Ambulance, with the introduction of a second aircraft, initially on a temporary basis, based in North Devon. However it proved it was essential and it is now a permanent fixture, flying 5 days a week, with the Exeter based helicopter flying 7 days a week.
So how can you make a difference?
Why not;
• Join our ‘own’ Lottery – only £1 per entry per week. You could be our next jackpot winner of £1350 weekly, plus second and third prizes of £135 and 10 further cash prizes of £13.50. You can join by standing order, cheque or at your local cash agents.
• Put some loose change in one of our red collection boxes – in a shop, pub or club near you
• Hold your own fundraising or sponsored event
• Become a ‘member’
• Join our Junior Crew Club for 0s to 15 year olds
• Make a donation
Contact us:-
Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Unit 5, Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NS
01392 466666 or fax 01392 464329
Log onto www.daat.org or email info@daat.org
Registered Charity No: 1077998
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary has joined forces with Devon Air Ambulance trust charity basing one of its helicopters at Force HQ in Exeter. The Police will help keep the Air Ambulance’s cost down so that public donations to the charity will go further.
One pilot, two paramedics and an engineer from the Air Ambulance will be based there and eventually move into the Force’s new Air Operations Unit building when it is completed at the end of this year. In the meantime, they will be based in portacabins.
The air ambulance trust states ‘we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, as a second helicopter means additional costs. We need our fundraisers and supporters more than ever and have to be constantly thinking of innovative fundraising initiatives to inspire and encourage the people of Devon to support us. This varies from our own Lottery, to coffee mornings, fetes, sponsorships, our charity shops and bequests.’
It is no small feat to keep Devon’s Air Ambulances flying. The charity has to raise a considerable sum each year to keep the helicopters airborne. However, thank to the support they receive from the community as a whole, this is achievable.
The Devon air Ambulance Trust, like most other charities, would certainly struggle without its volunteers and there are over 250 of them who contribute in so many ways - helping in the charity shops, undertaking administrative tasks, representing the charity at events and cheque presentations, manning merchandise and information stands and many, many more tasks.
If you would like to give something back to the community you live in and make a real difference call for a chat on : 01392 466666
Did you know that you can now make a donation to DAAT online via their website log on here and follow the links.
Why donate this way?
Its 100% secure - gives you peace on mind when donating
No charges - you aren't charged for any donations you make
Its quick, easy and convenient - there is no need to register or sign up
DAAT
Also has an on-line shop where you can find an amazing range of fleeces, polos, t-shirts, winter fleece hats, baseball caps, pens, models, keyrings, golfing umbrellas and lots more.
How about a commemorative mug, a mobile phone charm, DAAT playing cards or a fridge magnet?
There is something for everyone here and you have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference when you buy from them - you will be helping to keep the Air Ambulances flying.
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