Helipad 25 Year Anniversary Souvenir Issue

OUR INSPIRATION e eri

WHAT NEXT?

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 |

OUR PATIENTS i e ts atte

ia ma a i e of DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST

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Ann Ralli

Meet Our Founder

Timeline

25 year chronology

Patient Stories from 25 years of service

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County Magazine

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 | WELCOME

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WELCOME | 25 Year Anniversary Heléna Holt Chief Executive Officer I am delighted to welcome you to this special souvenir issue of Helipad celebrating 25 years of Devon Air Ambulance. From humble beginnings with just one helicopter flying for 6 hours a day, five days a week, to our two helicopters now flying from 0700 to midnight every day, the service has attended nearly 25,000 missions over the years. That’s a huge number of people, their families, friends and colleagues who have been affected.

In this issue you can read why and how the service began and our timeline reveals how things have changed since the beginning.

There’s an insight into the changing role of the paramedics and an account from our longest service staff member, Rob Mackie, who was a

Debbie Gregory Helipad Editor When this special souvenir issue was first discussed, celebrating 25 years of saving lives, I wondered if we could find a patient from every year since the service began.

There followed many months of research, many letters, emails and emotional phone calls and the result was lots of amazing stories. The resilience of our patients and their families is truly humbling and putting this magazine together has been incredibly rewarding, learning first-hand what a significant difference the Air Ambulance has made to so many people’s lives.

Our paramedics tell us that when the service began their resources and skills were limited – our patients tell us they remember the compassion, the professionalism and the reassurance. The speed of the helicopter,

DAA pilot for 23 years before becoming our Safety Manager. Our Fundraising Director, Caroline Creer, looks at how social media has influenced donating and Operations Director, Nigel Hare, explains how putting the needs of the patients first means that DAA will never stand still.

I am immensely proud and privileged to have been CEO for the past 10 years working alongside a fantastic team who share the passion to offer an exemplary service to our beneficiaries and supporters.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved with or supported the charity over the years – the success of Devon Air Ambulance is down to all of you.

arriving in hospital in just a few minutes, rather than a lengthy, bumpy road journey, are vivid memories for many patients.

My very grateful thanks go to everyone who responded to tell us that they have used the service and to all those who allowed us to share their story in this issue.

To learn about a young child needing the service, from illness or injury, and to recognise the absolute fear their family go through at the time, then to hear that the child is now absolutely fine, growing up fast or has become a young adult is heartwarming in the extreme.

Please do keep us posted if you’ve been airlifted – we love to share good news.

Happy reading.

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Fundraising & Events

fundraising@daat.org

Lottery

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Volunteering

Cara Jones

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Patient Contact

Debbie Gregory

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PR

Sarah Burden

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Night Landing Sites

Toby Russell

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Operations

Nigel Hare

n.hare@daat.org

Magazine Advertising

Anita Newcombe

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© 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 25 Year Anniversary OUR WORK

The cal aga ine of Devon Air Ambulance Trust

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The Early Years

Celebrating the best in Devon 50,000 copies covering the whole county. 35,000+ delivered direct to our supporters Also available online at www.daat.org

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Leading the way

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Our county

Contributors Neil Devons Debbie Gregory Alison Simpson Catherine Moss-Crump Ian Hunt

Publisher Heléna Holt h.holt@daat.org 01392 466666 Editor Debbie Gregory 01392 466666 ext 135 d.gregory@daat.org Advertising Sales Anita Newcombe 07718 884482 Advertisement Copy copy@daat.org Design & Print Management Silver Foxes Publishing 07455 206470 Distribution & Mailing Silver Foxes Publishing 07455 206470 ISSN (Print) 2055-2343 ISSN (Online) 2055-2351 Next Issue 17 November 2017

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Helipad meets Chief Executive, Helena Holt, and looks at the progress of the service in recent years See our map of the area, pinpointing the location of incidents featured in this magazine

r rst ear

We meet Doreen Baker and Tony Short, two patients airlifted in 1992

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The changing face of fundraising

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Prudent, diligent and transparent

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From patient to supporter

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Flying statistics

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Timeline

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How things have changed

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44 is published by DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST

Ann Ralli (nee Thomas) talks about the roller-coaster journey of the founding of Devon’s Air Ambulance service

DAA’s Caroline Creer tells us how social media has influenced our fundraisers and donors Helipad talks to DAA Finance Director about how the charity manages its money elipad meets various key players who have had first-hand experience of the service Find out how many miles and hours our pilots have flown during 25 years of DAA Follow the progress of the Devon Air Ambulance service over the past 25 years Helipad meets some of the paramedics who work on the Air Ambulance and discovers how much has changed in recent years

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ts for DAA

Helipad meets Captain Rob Mackie, a pilot for DAA for 23 years before becoming their Safety Manager

Support from all quarters

We are fortunate and grateful to have had support from people from all over Devon and beyond. Here are just a few words from some well-known personalities

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Operations Director, Nigel Hare, explains how the future direction of DAA is determined by the needs of our patients

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | CONTENTS

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Trust a trustee

Ambitious plans for retail

Where would we be without volunteers?

Ian Hunt from East Devon Law busts some of the more common myths about leaving a Will (or not!)

Where are we now?

Founder Ann Ralli shares her pride in the success of the Devon Air Ambulance Just some of the ways our supporters have raised funds for us over the years. We thank you all!

Cycling helmet saves Harry

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Two farming accidents

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Ron recovers well after risky surgery and Richard reaches hospital within the Golden Hour

Three accidents

Thomas tells us of his two separate incidents and Faye is helped after a nasty road traffic accident

Treating the whole person

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“Go and do life”

Tom needs skin grafts after an accident in his garden

Snowed in

Trapped in the family home by 6’ snow drifts caused serious issues for little enjamin

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Two of our younger patients

We meet Harry who was kicked in the face by a pony and Lauren who was scalded when she fell in a bucket of hot water

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A er

iffere t

ristmas

Christmas day took an unexpected turn for the Downing family when young Freddie fell from a first floor bedroom window

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Ron and Richard both survive

Cycling for therapy

Toby uses his bike as part of his physiotherapy

Rob falls from the sky

Chrissie Peel recalls the song on the radio at the time of her accident

Life-changing accident for Dave

Despite his horrific injuries, Dave is determined to walk his daughter down the aisle

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Robbie Williams sings Angels

Multiple injuries from a cycling accident Cyclist Tom suffers life-threatening injuries when he is hit by a car

James tells of an accident that left him paralysed and Rod falls from a barn roof

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Harry’s parents dash to Derriford to see their son

‘I witnessed a miracle’ explains a witness

Ben follows his dream

Despite a serious accident with a kitesurf, Ben is now ranked no 1 in the sailing world

Fantastic fundraisers

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Volunteers Gerry, Mary and Maureen clock up 60 years between them

Have YOU written a Will?

Toddler Joe needs emergency surgery

Complications from previous medical problems leave Joe needing an urgent airlift for immediate surgery

DAA’s Retail Director, Martin Bell, explains the strategy and his plans for the expansion

PATIENTS

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Helipad meets DAA’s Chair of Trustees, Stephen Tyrrell, and learns about the trustee role

Saving lives and legs

ulie’s leg is saved after she comes off her horse

Little Eliza wasn’t just sleepy

A father’s instinct ensures that 3-year old Eli a gets the help she needs

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Life is good now

Multi agency rescue for Jack following his motorcycle accident

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Life on a roller coaster

Mark went to Disney World in Florida – with no idea that he had a serious head injury

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Exemplary care

Young Harry had ‘exemplary care’ at the scene of his accident, before being flown to ristol for further treatment

GET INVOLVED Join our lottery

Paul’s parents encourage their son to ‘get involved’ after he is run over by a car

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No more motorbikes for me

LOTTERY L LO OTT OT TT TE ERY ER RY

Scott explains why he’ll stick to four wheels from now on

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Complete the form to become a member of DAA’s in-house lottery

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The early days Devon’s Air Ambuance service was borne out of a tragedy when year old eri Thomas was knocked o his icycle and died from his injuries. Helipad asked our Founder, Ann Ralli (nee Thomas) to tell the story…

What was your vision – in an ideal world?

My vision was solely to get an air ambulance for Devon so that it could start saving lives.

I believed that if Devon could have an air ambulance other people would not have to suffer as our family did; they would not have to lose their loved one, as we had.

When we were told that Ceri had died, I asked the surgeon if anything could have saved him. He said, ‘only an air ambulance’. He explained that if someone is critically injured the quicker life-saving treatment can reach that person the more likely they are to be saved.

If an air ambulance had been available for Ceri, the paramedics could have begun delivering life-saving treatment in 2 minutes, instead of the 60 minutes it actually took!

So the seed was sown. I believed that the people of Devon should have an Air Ambulance.

I can’t explain in words the turmoil of feelings and emotions, and the profound anger at the waste of such a precious life, when you lose your child. And it’s not just you - the mother who gave birth to him and should have been able to keep him safe - but also for my other children whose lives were also torn apart. All our lives were changed forever. All our lives, perceptions, priorities, attitudes, emotional strengths and frailties were fragmented.

But life had to go on. Feeling the grief of my other children was as painful as my own and I couldn’t bear their suffering.

I was in a daze - on autopilot – but I had to make sure that they knew that they were worth going on for, that they were just as precious, even more so now. They made life worth living; for their sakes, I had to do something positive to drag myself up from the depths of despair.

I began by researching air ambulances and medivac services, getting the views of doctors and speaking to Cornwall Air Ambulance

a public failure. This was very, very hard.

How was the idea first received by the people of Devon?

They were fantastic - phenomenal, in fact amazingly supportive and enthusiastic. I knew there would be support from a wide range of people across Devon - I just had to convince the people that enough money could be raised. My reasoning was that, with about a million people at the time in Devon, if everyone

“ I had to do something positive to drag myself up from the depths of despair. ” about how they operated and funded their charity. I had to think about how to publicise and raise the profile of the charity, how to raise money, and to encourage big businesses to get onboard.

What were the main challenges at the start?

It took me 4 years from Ceri’s death to start the charity.

Perhaps I had been naïve, but it was initially difficult to get authority backing or support, or to get past the notion that I was just an emotional grief stricken woman who didn’t really know what she was talking about. I think, in the early days, many potentially supporters shied away, not wanting to be associated with

gave just 50p we would have enough to literally get the helicopter off the ground. In the end some very supportive family acquaintances formed a trust with me as Chairman they were there to make sure that I did everything properly within charity rules.

One thing I really wanted to achieve, for maximum publicity for the charity, was a helicopter landing in the grounds of Exeter Cathedral, something that had never happened before. It was the heart of Exeter and the heart of Devon, and a sacred place. With no real belief that that this would actually be allowed I went to see the Dean at the time, The Very Reverend Richard Eyre. He graciously gave me his time

Ceri Thomas

and listened to my story. At the end I told him how I was going to run the charity and succeed in getting an air ambulance for Devon. I asked for his permission to land a helicopter in the Cathedral grounds. He said Yes! This was ground breaking. I can never express my thanks to this gracious man enough.

He showed such foresight and trust. It was so brave of him, a leap of faith – in the idea and in me.

I also drove up to Essex and walked into the offices of ‘Careflight’, a privately-run air ambulance company. I asked them if they would help me launch the charity by landing their air ambulance in six places over one weekend.

They said Yes! So, in September 1990 – 4 years after Ceri was killed the first landing took place in our own garden where we had organised a local fete. It was a huge success, thanks to the support, generosity and loyalty of local people.

The next landing was at Exeter Cathedral Yard, with a fete again put together by Ceri’s brothers and sister, me and helpful friends and neighbours. At each landing place – including Plymouth Hoe - a demonstration was put on to display the helicopter’s state-of-the-art life-saving medical equipment with volunteers acting as the injured parties.

It was brilliant! The Ceri Thomas Appeal, the charity to raise money for an Air Ambulance for Devon was

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR STORY

Ann and Ceri

“ Soon there were networks of fundraisers, people making jam, having jumble sales, shaving their beards, running, walking - the money started to roll in - and hasn’t stopped in over 25 years. ” Ann Thomas and the 1992 crew on Cathedral Green, Exeter

to sa r’s ys No of te 25 th : Fi e n on yea se d o r pa rs vic ut g e l at e w h e n 65 r, ow at A , nn

other children, our loyal band of fundraisers - had faith that we would succeed so that something positive would come out of Ceri’s death.

Two years after launching the charity – in August 1992 – we were in a position to start the service.

At the very beginning we were all holding our breath – was the helicopter just going to sit on the tarmac, would it get called out, would it all work? One of our first patients was a man who had had a heart attack and whose heart had stopped.

Our air ambulance arrived in 2 minutes and was able to take him to hospital. We knew that our combined efforts had saved his life – there was a feeling of exuberance, relief and of tremendous justification and vindication. We were ecstatic. All the hard work and heartache had been worth it. After that it was its own best ambassador, and went from strength to strength. o

Ed i

the reason that this helicopter was landing here - so it made the news - big time.

After this I went around Devon giving talks to anyone who would have me – convincing audiences to work together to raise money and inspire others to do the same.

And that is just what they did.

Soon there were networks of fundraisers, people making jam, having jumble sales, shaving their beards, running, walking - the money started to roll in - and hasn’t stopped in over 25 years.

It was a rewarding, exhilarating and exciting time.

It was also hard work – a real labour of love. In the early days, I was out nearly every night giving talks, speaking with doctors, setting up and organising events, negotiating with donors, celebrities and coordinating all offers of fundraising events.

There were times I felt like giving up, but the charity was all about raising money in Ceri’s name so I couldn’t let him down. All of us – me, my

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helipad | www.daat.org

Leading the way With turnover of around £8m, 2 helicopters shops o er 0 sta and 450 volunteers, Devon Air Ambulance is a si nificant usiness and like any successful organisation, it needs both a steady hand on the tiller and a ision for the future.

Helipad talked to hief ecuti e el na olt a out her 0 years leadin one of Devon’s most cherished charities.

What did you find when you first arrived in 2007?

I found a lot of people who were very passionate, loyal and committed to the charity. One of my earliest challenges was to agree a written Mission, Vision and Values statement; something that would put our guiding principles into words and create a unifying vision to help everyone understand what Devon Air Ambulance stands for and provide a clear roadmap for the way forward.

At what stage did you realise that the charity’s relationship with the community was so vital?

One of the first things I did was turn down a corporate sponsorship proposal which would have entailed branding our helicopter with a corporate logo. For me, it was immediately clear that it is the people of Devon who support and sustain the service. It was therefore absolutely right

to turn down that offer and simply put ‘funded by the people of Devon’ on the side of the aircraft.

Our volunteers throughout the county are vital in helping us promote, maintain and build on the support we get and are one of our most valuable assets – they are our grassroots, our life-blood, and we simply couldn’t function without them. Over the last few years, we have more than doubled the number of people who volunteer for us and we have a dedicated Volunteer Manager to support them. I believe our volunteers are now better supported, better trained and receive the acknowledgement they deserve for the great work they do.

were the first air ambulance to buy a brand new bespoke aircraft designed specifically to meet the needs of our service.

In the same year we extended the work of the specialist HEMS despatch team pioneered by Devon to deploy to the most appropriate jobs. This has gone from strength to strength achieving better outcomes for more patients whilst saving costs through reducing flying

What have been the big milestones under your leadership?

The first major milestone was in 2008 when we took delivery of our new helicopter G-DVAA. This was really significant because we

The arrival of G-DVAA in 2007

time. Our neighbouring air ambulances now share the benefit and cost.

More recent milestones have included purchasing our second aircraft, G-DAAN in 2013, night-flying and community landing sites last year, plus our investment in a new bespoke MSc programme for our paramedics in 2015.

How important is transparency in what you do?

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE Being transparent is vital.

We are the custodians of the service but it is funded by and for the people of Devon. Our accounts are published on our website and we produce an annual report so people can see exactly what we do and how we fulfil our obligation to spend the money raised to achieve the best results. We are very fortunate because Devon Air Ambulance is so well loved and supported but we are aware how important it is to maintain our excellent reputation and being open and ‘up-front’ really helps with this.

We developed our ‘Supporter Promise’ to reassure people that we do not sell their data to third parties, we don’t do direct marketing, cold calling, doorstep or telephone canvassing. It is about respecting our supporters and treating them the way we would like to be treated ourselves.

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in the community, support volunteer recruitment and community fundraising in their local areas.

Attaining your own AOC must have been a formidable task given that you have to comply with the same regulations as a commercial airline.

The specialist HEMS despatch team pioneered

by Devon

“ e ere t e rst air am a e to buy a brand new bespoke aircraft esi e s e i a to meet t e ee s of our service. ” What is the difference in income between now and when you started?

When I joined the charity, our income was £4.9m and this has now increased to about £8.1m. We have improved our communications through embracing social media

Our service extended into the hours of darkness

and publishing Helipad; we’ve grown our lottery and opened more shops. These can be expensive to set up, so they often don’t make a huge amount of money in the early days but they go on to show really good returns. Just as importantly, they help raise awareness

We are incredibly lucky that we have a wealth of experience and expertise in Flight Operations Director Ian Payne and Operations Director Nigel Hare. It was fortunate for us that the process coincided with Captain Rob Mackie’s retirement as a pilot after 23 years flying Devon’s air ambulances. He now brings his extensive experience to the key role of Safety Manager. We were also very lucky to be able to recruit Jeff Glover as our Engineer to complete the team. It certainly makes my job as Accountable Manager a lot easier knowing that we

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helipad | www.daat.org

have such a fantastic team supporting our operations.

What challenges do you face?

People often underestimate what is involved in running an organisation like ours; people often think of charities as amateurish.

Definitely not the case at Devon Air Ambulance! It is a complex small commercial air operator, a charitable company and a retailer. Our service is free at the point of delivery supported by a great

supporters and volunteers, to our partners within the emergency services and of course a whole raft of regulators, from the Civil Aviation Authority to the Gambling Commission!

We can only succeed on a professional, business-like footing.

Volunteers packing t-shirts for the Motorcycle Rideout event

What’s next?

We have just put together our next 5-year Strategic Plan. Some of the goals include further increases in operating hours to the

“ Our service is free at the point of delivery supported by a great many people who hope never to need us. ” many people who hope never to need us. We have to make the organisation work for a wide range of people and organisations, from our patients, donors,

early hours in 2018 and possibly 24/7 from 2021 plus a decision about our next helicopter due in 2020.

Work has already started on identifying key factors

involved in this decision: an evaluation of the impact of night flying on both crew and distances flown; fuel capacity; appropriate landing sites; capacity

for additional kit or staff.

From these details we will be able to draw up a shortlist in order to make a recommendation to the Board next year. o

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

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Where have we been?

As each day begins, our aircrews have no idea where they will be sent. Our helicopters can reach most of Devon within 10 minutes and all of it within 20 and, over the years, our pilots and paramedics have attended incidents in just about every town, village and corner of the county. The map below pinpoints the locations where each of the incidents featured in this magazine occurred...

1. Becky Falls Doreen Baker 2. Exeter Tony Short Ron Harcombe 3. Kings Nympton James Alexander 4. Widecombe Rod Newbolt Young 5. Eaglescott Rob Locke 6. Crediton Chrissie Peel 7. A30 Whiddon Down Richard Lappas 8. Feniton Sarah Burden 9. Ashburton Jenny Buckle Thomas Lait 10. Bovey Tracey Thomas Lait Trauma - RTC 11. Ottery St Mary Faye Mager 12. Calstock Tom Scoble 13. Clyst St Mary Paul McGahey 14. Crediton - Tiverton Scott Binding 15. Barnstaple Joe Thompson Mark Hulland 16. Exmouth Ben Cornish Harry Tansley 17. Morchard Bishop - Black Dog Tom Staniford 18. Kingsbridge Dave Farr 19. Uplowman Toby Oakes

20. Wellington Benjamin White 21. Tiverton Lauren Parkhouse 22. Haytor Harry Blunt 23. Bradworthy Freddie Downing 24. Axminster Julie Hawker 25. Tintagel Eliza Daglish 26. Dawlish - Starcross Jack Smiddy

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5 3

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21

23 17

14 6

8 2

7 25

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22 1 9

12

18

10

11 13

26

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helipad | www.daat.org

r rst air ift The first patient airlifted y e on ir m ulance was holiday maker oreen Baker who was en oyin a week at ofton arm in ockwood with her hus and rother and sister in law.

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hey were out for the day at Becky Falls when Doreen’s ankle gave way under her and she heard and felt a crack. Not realising how badly it was broken, Doreen attempted to get up and carry on with the walk.

It was immediately evident, however, that Doreen needed medical assistance.

Given the difficulty of access to the location where Doreen

had fallen, the brand new Devon Air Ambulance was deemed the best form of transport.

As the helicopter landed in a nearby field Doreen remembers asking her husband to take some photographs. “Despite the pain I was in, I remember it all being rather exciting, especially as it was the first time I’d ever flown!”

orti t e ser i e for ears

1992

Doreen explained. “I was just so grateful to everyone involved in my rescue; the ambulance crew, the aircrew and all the hospital staff. I even had an extra week in Devon, albeit in hospital. To be the first patient to benefit from Devon’s Air Ambulance service was an honour – my story even made the news on television that evening and in the newspapers!” o

o e i o t it o r o e tio ets

ot lon after the e on ir m ulance ser ice e an nthony Tony hort from Ti erton found himself in need of the helicopter.

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ony has suffered from tumours in his spinal cord for over 30 years and in October 1992, just 8 weeks after the first airlift, Tony had a regrowth of a tumour in the centre of his back and was admitted to RD&E. Struggling to breathe through the pain, however, and with the tumour pressing on his spinal cord doctors decided to transfer him to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for specialist treatment – but any bumps in the road in a land ambulance could have caused paralysis.

Tony remembers the excitement of the nursing staff and discussions at his bedside about who would accompany him. “It was such early days of the Air Ambulance that my need to be airlifted caused quite a stir! The flight was actually only about 15 minutes but I have no doubt that it saved my mobility. Even now, 25 years on, I still have the tumours and take morphine every day. But, since that day, my wife and I have had two lovely boys and I now have six grandchildren. Because of the constant pain I’m now unable

to work but I’ve supported Devon Air Ambulance in many ways over the years – organising and fundraising at a variety of events, including family fun days and several darts tournaments, and I loved sorting, cleaning and displaying the bric-a-brace in their Tiverton shop. Since the shop closed I now help out every week in Head Office so I’m still involved on a regular basis. It’s been my little way of giving something back – I’ll never forget how grateful I was to have the benefit of the helicopter when I needed it.” o

“ t as s ear a s of t e Air Am a e t at m ee to e air ifte a se ite a stir ”

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

Cycle helmet saves Harry

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1993

Just a few months after the service started, on Good Friday in 1993, 11-year old Harry Staniland decided to cycle from his home in Buckland-in-the-Moor to his friend’s house in Ashburton. Sadly, en route, Harry came out of a junction and into the path of a car. With the driver in a state of shock, the driver from a following vehicle immediately raced to a nearby house to use the telephone, calling for emergency help.

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arry’s Mum, Mary, picks up the story. “Harry always used to call us from his friend’s house to let us know when he’d arrived and I was surprised that on this occasion I hadn’t heard from him. The next thing I knew was a frantic call from his friend’s father saying ‘There’s been an accident. Harry’s been airlifted to hospital and it looks bad.’ The family had heard the helicopter circling overhead and seen it land nearby. They realised that the lad on a bike involved in the accident had to be Harry.”

As Mary and her husband Charles rushed to Derriford, their heads were spinning with what they might be told on arrival. Being taken to a side-room to await the doctor, they feared the worst.

Mary continued, “Hearing the words ‘He’s alive’ was such an enormous relief! Harry had suffered a broken leg and broken arm and other cuts and bruises and medics still didn’t know the extent of any brain damage but just the relief of hearing he was alive was huge.”

Miraculously Harry didn’t

“ As Mary and her husband Charles rushed to Derriford, their heads were spinning with what they might be told on arrival. ” suffer a brain injury. He had been wearing a polystyrene cycle helmet which undoubtedly saved him. He was in Derriford for 2 weeks and then home for many weeks of rehabilitation as his broken bones mended.

He missed much of his last term at Widecombe Primary School and had to take things easy for his first year at senior school.

But Harry’s dare-devil spirit wasn’t dampened and now, nearly 25 years on, he still has a passion for adventure.

Coincidentally, whilst out climbing in March last year, his friend suffered a fall which also necessitated the Air Ambulance. This time, it was Harry who made the call and watched in awe as the aircrew saved his friend. o

Harry’s story was featured in the Western Morning News, promotin g the need for Devon’s Air Ambulance and encouraging readers to support the vital service.

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helipad | www.daat.org

From a boy to a man

1994

In August 1994, James Alexander was 16 years old and undergoing a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) apprenticeship through Bicton College. He was working at a neighbouring farm just outside King’s Nympton, using a topper, when a malfunction of the machine crushed him.

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ames was unable to move. A land ambulance crew conveyed him to North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple but, after examination, he was flown swiftly

by Devon Air Ambulance to the spinal unit at Salisbury Hospital.

After just one week, James had a heart to heart with his doctor. “I had noticed that

everyone around me was in a wheelchair and I wondered if that was my fate too. The doctor nodded; I had broken my T12 and L1 vertebrae. I spent a total of eight months in Salisbury, 110 miles from my family and home in Kings Nympton, and can honestly say that I went into hospital a boy and came out a man. But I’m aware now that it could

have been a whole lot worse; I may be paralysed from the waist down but I’ve still got a good life. I’ve got a lovely partner, Angela, and I do two jobs, one as an advisor for an adaptation company for disability vehicles and I also drive a tractor on various farms. I used to race rally cars too, though I’ve given that up now!” o

Living life with both feet on the ground

1995

Rod Newbolt-Young, from Widecombe, worked with the emergency services but little did he realise that one day he would actually need the service himself.

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od had been carrying out repairs to a barn roof on the family farm when the ladder slipped out from under him. Rod slid down the roof and, although he was able to fall on his feet, he felt his ankle ‘shatter’ as he landed.

To make matters worse, Rod then tried to stand up but the searing pain was so severe he fell into the road, knocking himself out. He was found by the local farrier who had recently completed a first aid course. Thinking he was helping, he tried to straighten the broken bone, using a broom handle. Rod remembers that “the pain was unbearable and I let him know it in no uncertain terms!”

Fortunately, help arrived from both the Ashburton land ambulance crew and

the Devon Air Ambulance and Rod was flown to Torbay Hospital. Rod recalls the pilot saying, “Hang on in there, the flight will be just 7 minutes.” Surgery corrected the break and Rod’s ankle subsequently healed, although he had to spend 9 weeks in hospital.

Rod was reminded of how smooth and straightforward the flight was when, a few years later, he nearly severed his arm in an accident with a chain-saw and his wife drove him to Torbay Hospital.

Rod explained, “This journey was far longer and far more painful than the flight in the Air Ambulance; I could feel every vibration and bump. I will always be grateful that Devon Air Ambulance was there when I needed their help.” o

Rod safely back o terra rma and still working on his farm

Rod came to an Eaglescott airbase visit with his wife and granddaughter

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

4

5

Rob falls from the sky ery now and then we hear a story that defies elief and o

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ob, from Dawlish, was an experienced skydiver, having clocked up over 90 jumps. On 7th September 1996, however, on his 94th jump, something went horribly wrong when not just one, but both parachutes failed to open.

Rob remembers every moment of the incident; plunging to earth at over 100mph and, incredibly, thinking ‘My Mum will kill me!’

He had jumped from the aircraft at 6,500 feet, more than a mile high. His first parachute failed to open so he pulled the reserve. But the reserve and the main parachute had become tangled together. With the ground looming, Rob kept

pulling the lines. Finally a quarter of one side inflated, slowing him down just a fraction as he spun to earth, and Rob put his hands round the back of his neck to brace himself for landing. The force drove his knees into his chest but as he rolled on to his side he remembers thinking, “I’m alive! I’m still conscious!”

In shock but unaware of any pain, Rob tried to get up but couldn’t feel anything except pins and needles.

A fellow skydiver landed and rushed over, saying “Don’t worry, you’re still here.” The pilot of the plane had radioed Rob’s position to the emergency services and the Air Ambulance was soon on scene, assessing

1996

ockes is one such story.

Rob’s injuries and flying him to RD&E for surgery. He was covered in bruises and his injuries included a fractured pelvis and a broken vertebrae in his back but, miraculously, he had survived. His treatment included a bone graft and metal plate to support the spine where the crushed vertebrae had been and, amazingly, Rob was allowed home just three weeks later.

A witness of the incident was in shock at the time. “He just fell out of the sky. It took about 40 seconds for him to hit the ground but it felt like forever.

I ran across the fields with my feet like lead; I thought I’d find his dead body. Instead, he was chatting to paramedics. I was

completely amazed. To this day, I still believe I witnessed a miracle.”

As for Rob, who returned to work as an IT consultant six months after the accident, he gave up skydiving. “I am not nearly so rash now. Life is precious. Maybe it wasn’t my time to die or maybe someone was looking over me that day. Either way, I’m not going to push my luck!”

Coincidentally, the airfield where Rob used to skydive is also where our Eaglescott airbase is located. Some 18 years after his accident, Rob visited our Eaglescott airbase with his wife Laura and son Theo. Needless to say, the visit brought back many memories. o

“ I am not nearly so rash now. Life is precious. Maybe it wasn’t my time to die or maybe someone was looking over me that day.

Either way, I’m not going to push my luck ” Rob’s story made the pages of the Sunday People

Rob, Laura and Theo Locke visiting Eaglescott airbase

15

16

helipad | www.daat.org

Tears and laughter:

fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance “Building relations and making friends is how we raise funds for the charity. Some days, I meet former patients or their loved ones which can be very emotional, other days we are meeting with our fantastic supporters, learning about the crazy things they do to raise money for us – there are a lot of tears and laughter – it’s a real roller-coaster!”

Helipad talked to Caroline Creer, Director of Fundraising and Deputy CEO

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aroline joined Devon Air Ambulance 20 years ago and, over that time, has seen huge changes in how the charity raises money. She original came as a volunteer before being offered a job – she helped in the office, wrote thank-you letters, opened the post and even helped establish a few of the first shops. Today, she leads a team of 13 in the Fundraising Department, overseeing all aspects of how the charity generates the money it needs to support its operational

a group of volunteer coordinators who worked out in their communities doing a fantastic job but, as we grew, it became apparent that we needed to move away from simply selling items at local events, to really thinking about how we promoted the charity across the whole of Devon and how we encouraged more people to become actively involved.

“When we first started our lottery,” continued Caroline “it was run by a third-party company who took a

draw the winning numbers out of a bag! Today, this is all computerised, with strict rules around legal compliance and protecting our supporters’ data. Our lottery is externally audited and thoroughly checked to ensure that winning number selections are truly random”.

So how has fundraising changed over the years?

Community fundraising remains strong and Caroline’s team have become very accomplished at building relationships and supporting

years. Community fundraising now contributes around £780,000 each year and that’s remarkable when you think the county has a population of just over 1 million.”

“The big events we do organise ourselves include our Motorcycle Ride-Out, the Dragon Boat Race and the Grand Summer Draw. We are also now joint owners of the Commando Challenge, an event in October where our fantastic fundraisers are put through the gruelling official commando training course

“ Community fundraising now contributes around £780,000 each year and that’s remarkable when you think the county has a population of just over 1 million. ” work. When the charity was very young, it hadn’t established many of the income streams it has today – such as through legacies and support from local businesses. Its main income came from community fundraising events such as fetes, coffee mornings and jumble sales.

Caroline said, “I joined around DAA’s fifth birthday just as the charity’s profile was beginning to rise after the service went to sevenday a week flying. We had

percentage share. By the end of the 1990s, we felt we had the right level of skills within our own team to bring the running of the lottery inhouse. We were granted our gaming licence in 2001 and have never looked back – we had 4,000 players for our first lottery and still have members playing today who were in that very first draw. Today, we have around 39,000 lottery members playing each week, helping to raise about £1.5 million each year.

“In the early days, we had to

community events to ensure they are not only an important source of funds but they are a direct way for the charity to connect with supporters.

“We like to spend time getting to know our supporters” said Caroline.

“We can help with posters, social media promotion, sending a representative to the event, publicity, cheque presentation and giving talks. That’s the best way to connect with and support local communities and that hasn’t changed much in 20

– complete with obstacles like the Sheep Dip! And, of course, this year we are celebrating the charity’s 25th anniversary with our family fun day at Dart’s Farm on the 9th September”.

The way that people donate and the opportunities that they have to do so have also changed. Sponsored events are important and challenge events like the London Marathon or walking the Great Wall of China have become huge. People being able to use online channels

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE

17

Caroline Creer celebrates the launch of the in-house DAA Lottery with the aircrew

to donate is also a significant benefit for all charities.

The increase of social media has added immediacy to donations, according to Caroline. “You can put a post out on social media and before you know it you have hundreds of responses. Social media makes us instantly available to thousands of our supporters, and potential new supporters, and it inspires people to get out and raise money”.

“Our network of volunteers has also grown hugely and our shops play a really important role as well; we know the communities where our shops are located increase the fundraising activity there.

They are also a great way for us to get equipment, posters, merchandising, collection boxes and our Helipad magazine into those communities”.

“Corporate giving continues to be very strong. We work hard at identifying what businesses want out of the relationship and ensure that we can meet their expectations. For example, if we’re talking to a business that has chosen us as their Charity of the Year but don’t know what to do, we might say ‘how about getting your staff to bring in a bag of unwanted goods and we’ll collect it’ – a great source

of stock for our shops. One business sent a team to our Exeter office recently and helped us fold hundreds of t-shirts for our Motorcycle Ride-Out event!”

“I’ve been privileged to work these past 20 years in a job I love which has allowed me to meet some fantastic people along the way. It’s been constant change but that’s great for the fundraising team as we never know what

challenge or opportunity is just around the corner.

“We have a superb team at DAA who all pull in the same direction no matter what job they are doing. We’re all passionate about the cause but then, how could you not be passionate about such a fantastic and rewarding charity?” o

helipad | www.daat.org

18

Lottery Membership Application The sum of (tick one box only) 1 Chance Number £4.34 Monthly

DAAT Lottery Office, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 4NS The above postal address is all you need when contacting us by post.

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Payments to be paid on either 6th 20th of each month First payment due immediately andorthereafter on 6th or 20th of each month.

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Name and full postal address of your bank or building society To: The M anager

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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 the charity needs to raise £5.5 million a year to keep both helicopters flying. We receive no Government funding nor do we qualify for a National Lottery grant. We rely on your support, to help us to continue our essential life saving 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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Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay Devon Air Ambulance Trust 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 The Air Ambulance Lottery Society and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

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DAAT would keep youyou informed about our work, how your how support hassupport helped keep helicopters the helicopters air and how you canair be involved in the DAAT wouldlike liketo to keep informed about our work, your hasour helped keepinour in the and how youfuture. can

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

My joints are so weather sensitive!

19

1997

Chrissie Peel has worked for DAA since 1998, initially as a volunteer helping in Head O ce and ser icin our collection o es efore mo in o er to the etail team in 200 . he is now our etail Operations ana er. hrissie had planned to e a istrict urse ut an accident in o em er chan ed e erythin .

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hrissie, then aged 21, was driving her mum’s car when, coming round a bend and fearing that the wheels weren’t responding, Chrissie over-compensated and steered into the path of an oncoming car. They hit almost head on and Chrissie’s car spun right round.

“It was as if it happened in slow motion,” Chrissie explained. “I clearly remember so much noise – metal crumpling and glass shattering – but I couldn’t understand any of it. I opened my eyes and saw the road I’d just been driving along, and didn’t know what had happened.”

Chrissie’s memories after that are patchy and much of what she knows is what she was told after the event.

Whilst the other driver and passenger escaped with minor injuries, Chrissie remained helpless, her legs trapped under the crumpled dashboard. “I didn’t even know if I still had my legs as I couldn’t see anything below my knees. Strangely, I remember hearing Robbie Williams singing Angels coming from the car radio.”

As fire crews cut the doors off the car and ambulance crews attended to her,

they learned that the Air Ambulance was on its way.

Glass from the shattered windscreen had gone into her eyes; Chrissie remembers keeping her eyes closed and relying on her hearing to learn what was happening.

She explains the feeling of everything being ‘out of focus’, she was aware but unable to deal with anything.

Aircrew paramedics Helen Myers and Mark Hayle assessed Chrissie at the scene and she was airlifted to RD&E with severe injuries to her pelvis, which had twisted and broken in four places; an open fracture to her right femur, a broken left femur, damage to both knees and an impacted shin.

While Chrissie was undergoing surgery her mum, Margaret, had an anxious 8-hour wait for news.

Margaret explained, “After surgery to pin her pelvis and broken legs, Chrissie was in ITU for 36 hours and in hospital for a month. We knew her recovery would be lengthy and, realising that she would have to move back home with us, we turned our dining room into a bedroom for her – complete with hospital bed and ‘monkey frame’ to help her mobility.”

Chrissie with paramedics Helen and Mark

“ I didn’t even know if I still had my legs as I couldn’t see anything below my knees. Strangely, I remember hearing Robbie Williams singing Angels coming from the car radio ” Unable to stand or sit for long, her first outings were in a special reclining wheelchair.

It was just a year later, and still using crutches, when Chrissie became a Patient Representative for DAA, working alongside colleagues Caroline, Sarah and Jenny – all of whom still work for the Trust.

Chrissie, now a mum to 5-year old Vinny, says that she can predict the weather as well as the Met Office. “I am completely mobile now but my legs and hip joints are

so sensitive to changes in pressure that I can tell if we’re going to have a storm long before the weather forecasters!

It can be really painful and sometimes it feels as if my bones are having a ‘migraine’!”

Asked now about those early days, Chrissie summed up, “I am so grateful that, despite darkness falling, the Air Ambulance was still operational that day . My airlift feels like a debt that has endless value. I can never do enough to repay the service.” o

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helipad | PATIENTS

Ron survived, despite the odds Last summer, Betty and Ron Harcombe celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party where they were joined by their six children, extended family and many friends, and raised £300 for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

This was an anniversary that, some years ago, Betty had doubted they would ever reach.

I

n December 1998, while Ron was in RD&E recovering from a heart attack, Betty had a call from the hospital to say ‘Ron has taken a turn for the worst.’

He had suffered a bleed on his brain and Betty and her son rushed back to the hospital.

Fearing for her husband, who was intubated and unconscious, doctors explained that the outlook was not good. They didn’t think that Ron would survive brain surgery so soon after his heart attack.

Betty’s son Alun, who is a cardiologist, was able to

explain to his family the options available for his father.

The medical team decided that, if the Air Ambulance was available, and if Derriford’s Neurology Department had a bed, then Ron would be flown to Plymouth. As Ron was prepared for the flight, Betty and Alun said their goodbyes.

Ron was flown by Air Ambulance to Derriford and was taken straight into surgery for a 5½hour operation. Surgeons at Derriford explained to Betty and the family members gathered, “We’ve done

all we can but this is nonsurvivable event – now it’s up to Ron.” Amazingly, Ron pulled through, and gradually, against the odds, made a very good recovery.

He was left with frontal lobe brain damage which had implications but, as Betty explained, while Ron is in familiar and comfortable surroundings everything is just fine. Whilst he has no memory of the incident and no real understanding of what he went through, he can still do crosswords! Some years later, he was also able to join the

The Golden Hour

1998

Ron and Betty with their six children

Police Choir and play bowls every summer.

Betty and her family were delighted to raise funds for DAA at their anniversary party and explained, “Without the Air Ambulance, Ron would not be here. We were told by doctors at RD&E that he had suffered a ‘non-survivable event’ – but he proved them wrong. Whilst he was likely not to have survived a road transfer, going by helicopter made all the difference so we are truly grateful and pleased to have the opportunity to give something back.” o

1999

Freelance news photographer, Richard Lappas also needed emergency help when, on his way to a job in January 1999, the steering on his car broke and his vehicle spun across both lanes of the A30, over a 5-bar gate and through a hed e into a farmer s field.

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overed in cuts and bruises and aware of possible internal injuries, Richard was relieved to learn that the Air Ambulance was on its way. “Having been attended at the scene, with various IV lines put in by aircrew paramedics Helen Myers and Nigel Hare, I was

then conveyed to RD&E hospital by Captain Dick Metson, all within the ‘Golden Hour’. I spent nearly two weeks in hospital and it was a few months before I could return to work but I know I have a lot of people to thank for their help on the day and for my recovery.” o

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9

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE

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Prudent, diligent & transparent Helipad talked to David Hawes, Finance Director & Trading Company Secretary, about how the charity manages its money

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think the key factor when thinking about the charity’s finances is that everything we do is driven by our operational needs. All the decisions that are made by the senior leadership team are focussed on patient outcomes and how we deliver the best service to the people of Devon.

Our five-year strategic plan guides us in this – we look at what we want to achieve, we examine how much it will cost and how best to fund it. The biggest challenge for the finance department is achieving a balance between using the money now to maximise the immediate impact, while making sure we are not over-stretching ourselves in the medium or long term and are also getting as much benefit from the funds raised as possible through sound but prudent investments.

When you work for a charity like DAA – which doesn’t receive any central or local government funding – you know that some of the money streams you rely on can be quite unpredictable. This can be an interesting challenge for any finance team! If you take the amount of money received through legacies, for instance, this can fluctuate significantly month to month, year to year. Another thing which is sometimes difficult

to plan is unexpected aviation costs – such as a new engine part - which can be very expensive. We plan for these potential short-term deviations while making sure we have sufficient money available to meet our medium and longer term goals.

of purchase.

I know that accounting can be a foreign language for many people, but we think it is vital to make it clear what we are doing in a simple and transparent way. That is really important to us as we know how hard our fundraisers,

“ I know that accounting can be a foreign language for many people, but we think it is vital to make it clear what we are doing in a simple and transparent way. ” As well as the immediate needs of the charity, we also focus on what we are looking to do with our funds going forward; in 2020, we are aiming to replace one of our helicopters, so we will need to build up sufficient funds before then to cover the cost

donors and businesses work to support us.

Each year, we produce an annual report, and we have made a real effort to make the financial section as readable as possible. It contains a lot of financial detail, but also has succinct

summaries which lay out the key information in a simple easy-to-read format for those who (understandably!) don’t want to drill down into the detail.

It’s great to know that, in the short term, we are in a healthy financial position.

However, we need to continue to grow our income to fund new commitments – such as developing our night flight programme and also supporting the significant investment we have made into the critical care programme for our paramedics – as well as dealing with unexpected costs. Our aim in Finance is to help support and enhance our operations which will deliver a first-class service to all our patients for the next twenty-five years and beyond. o

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helipad | OUR PEOPLE

From patients to supporters…

Hazel Parkhouse and Chrissie Peel

Over the years there have been many patients and members of their family who have gone on to support the Charity, knowing all too well the value of the service.

Here are just a few: Jenny Buckle – Keen gardener Jenny was airlifted in 1994 after falling through a greenhouse, lacerating both wrists and arms. Whilst her injuries took many weeks and months to heal, Jenny set about fundraising for the service that had brought her such swift medical attention.

Very quickly, Jenny became a familiar figure for DAA and, along with Education Officer Piers Le Cheminant, started DAA’s own Junior Crew Club, regularly attended events and gave talks at schools and childrens’ clubs to promote the Air Ambulance.

Jenny even featured in a BBC television programme about garden based accidents hosted by Ground Force’s Tommy Walsh!

Jenny Buckle (far right)

Jenny has also been a fantastic fundraiser, donating over £10,000 to the cause.

Writing two books about her life, accident, recovery and life there-after, and donating all proceeds to DAA, as well as holding regular Open Gardens/ cream tea afternoons, Jenny’s tireless efforts were recognised in 2002 when she was awarded the MBE for her charity work.

Sarah Burden – Sarah was the passenger in an horrific car accident in 1996, leading to 10 days in hospital and months of rehabilitation. As Sarah Burden

over the past 20 years has been remarkable and only due to the hard work and determination of a close knit team and the fantastic community support.”

Chrissie Peel – see her story on page 19 Richard Lappas – Following a serious road traffic incident in January 1999 when his car crashed off the A30 in gale force winds and driving rain, Richard Lappas

soon as she could, however, Sarah left her job as a legal secretary and became part of the DAA family. With such a small team in the early days, Sarah was involved in administration, public relations and organisation of airbase visits, cheque presentations and the Welcome Garden scheme.

Sarah has witnessed many changes in the twenty years since she joined, changes to the number of employees as well as significant changes operationally. “I am grateful every day to the Air Ambulance. I know first-hand the importance of immediate care and, despite drifting in and out of consciousness at the scene, I remember how reassuring it was to know that I was in good hands.” Sarah added, “I am so proud to still be part of the DAA family; seeing the growth and development of the service

Richard was treated at the scene and airlifted to RD&E – all within the Golden Hour. Richard, a professional photographer, has since volunteered his time over many years, taking photographs, giving talks, collecting cheques and helping in the Office.

And three mums have also been very involved: Rosey Oakes – Rosey’s passion to support the Air Ambulance was triggered when her son, Toby, was airlifted in 2008 (see page 47). Rosey was DAA’s Volunteer Manager from 2013-2016, building a fantastic relationship with over 400 volunteers.

Rosey Oakes

Maggie Little – Maggie’s daughter, Anna, was airlifted at just 14 years old having suffered a bleed on the brain. Maggie felt indebted to DAA and worked in the fundraising team for 12 years

Maggie and daughter Anna

until she retired in 2014.

Hazel Parkhouse – Hazel, Sarah Burden’s mum, joined our band of volunteers in 2005 and helped in the office every Friday for the next 11 years!

Tony Short – see his story on page 12 o

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

Two incidents and two airlifts for Thomas n 2000 we airlifted Thomas ait from sh urton

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om was working as a wood machinist in a joinery business in Ashburton and was helping move some big wooden frames down from a mezzanine level to the ground floor. They were using a mechanical hoist but, for some unknown reason, one of the cables had got stuck. Just as Tom was trying to release the cable manually, it started working again – cutting clean through Tom’s finger in the process.

With Tom needing emergency treatment, his boss dashed him (and the top of his finger) to Ashburton Hospital. Unable to deal with it there, the Air Ambulance was called. Tom remembers sitting in the helicopter as they

started to take off and, much like on the opening sequence of the television programme, Emmerdale, all the sheep in the fields below were scattering in all directions!

On arrival at Derriford, just 11 minutes later, doctors were unable to re-attach the top of Tom’s finger but they neatened off the wound before discharging Tom the following day. Tom was off work for 6 weeks as he came to terms with his new-look hand.

That wasn’t the only time he benefitted from the service, however, as in 2002, he was involved in a multi-vehicle accident just outside Bovey Tracey. In a line of traffic, he was shunted from behind; the impact of which caused

ospital and ew him to

him to hit the car in front – 5 vehicles and 12 people in total were involved. Whilst Tom’s two passengers, his wife and brother, were both taken to hospital by land ambulance, Tom was airlifted to Torbay with possible neck or spinal injuries. Fortunately, x-rays

23

2000 erriford.

revealed that Tom’s injuries were confined to whiplash and he was released later that day.

Tom has felt a kinship with the Air Ambulance service ever since and, last autumn, came to our Eaglescott airbase to show his young sons the helicopter. o

Thomas Lait with Sarah and sons Benjamin, James, Samuel and Timothy

Counselling helps Faye At 11am on the 11th November 2000, Faye Mager was driving to Otter Nurseries to uy a present for her mother s irthday. ittle did she know that her parents coincidentally were also at Otter urseries that mornin .

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ust as Faye was indicating to turn into the Nursery car park, a ‘boy racer’ came out of nowhere and smashed into Faye’s car. Whilst the driver from the car that had hit her was unhurt, drivers from other cars stopped to help Faye. As one was holding her and asking her name, Faye’s eyes rolled back and she lost consciousness. The Air Ambulance was called to assist.

Discovering her home address, police rushed to inform Faye’s parents.

Meanwhile, customers in the store became aware of the accident. Her mum and dad had the shock of their lives when they reached home and realised that it was their daughter who had been hurt.

Faye was flown to RD&E with internal bleeding, a punctured and collapsed lung and a head injury.

Many years later, and physically recovered except for ongoing neck pain from the whiplash, Faye realised that she hadn’t ever dealt with the anger that she

had felt after the accident. “I needed counselling,” she explained.

“My injuries may have healed, but I was still angry.

Fortunately, the counselling really helped. Now, I’m happily married with two young children and I’m just so grateful to everyone who helped me on that day.” o

Faye and family on their special day

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r u o g n i r u D

25

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50,000 FLYING

HOURS

ATTENDED

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PATIENTS

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ENCE I R E P S EX R ES A C I E Y V 0 R 5 E RY S L OF 2 A A T T I O L T I A HAVE ALL M S T M O L I O P R R F U O ANS R E T E V E AND INCLUD

Since 2005 we’ve trained 13 dispatchers for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

3 of which have since gone on to become paramedics

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

Treating the whole person

25

2001 The Scoble brothers - Charlie, Tom and Sam

t was the first week of the school summer holidays in uly 200 when rothers am Tom and harlie co le were playin foot all in the arden with their friends while randad was mowin the lawn and their parents were packin and preparin for a family campin holiday.

S

uddenly, Sam raced indoors saying there had been an accident. As mum, Wendy, and dad Colin, rushed outside, they grabbed towels on the way. Six year old Tom was laying face down on the grass, with his t-shirt in shreds. He had chased the football into the path of the sit-on mower and been run over.

Ten-year old Sam remained calm and helped remove the grass cutter from Tom. As Wendy frantically telephoned for help, she was horrified to see the accident had taken the skin from across his back.

Tom was still conscious as

“ Tom was o to Derrifor Hospital where his treatment included a blood tra sf sio a a series of s i rafts ”

paramedics from the land ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance arrived. DAA paramedic Nigel Hare remembers the job well.

“With muscle and tissue exposed there was a real risk of infection,” Nigel explained, “it was a very nasty wound.”

Tom was flown to Derriford Hospital where his treatment included a blood transfusion and a series of skin grafts.

Much of the work was carried out by plastic surgeon, Mr Morris, a fellow parent of children at Mount House School where Tom attended.

Wendy explained, “As soon as he heard about the accident

he offered to help. He explained that ‘he was not just treating the wound, he was treating the whole person’.

It was a lengthy process but Tom was so brave. He came home from hospital about 2 weeks later and I then looked after the dressings. We were all so focussed on Tom’s recovery. Incredibly, he was determined to go back to school that September!”

Now 22, an accomplished musician and having just completed a degree in Photography, Tom has only vague memories of the day of the accident. “I remember things like hating that I had

Tom (centre) at his graduation this summer

to wear a rash vest when I went swimming. But my mum told me to say my injuries were from a shark bite! I’ve had a few repercussions since; when I was 17 I did the ‘gruelling’ Devizes – Westminster international canoe race and the wound opened up again… but other than some scarring on my lower back, I’m fine now.”

Tom’s story was covered in the press at the time and Wendy was amazed by the love and support they received, “We had letters and cards from well-wishers from around the world, it was really heart-warming.” o

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gh u o r h t l e v Tra

25

years

with us...

1986

1992

1997

Ceri Thomas Appeal

Launch Event

After the death of her son Ann Thomas sets about raising funds for an Air Ambulance in Devon

DAA launches with a Bolkow helicopter at Cathedral Green, Exeter

Service Commences Doreen Baker is the first patient to be helped

Flying every day From initially flying 5 days a week (not flying on Monday or Tuesday), the service is extended to 7 days a week

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | TIMELINE

2001

1999 New Bolkow

Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies launches a larger stretched Bolkow aircraft at the Gypsy Hill Hotel in Exeter

2002

2003

DAA Lottery

10th Anniversary

First weekly draw of DAA’s in-house lottery

DAA celebrates its 10th birthday with an Air Ambulance Challenge

10th Anniversary The Bishop of Exeter blesses the aircraft ten years on

27

Celebrity support Television gardener Tommy Walsh visits patient Jenny Buckle

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2004

2005

2006

room for one more

double the help

DAA takes delivery of an EC135 helicopter – the additional seat means a parent can accompany a sick or injured child

DAA launches a second helicopter in North Devon, operating 5 days a week on a 6 month trial basis

celeBrity funding Jennie Bond, Royal Correspondent, was the runner-up on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here’, raising over £260,000 for DAA

memories A cycling accident left 17 year old Tom Staniford with similar injuries to Ceri Thomas. Tom was airlifted to RD&E Exeter. Tom made a full recovery thanks to the speed of treatment received

royal appointment Princess Anne opens the joint operations unit at Middlemoor, Exeter, that DAA shared with the Devon & Cornwall Police Air Support Unit

baby on board D e omes the first Air Ambulance to own a specialist incubator for premature babies

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | TIMELINE

2007

2008

7 Day service Second helicopter in North Devon extends flying time from 5 days to 7 days and moves to Eaglescott Airfield

new ceo Heléna Holt joins DAA as CEO

HEMS The country’s first HEMS team is established in Devon

2009

bespoke aircraft DAA purchases a bespoke EC135 and upgrades the North Devon Bolkow aircraft to an EC135

2010

29

2011

new airbase

airbase opens

The first turf is dug at Eaglescott for a purpose built new airbase, complete with hangar and crew facilities

The Steve Ford Airbase officially opens at Eaglescott.

Named after DAA’s much loved pilot, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in October 2008

long summer hours DAA extends flying hours to 14 per day during summer months

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2012

2013

2014

radio devon appeal

second besoke aircraft

January saw the conclusion of the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal which exceeded target, raising over £852,000

DAA celebrates the arrival of G-DAAN, the Charity’s second bespoke owned aircraft ith a flight to r aro nd the county inviting supporters and members of the public to see the new aircraft up close

20th anniversary DAA celebrates the 20th anni ersary o its first flight

air operating certificate DAA is awarded its own Air Operating ertifi ate y the Civil Aviation Authority, meaning complete independence

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | TIMELINE

2016

2015 university partnership

Working in partnership with DAA, Plymouth University launches a new MSc PreHospital Critical Care/Transport and Retrieval Master’s degree for aircrew

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2017 paramedics progress

our aircraft

The first tranche of 20 paramedics pass their first year MSc Pre-Hospital Critical Care/ Transport and Retrieval Master’s degree course

DAA current fleet G-DVAA (based at Steve Ford Airbase, Eaglescott) and G-DAAN (based at Exeter)

flying doctors

night flying update

Doctors fly on board for the first time, acting as mentors as part of the Master’s degree

The first community landing site opens

Night flying campaign

night flying commences

‘Make night time flight time’ awareness campaign is launched

November – night flying commences. Flying up to midnight every night from the Exeter airbase

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of the sky Helipad met six of Devon Air Ambulance’s paramedics to discover how the role has changed over the years and how enhanced learning and new technology is helping them provide an outstanding service to patients ….

I

In 1992, when Devon Air Ambulance flew its first mission, the charity had 10 paramedics and one helicopter based at Exeter Airport. The paramedics worked part-time around their land-based shifts. eap forward 25 years, and the charity now has a dedicated full-time team of 19 Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care operating across two helicopters.

A lot has changed over the intervening years and some of the more seasoned paramedics find it hard to believe how much the service has evolved in that time, particularly with developments in clinical knowledge and training and the availability of stateof-the-art technology and e uipment.

Paramedic Adrian Parker who has been with DAA for over 8 years first joined the Devon Ambulance service as an Ambulance Man’ in 1988.

Adrian has nearly 30 years in the service and noted how, back then, you needed no formal ualifications to join the service and you gained your medical knowledge on a 6-week residential First Aid

Adrian Parker, circa 1995

Adrian Parker, circa 2017

course. oth the ambulance vehicles and the e uipment were very basic remembers Adrian, particularly when compared to what is available now. We had gas and air, oxygen, bandages and splints for broken bones.

Even the stretchers doubled up as seats in the back of the ambulance.

In the early days of the Air Ambulance, the helicopter was very different to the EC135 model used today and from a clinical perspective could have been described as basic’. ead Paramedic Mark awley, who joined Devon Air Ambulance in 2006 remembers The original helicopter the lkow 105 wasn’t the easiest environment to work in. It was small and we had to slide the patients into the rear of the aircraft down a very narrow tunnel which could be really awkward and claustrophobic for the patients and crew. It’s a very different story now the helicopters are more spacious and full of hightech e uipment such as the CAS device, an automatic chest compression machine added Mark. We

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE also now have access to many more potent drugs, such as Ketamine - a powerful anesthetic and pain relieving drug.”

There have been significant clinical advancements, particularly in the last 2 years, as the paramedics have enrolled onto the new Master’s Degree in Pre-hospital Critical Care Retrieval and Transfer. The course, created by Devon Air Ambulance in conjunction with Plymouth University, aims to make the paramedic crew among the highest qualified in the country. The ground-breaking clinical importance of the course was recognised at the national Air Ambulance Conference Awards of Excellence in 2016 where it won the prestigious ‘Innovation Award’.

But it isn’t just the academic qualification that contributes to the skill of the paramedics - the experience of being mentored and working alongside a team of operational doctors, running through daily simulations and teaching sessions, attending monthly Clinical Governance meetings and sharing best practice ensures the team

Mark Hawley with our original Bolkow helicopter

Kate Adlam

are constantly challenging themselves, enhancing their skills and putting them into practice.

Paramedic Kate Adlam, who joined DAA on a 1-year secondment back in 2008 – and is still with the charity 10 years later – says she has noticed the real benefits to the patients, of this enhanced learning.

Kate said “We are all experienced paramedics, but you just don’t realise how much there is still to learn.

Although it has sometimes been a challenge to combine study, work and home life, the skills we have gained from the Master’s degree have been invaluable. Also, working side-by-side with the doctors really helps to increase your confidence as a paramedic and develop your own skills and knowledge, all of which goes towards improving the care we can give our patients.”

In 2016, Devon Air Ambulance began operating into the hours of darkness, flying up until midnight every day. This meant that, as well as the existing paramedics, the charity took on an additional four new

“ The team are constantly challenging themselves, enhancing their skills and putting them into practice. ” Mark, Lee & Alex

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paramedics.

New recruits Lee Hilton, Mark Hodkinson, Alex Sanders-Page and Nick Ratcliff had to go through a very challenging recruitment and selection process before they were successful. Not only did this include an interview and presentation, but a ‘reflective’ essay, an exam, clinical scenarios with live ‘patients’ as well as fitness and swimming tests.

All had a long-standing desire to work on the air ambulance - so strong was this wish that Mark, who is originally from Cheshire, had a degree in ‘Paramedic Science’ from Hertfordshire and was already a Critical Care Paramedic in Surrey, was willing to relocate anywhere in the country to take up the opportunity.

Once successful, the new recruits had a number of other interesting challenges to face. “Gaining knowledge about aviation and navigation is unique to the role, so this involved additional training” Alex explained.

Lee added “Another challenge is the complexity of the decision-making; we are constantly assessing and evaluating the most appropriate treatment to administer – this isn’t just about giving excellent immediate care, we also have to consider what treatment is most likely to give the best long-term outcome for our patients.”

“It was also a bit daunting coming into such a closeknit team, and especially for me moving to Devon where I didn’t know many people” added Mark, “but everyone was welcoming and supportive from day one.”

Mark Hawley said “All the crew, no matter how long they have worked on the helicopter, bring a wealth of experience and, because they come from a wide range of backgrounds, their differing perspectives are invaluable.”

“ t a ea stressf o re ar i est o

eam mem ers re ei i

i t a e i a t is a so e i arati a a o est sa it s t e i t e or ”

t e Inspiration of the Year a ar

The paramedics are held in high esteem by the many thousands of patients they have treated over the years, as well as being very special to all their colleagues and volunteers across the charity.

At this year’s Devon Air Ambulance staff awards, the paramedic team won the popular vote by a huge margin and walked away with the “Inspiration of the Year” award.

“I think it is the complexity of the job that often surprises and inspires people,” said Mark Hawley. “From the start of each shift we are considering factors such as the weather, then from the moment the red phone rings, to the time we deliver our patient to hospital, the paramedics have an enormous number of actions to undertake and decisions to make. Our most important job is delivering the best medical treatment and care to the patients who need us but that is just the tip of the iceberg. We do so much more! This is a high stress job where you need 100% focus and commitment, particularly as we inevitably see the most severely injured and critically ill patients”.

All the paramedics stated how much they enjoy the variety of the role, with no two days – or even two incidents – being the same.

Kate echoed a sentiment shared by all, “It can be a difficult, challenging and stressful job, but is also exhilarating and rewarding - I can honestly say it’s the best job in the world.”

Despite the passage of time and the advances in both medicine and technology, the current paramedics and their earlier counterparts all have something in common – the commitment, compassion and skills to deliver firstclass critical care to the people of Devon. o

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

ort i t ea s to e t re o er

35

2002

Paul McGahey was 12 years old and on his way home from school when he was run over crossing the Sidmouth Road.

T

he knock on the door of their family home was ‘the knock every mother dreads’, explained Paul’s mother Tina.

“We were moving house that day and we were in complete chaos. Apparently, Paul had got off the bus after school and gone behind it to cross the road but been hit by a car, believed to have been travelling at around 40mph.

The accident was only down the road from the house we were moving from and my husband and I rushed to the scene. Someone was trying to stop the bleeding and we talked to him all the time while we waited for the Air Ambulance to arrive.

Paul had suffered multiple broken bones but the biggest concern was the injury to his head. The Air Ambulance arrived and paramedics monitered him closely as they flew the short distance to RD&E. Doctors did scans and tests then stabilised him for a further flight, this time by the Police helicopter with a medical team on board, to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where he had brain surgery.

He spent the following three weeks in an induced coma.

The first hurdle was ‘will he live or die’ and doctors warned Paul’s parents and family that they couldn’t be sure of his outcome. He had suffered a fractured skull, part of which had been removed. Tina remembers just willing her son to hang on in there. Paul’s two sisters,

Emily and Debbie, had worrying journeys as they travelled from Edinburgh and ondon to see their brother.

It was an immense relief to everyone when, finally, Paul woke up and, whilst still very disorientated, he recognised his family.

Paul spent a total of two months in hospital and everyone was hugely relieved when he finally went home. His recovery continued over many months and included further surgery. He missed two full terms of school, initially returning just one day a week. Tina recalls just how brilliant many of his friends were, calling to see him and helping him in every way they could. A long-term effect of the accident was that Paul was exhausted much of the time; a direct result of his brain injury.

Paul is now completely well and happily married to his wife, Devon. e enjoys a busy and active life, running the Route 2 Café and apartments in Topsham as well as being a retained fire-fighter, and he has an absolute passion for watersports.

Tina summed up by saying “We never wrapped him in cotton wool. We lived by the motto ‘Go and Do Life’ – encouraging Paul to sail, play sport and get involved in everything - and the greatest relief of all is that, despite all our fears at the time, Paul totally recovered o

“ e e er ra e im i otto oo e i e t e motto o a Do ife ” a

WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3

De o

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I’ll stick to four wheels now!

2003

It was November 2003 and 18 year old Scott Binding was riding his 125cc motorbike between his workplace in Tiverton and his home in Cullompton when he was hit by a car from behind and shunted into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

S

cott hit the driver’s front wing then crashed into the windscreen before falling into the road. His injuries included a broken femur, wrist, ankle, pelvis and collar bone, bruised lungs and swelling on the brain. The incident was attended by Devon Air Ambulance and Scott was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Scott explains, “Fortunately I don’t remember anything from

about 7 weeks and luckily allowed home two days before Christmas day as my mum could look after me full-time.

“Nurses visited three times a day to change dressings and check I was doing ok and to help my mum care for me. I was unable to get out of bed unless I was lifted and carried by someone. I had hospital appointments every few weeks for x-rays and a couple of further

Scott with daughter, Ellie

“ Fortunately I don’t remember anything from the day of the accident which I think is due to the shock and my brain and body blocking it out. ” the day of the accident which I think is due to the shock and my brain and body blocking it out.

From one of the witnesses I learned that I was awake through it all. I was extremely fortunate that someone who stopped to help me saved my life by undoing my helmet strap which was stopping me being able to breath! I have a lot of people to thank for what they did that day.

“The original plan was for me to be in hospital for a minimum of 6 months. But I was only in hospital for

operations.

“Thankfully I’m now ‘back to normal’ and, although it was four years after the accident before I could return to work, I have been working full-time ever since.”

Despite the injuries he sustained, Scott is still a fan of motorbikes and said, “I would love to get back on a motorbike again. However, my parents have said I’m not allowed and my wife, Jodie, would definitely prefer it if I didn’t, so I think I’ll stick to four-wheels from now on!”o

Scott and Jodie enjoying family time with Ellie

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

3

37

2004

Joe (age 10) presenting money raised at The Boathouse to DAA volunteer Doug Langley

De

ite more t a

st a

Lucy and Bob Thompson from The Boathouse in Instow already had four children when young Joe was born. Lucy was in labour with a planned home birth when di culties led to her ein transferred to orth e on istrict ospital .

Worryin ly ery soon after oe was orn it ecame apparent that thin s for the little baby were far from right.

J

oe had been born with his intestines in his chest cavity and a hole in his diaphragm and, as he started to breathe, both his lungs collapsed. Unable to deal with the emergency in NDDH, a medical team was despatched to convey little Joe to Cardiff Hospital by land ambulance.

When Bob and Lucy arrived in Cardiff, the surgeon explained how they would help their baby son. Following emergency surgery, Joe spent the first 8 days of his life in Intensive Care and another week in hospital before being allowed home to meet his siblings.

Fortunately, things settled down and Joe soon caught up with his peers.

That was until he was 18

months old when he became unwell. He stopped eating and his condition rapidly deteriorated. Convinced that this was more than ‘just a bug’ and with Joe becoming weaker before their eyes, Lucy and Bob rushed Joe to North Devon District Hospital where, on reading Joe’s notes, the doctor immediately requested

surgery at Bristol Children’s Hospital. We knew he’d been really ill when he was born but this time the Air Ambulance was absolutely critical. The doctor told us that Joe would die if he didn’t get immediate treatment.”

The problem had been caused by scar tissue from his original surgery forming a seal

“ The doctor told us that Joe would die if he didn’t get immediate treatment. ” the Air Ambulance.

Bob explained, “It all happened so fast. One moment we were chatting to the doctor about Joe’s symptoms, the next he was being whisked off in the helicopter for emergency

on Joe’s stomach, causing an obstruction, so he was unable to eat. Once at Bristol, Joe spent 3 days in ITU following surgery with another week on the ward recovering.

His dad continued, “Seeing him now, it’s hard to believe

that young Joe went through so much as a baby - he is now a strapping 13-year old, strong as an ox and a fearsome rugby player!”

Coincidentally, the family had another encounter with the Air Ambulance just a few years later. Bob and Lucy were on the beach with their younger children when they heard about a nasty road accident nearby. Hearing the Air Ambulance circling overhead their hearts sank as they learned that it was for Bob’s oldest daughter, Katie!

Katie was airlifted to NDDH with a nasty ankle injury and, fortunately, went on to make a full recovery. Bob said, “As you can imagine, we’re very, very grateful to everyone at Devon Air Ambulance!” o

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e i t ea s to another...

2005

Ben Cornish from Exmouth is a full-time athlete for the British Sailing Team ranked 1st in the World with his focus firmly on Olympic Gold in Tokyo 2020. Ben was airlifted in 2005 and here he tells his story.

“A

t the time of my accident I was 14 years old. I was studying at Exmouth Community College and competing nationally as a Junior for my sport of sailing. I vividly remember my attention drifting away as I looked out of the classroom windows, I was dreaming of being on the water. I had grown up on the Exe estuary learning to sail from the age of 7.

My other passion was kitesurfing; I loved the speed and the feeling of freedom.

The day of my accident the wind was freezing, blowing down the Exe estuary from the north. The wind was 2025 knots, ideal conditions for

crashing down onto the concrete car park.

The accident was witnessed by a number of fellow kitesurfers and friends. Fortunately, amongst the crowd was Mr Adrian Harris, Consultant Emergency Physician at the RD&E. I still remember his voice and how calm he remained throughout. I had suffered multiple injuries including a broken femur, pelvis, arm and foot. I was suffering from internal bleeding and Adrian’s fast diagnosis meant I needed airlifting by the Devon Air Ambulance.

I started drifting out of consciousness whilst being loaded into the helicopter. I

Ben doing what he loves best!

“ I was accelerated into the air at about 40mph to around 30ft and then came crashing down onto the concrete car park. ” kitesurfing on the high tide.

But a squally front increased the windspeed really quickly, so I decided to call it a day and head back to land my kite.

I made my way to where we launched and landed our kites, by this time the wind was gusting. I came just slightly off the ground and my kite lines caught a branch; I was accelerated into the air at about 40mph to around 30ft and then came

remember the friendly smiles of the aircrew who assisted me that day; I knew I was in safe hands as we took off towards RD&E. I stayed in hospital for 6 weeks, with the first week in intensive care. My family were with me the whole way and it must have been a horrible experience for them as I certainly wasn’t the nicest person to be around during that time.

Doctors initially thought my injuries were too severe

to return to any sport. However, I made a full recovery and eight months later I got back in my small wooden cadet. I remember how happy I was to be back afloat, having spent so many weeks bed-ridden just dreaming of it.

I have no doubt that my set-back has given me the drive to succeed and a greater level of appreciation for what can be taken away at any moment. Since recovering I have pursued

my passion for sailing and for the past five years I have been representing Great Britain on the International Circuit. I compete in the Finn Class, made famous

by Sir Ben Ainslie’s previous success.

I would like to thank the Devon Air Ambulance again for their support when I really needed them. I hope they can continue their incredible service for many years to come.” o

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | www.daat.org

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40

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE

Delivering a top-class service As Devon Air Ambulance approaches its 25,000th mission, it’s a remarkable fact that Captain Rob Mackie piloted 7,890 of those missions in a career with DAA that started in 1993.

R

ob began his career as a pilot in the army, later flying helicopters to and from the oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. When the chance of becoming an air ambulance pilot in his native Devon arose, he jumped at it - almost 25 years on, he is still working with the charity, now as Safety Manager.

Rob witnessed considerable changes in the Air Ambulance service over the years, from being a ‘junior outfit’ to becoming one of the industry’s best - utterly professional, focused on service delivery and being a huge influence on developing procedures that have been followed by other air ambulance services.

“When I joined, the air ambulance service was in its infancy,” he said. “There were no real guidelines, no rules.

We developed our procedures through trial and error. We knew what we wanted to do but it was a case of how do we actually do that and is it safe and legal? Back then, the paramedics had limited equipment or medication so to see the clinical procedures they are capable of delivering nowadays is phenomenal.”

Rob explained that there is a special relationship between paramedics and pilots. “The pilot and the paramedics support each other. Nonaviation medical professionals have to become “flight crew”,

assisting the pilot in the air.

When you’re on the ground, they are the ones that take the lead, but the pilot may need to fetch and carry so has to have knowledge of the medical equipment.

Ultimately, as an aviation unit, the captain has the final authority, but it’s a very poor captain that doesn’t value the opinion of the rest of the crew.”

There are many highlights in Rob’s illustrious career, including when DAA started a seven days a week service.

“I felt that was when we really came of age” says Rob. “There was a difference in morale and, crucially, in public awareness that ‘this our Air Ambulance’.”

The helicopter upgrade from a Bolkow 105 to an EC135 in 2004 was also a

significant moment for Rob. “I adored the Bolkow, it was a real pilot’s flying machine, but when we upgraded to the EC135 it had an immense impact - there was more room, more equipment, the ability to do more things – which, by implication, improved our service to patients.”

“Achieving our own Air Operating Certificate (AOC) was also an important highlight of my career. It took an incredible amount of work and commitment but we became the first in the country to have a European AOC and the first Air Ambulance service to have an AOC, which was a massive achievement.”

DAA has come a long way since Rob used to start the

day by calling the office to see if enough money had come in to fund just an hour’s flying time – today, he is a pivotal member of the operations team, ensuring safety is paramount in everything the air ambulance does. Despite the huge advancements and changes he has seen, Rob has taken it all in his stride.

“I was born and raised in Paignton and I love this county. It has been a privilege – and really rewarding - to watch Devon Air Ambulance grow and develop into the first-class air ambulance service it is today, and it makes me immensely proud to see how all our communities have taken us to their hearts.” o

“ I adored the Bolkow, it was a real i ot s i ma i e t e e ra e to t e it a a imme se im a t ”

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

41

An accident that 2006 brought back many memories for DAA staff In 2006, we learned of an incident that evoked many emotions for everyone involved in Devon Air Ambulance. Teenager Tom Staniford had been out riding his bicycle and was hit head-on by a car; an almost identical story to that of Ceri Thomas, whose tragic accident back in 1986 led to the founding of Devon Air Ambulance

K

een cyclist Tom, 17, died twice from the injuries he sustained in the incident, with our paramedics having to restart his heart twice while en route to the RD&E hospital. His injuries included a punctured lung, four broken ribs, a broken collar bone, lacerations to his knees and head injuries that included losing his front teeth, fracturing his eye socket and serious bruising to the brain.

After four months of gradual recovery, however, Tom began training again. He explained, “I was so badly hurt that to start with I could only do small walks, just trying to get my mobility back. When I started back on the turbo trainer, my legs hurt so badly that I didn’t have the confidence to go out on the road. I had to take it really slowly.”

However, Tom worked tirelessly to build up his strength and, just one year later, he completed a 100km ride along the A377 raising money for DAA to say thank you to the people who had come to his rescue.

Once back in the saddle, Tom’s confidence continued to grow, and he has since raced for the Great Britain Deaf Cycling and Great Britain Para-Cycling squads. In 2011 he became the youngest ever solo British National ParaCycling Circuit Race Champion,

at 21. Alongside his cycling he also married Alice and attained two Law degrees, one in English and one in French!

Tom is now a Digital Marketing Consultant and Strategist, working with everybody from individuals up to Blue Chip companies. He is also Director, with his wife Alice, of Cycle Engage UK, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting the many benefits of life on two wheels. The organisation also has its own elite women’s racing team, who race nationally.

You can find out more about Cycle Engage UK and the work they do at: www.

CycleEngageUK.org or @ CycleEngageUK o

Tom Staniford

Tom met Caroline Creer and members of the aircrew at an airbase visit a few months after his accident

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helipad | www.daat.org

Having their say...

Devon Air Ambulance has been supported by many celebrities and well-known personalities over the last 25 years. Here’s what some of them told Helipad magazine.

Penny, Caroline and Mary

Penny Mountbatten Caroline Quentin

I was blissfully unaware that our essential Devon Air Ambulance service was almost entirely funded by donations until the day they saved my life.

I suffered from anaphylactic shock after a wasp sting in my mouth. I knew I was going to die because I was really struggling to breathe - but then some lifesaving paramedics quickly came to my rescue. They administered an adrenalin shot and airlifted me to hospital. I vowed to play an active role fundraising that day when I became aware how much it costs to run an air ambulance.

Thousands of fortunate people like me have been rescued by DAAT and from various otherwise unreachable locations on the cliffs and moors. The team are brilliant at dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic accidents and serious trauma.

I was honoured to be asked to be a Patron of the charity and am very proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause.

Congratulations to all the ‘heroes’ who have been involved with 25 years of hard work and incredible achievements.

Best wishes for the next 25 years!

Mary King I am proud to be a Patron for Devon Air Ambulance.

Having ridden horses all my life and competed locally, nationally and internationally, I am always so aware of the potential risk – and recognise whole heartedly just how important the Air Ambulance service is. When

Living and working in the beautiful but often remote county of Devon, it’s heartening to know that there is a life-saving service watching over you from the skies.

my daughter, Emily, fell from her horse in 2008 and broke her pelvis, I’d never been so relieved to know that the helicopter was on its way. It really bought home to me the incredible service it provides.

Mary and Emily King

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | www.daat.org

Simon Weston

David FitzGerald I, like so many people in the county, take the Devon Air Ambulance for granted. But when it landed in the park directly behind my house and I saw a neighbour saved by the paramedic, that’s when I promised myself to double my efforts in helping this vital service.

Without the skills of helicopter pilots and medics I wouldn’t be here today. I see the work that the Devon Air Ambulance does every time I am in the county and I hope people will support the service for all time. Sadly it will always be needed, but what a great service.

Noel Edmonds Television presenter Noel Edmonds was aware of Ann’s vision from the very start.

Here are his reflections of the service, along with a recent message to Ann Thomas.

“My love affair with helicopters began in the late 1970s when I qualified as a helicopter pilot.

Since then I have flown thousands of hours as pilot in command and so I have a deep knowledge of these extraordinary flying machines.

The helicopter is still ‘the only method of transport devised by man which has saved more lives than it has taken’ and that is particularly relevant when one assesses the huge beneficial impact of the UK air ambulance service. Helicopters are now a familiar sight in our skies but 25 years ago, when I lived in Devon, there was no such thing as a flying ambulance. The Coastguard helicopters were a familiar sight, particularly at peak tourist season, but lives were being lost because of lengthy, and at times torturous, road ambulance response times.

This was no reflection upon the ambulance crews it was simply a result of the unique topography and complex rural

43

road system in Devon.

And then along came a lady called Ann who had a vision – having suffered the tragedy of personal loss she was determined for Devon to have its own air ambulance.

Hers is an incredible story and her achievement totally remarkable; despite the serious hurdles and setbacks she had to endure as she sought to make her vision a reality. We can now reflect on how the charity has grown and developed since then, and of the massive achievement of aircrew, the medics and the fundraisers who provide a professional service of the very highest calibre. And I pay my compliments from personal experience!

When I lived in Devon I had a very unpleasant fall which resulted in a thankfully relatively minor head injury and as I lay dazed on the floor I was aware of the air ambulance landing right outside my home. I mean ‘right outside’! Remember I’m a fairly experienced helicopter pilot and I would never have attempted to land as close to the house as the pilot did that day! Within minutes I was on my way to

the RD&E and later that day I was allowed home. It was an extraordinary experience to

be the patient rather than the pilot and I’m hugely grateful for the compassionate manner in which I was treated.

As we celebrate a quartercentury of the Devon Air Ambulance we must remember it was made possible by one woman’s vision and her determination to ensure that everyone, wherever they are in the county of Devon can, at the worst of times, rely upon the very finest medical assistance.”

My very, very best wishes to you and your team.

Joss Stone “I’d like to congratulate Devon Air Ambulance on their 25th Anniversary. Living in Devon I know how remote parts of the county are, making the Air Ambulance an essential part of the community.”

Joss Stone with Nigel Hare and pilot Damian Irving

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helipad | www.daat.org

We’ll never stand still...

Helipad talked to Nigel Hare, Devon Air Ambulance’s Operational Director about the changes he has witnessed throughout his 21 years with the Trust.

Nigel develops operational practices with members of all the emergency services.

I

t is difficult to overestimate the contribution made by Operations Director Nigel Hare to the development of Devon Air Ambulance since his first flying shift as an Aircrew Paramedic in 1997.

Since then he has worked as a voluntary Aircrew Coordinator before becoming a full-time Paramedic Supervisor which he combined with liaising between the aircrew, the charity and the ambulance service. At a time when paramedics worked one week flying on the air ambulance and five weeks on land ambulances, Nigel became the only paramedic who worked full-time on the helicopter.

As Clinical Support Officer, his role changed again moving from operational management to clinically supporting the crew which he saw as an important stage in DAA’s progress. He said: “The team could do much more for patients if only we could find the means to support it. We could see the care that was being provided to patients in the hospitals and knew we could safely deliver some of that care if we had the right resources.”

“Back in 1997 we had very minimal equipment beyond that carried on a land ambulance and what we did have was bulky and heavy.

When you jumped out of a helicopter, ran across a field, over a gate or hedge and then onwards to the incident you were carrying 15-20 kilos on your back, and upwards of 8-10 kilos in hand.”

“The equipment we carry has changed immensely over time. For instance, when I first joined the ambulance service we did not carry defibrillators, and when they did come into service they were massive compared to the lightweight portable units we carry today.

Over the years, our clinical skills have developed and as technology has moved on and medical equipment has become smaller, it has meant

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE we have been able to carry more equipment thus enabling us to expand the range of treatments and interventions we can offer patients.”

At the same time medical equipment has got smaller, the aircraft have got bigger and more powerful so can can carry even more. Ironically, our clinical development is now outgrowing our current helicopters storage and weight lifting capability, even though the equipment itself has got smaller. We now carry around three times as much equipment as we used to but the clinical team have the need to carry even more, to enable them to offer our patients more.”

Purchasing an EC135 outright provided an opportunity to use some of Nigel’s accumulated experience and practical knowledge by having a say in the interior design of the aircraft.

“Customising the aircraft had a massive impact for us,” said Nigel. “It allowed us to carry not just more equipment but also the right type of equipment for the patients we see in Devon, facilitating us being able to treat patients better.”

“What I love about Devon Air Ambulance is they put the needs of the patient first in their thoughts. We ask ‘What does the patient need to survive?’ and from that we look to see if we can accommodate that aviation-wise? If the answer is no we then ask why not? Do we need to make a change to the helicopter layout, change the equipment type, or perhaps procure a larger helicopter? It’s not a case of just defining the care we can provide based on the equipment and tools we have.

We need to look at what we can achieve with those tools and if need be considering if we have the financial resources to make changes which will deliver greater care to patients. We constantly seek to establish what’s in the patient’s best interest so that

we can develop processes and procedures that will enable us to deliver that in the future.

“Putting the needs of the patient first in our thought processes I think is one of the most important changes from when the service first commenced 25 years ago. In the early years as a new charity the focus very much had to be on developing the fundraising – getting enough money to get and then keep the helicopter flying. It was a precarious

service to our patients – it goes full-circle!

In 2011, Nigel Hare became Operations Director with a remit that embraces procurement of the helicopters and their equipment, how they are deployed, right through to the care that reaches the patient.

He doesn’t fly as often as he did but still maintains his paramedic and aviation qualifications and helps out when the team need to be released to attend training

45

ideas, and finding new ways of doing things, but acknowledges that they can’t do it all. “We have to consider the paramedic’s capacity to adopt any new process, become proficient at it and then look to the next challenge. Change should be introduced in incremental stages so that when something doesn’t work as well as you were expecting, you can clearly identify the weak link in the chain and make changes as appropriate.

“ We need to establish what’s in the patient’s best interest so that we can develop processes and procedures that will deliver it in the future. ” existence at first and I am full of admiration for the team back then that enabled our service to start flying.”

“Now we have a great fundraising team and structure in place, alongside the huge generosity of the people of Devon, it allows us to also focus on the things that will help patients have a better chance of survival. There are more grateful patients and relatives appreciating the service we provide and that leads to more people supporting and fundraising for DAA. In turn, this means we have the resources to invest in continually improving the

courses or similar.

“Ensuring that everyone knows what our service is delivering is a very important part of my role. Several times a year I deliver sessions to the whole organisation including those working within our shops and head office. Unlike most businesses where everyone can see or perhaps use the end product, few people ever get to see the actual delivery of our service.

Being able to share the work we undertake and the outcomes we achieve is vital for our whole team. ” Nigel described how they are always looking for new

“No other Air Ambulance charity operates exactly the same model as Devon Air Ambulance. What we do works for us and we are always happy to share our way of working with other air ambulances, recognising however it might not work for others where the topographic conditions are different and perhaps the fundraising potential is different.

“In 21 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes, developments and improvements but we haven’t finished yet. We’ll never stand still when there remains the potential to help patients further.” o

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helipad | www.daat.org

Ten years on…

For Dave Farr, of West Charleton near Kingsbridge, 15th February always brings back memories. And 2017 celebrates 10 years since a e su ered a life chan in accident.

D

ave was working for a steel erecting company at the time and he and his colleagues were moving some steel shuttering at a farm near Whimple when things went horrifically wrong. A sheet of the shuttering destabilised and fell, almost ‘cutting Dave in half’. The loss of blood was immediate and, as Dave collapsed, his colleagues called for urgent help.

The farmer had also witnessed the emergency and stressed to the 999 call-taker the urgency of the situation.

Devon Air Ambulance Operations Director, Nigel Hare, was a paramedic on duty that day and was tasked to the job. Arriving at the scene and having liaised with the land crew who had assessed Dave, the helicopter rotors were kept turning and the aircrew operated a ‘hot load’, loading Dave into the aircraft wrapped in a tightly fitting patient-carrying device to stabilise his injuries, before transferring him to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for immediate life-saving surgery.

Along with a hind quarter amputation (from the hip down), Dave had also severed his femeral artery causing massive blood loss.

With life-threatening injuries, Dave was in Intensive Care for nearly six weeks and only after his medication was gradually reduced did his wife, Ruby, break the news to him that their lives would

never be the same.

Dave remembers that the mental recovery was much harder than the physical. He was motivated from day one to retain his mobility and wanted, more than anything, to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. Astonishingly, this was accomplished just 12 months after the incident. Losing half the hip cage, Dave was unable to have a prosthetic limb fitted so relied on building his strength to use crutches.

It was evident that Dave would be unable to return to his previous job; instead he started his own business –customising motorcycles – with his son; a business that is now flourishing. He also studied for a degree in Psychology through the Open University as a way of understanding how the mind copes with both mental and physical adversity. “It was such a lot to get my head round,” Dave explained. “I really needed to understand it and the degree was incredibly useful. My life is indeed different now, but it’s still fulfilling. As well as running a thriving business, I’m also an active grandad to seven lively grandchildren – who don’t bat an eyelid about my missing leg! It was undoubtedly the speed of the Air Ambulance arriving and conveying me to hospital that saved my life that day. It was a privilege to meet the aircrew again some months later – I can’t thank everyone enough for the difference the service has made to our family.” o

Dave and daughter Helen

Dave meets founder Ann Ralli, and paramedics Helen Mackie and Nigel Hare

2007

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

Toby follows his dream

2008

Toby Oakes from Exeter is now 20 years old and has been passionate about bikes for as long as he can remember; riding, touring, building, servicing and maintainin them. e is a fully ualified ike mechanic and last summer secured a job as a cycle tour guide for a holiday company.

D

espite his enthusiasm, however, his career wasn’t always assured.

Toby was living on a farm in Uplowman, aged 11, when he had a very nasty accident.

Running in from the garden to the house, Toby fell with both hands smashing through the plate glass window of the front door. “The old glass was thin and shattered like a cartoon picture,” explained Toby. “There were loads of jagged spikes that had lacerated both my wrists and arms.”

His mum, Rosey, ran to help, calling for Toby’s 9-year old sister, Daisy, to ring the emergency services. As Rosey grabbed tea towels to stem the flow of blood a land ambulance crew arrived and explained that the Air Ambulance was on its way. One distinct memory that sticks in Toby’s mind is the paramedic writing ‘aged 11’ on his gloved hand – “I’ll never forget how old I was, will I!” Devon’s Air Ambulance aircrew administered further pain relief to Toby – he recalls that it worked so well that they were all joking about him being Superman as Toby was flown with his mum to RD&E Hospital. Toby underwent surgery to stitch the wounds that ran from his wrists to his armpits and also included muscle and tendon damage.

Toby was off school for the

following six weeks with one arm bandaged bent and the other out straight. This lead to an interesting physiotherapy regime when the bandages came off as Toby remembers being unable to bend the straightened arm and, likewise, unable to straighten the bent one! He was extremely anxious about the risk of nerve damage to his fingers and he couldn’t wait to get back on his bike. To start with getting back on a bike was completely out of the question but Toby was determined to ride as soon as possible and built it in to his physio routine, with a huge sense of relief that his fingers were unharmed in his accident.

Such was his passion for bikes that as soon as he was old enough Toby became a volunteer at Ride On, Cycling For All – an Exeter-based charity. With their encouragement Toby learned more about stripping bikes down and salvaging all the useful bits. This led to an apprenticeship which, in turn, led to a qualification as a bike mechanic.

Toby said, “It’s scary to think that I might not have been able to follow my dream. I’m convinced that the speed of the Air Ambulance getting me to hospital and the surgery that I then had, made a real difference to my recovery. I’ll always be grateful to them.” o

“ The old glass was thin and shattered like a cartoon picture, there were loads of jagged spikes that had lacerated both my wrists and arms. ” Toby loving his job as a bike mechanic

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helipad | PATIENTS

The only way was up

2009

There’s never a dull moment in a family with three young boys but one month in the winter of 2009 was even more frantic than usual.

K

atharine and Andy White are the parents of Oliver, Benjamin and Alexander and they live on a farm near Wellington in Somerset.

The twins, Ben and Alex, were just coming up for a year old and both were suffering from the ‘winter sniffles’ so Katharine took them along to the doctor.

Alex was prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection and Benjamin was declared all clear. Later that day, Katharine and Andy commented on the heavy snow that had started to fall.

During the next day, Benjamin appeared very tired and certainly wasn’t his ‘usual self’ and his parents kept a close eye on him. Overnight the snow continued to fall and, by the morning, there were drifts as high as 6-8 feet around their farm house.

Frighteningly, Ben’s condition was deteriorating rapidly and Andy called 111 to ask for advice.

Whilst he was on the telephone, Katharine called him explaining that their baby son’s lips had gone blue and his breathing was very shallow.

The call taker heard this exchange and immediately despatched the Devon Air Ambulance. With their farmhouse completely cut off by the snow and Benjamin going downhill fast, the Air

Ambulance was imperative.

With instructions from the despatcher, Andy went outside wearing a bright red coat and indicated an appropriate field for the helicopter to land, where he knew the snow was less deep. The aircrew ran in and straight upstairs to see to Ben. Within a matter of minutes, young Ben was prepared for the flight to Musgrove Park in Taunton, along with Andy, leaving Katharine at home to continue looking after Alexander and Oliver.

Landing in a nearby playing field, Ben and Andy were then conveyed by land ambulance for the last couple of minutes to the A&E unit at Musgrove Park.

Ben’s oxygen levels were really low and he was hardly breathing – chest x-rays revealed that he had double pneumonia! He spent a week in the hospital, during which time Andy stayed as Katharine was still snow-bound at home.

“It was all so frightening at the time,” explained Andy.

“It all happened really fast, with Benjamin deteriorating so rapidly but knowing that there was no way a land ambulance could reach us because of the snow.

Thank goodness for the Air Ambulance, they really saved Ben’s life.”

Coincidentally, less than 2 years later, when Ben was fully recovered and happily playing with his brothers in their garden, it was twin brother Alex who also needed the helicopter when he fell from their trampoline on to his head. Again, the Devon Air Ambulance came to his aid.

Fortunately, he too made a full recovery. “We are so indebted to Devon Air Ambulance,” said Andy. “We know all too well how important the service is and, as the parents of TWO boys who have needed it, we just can’t say thank you enough.” o

“ It all happened really fast, with Benjamin deteriorating so rapidly but knowing that there was no way a land ambulance could reach us because of the snow. ”

9

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR PEOPLE

49

Trust a trustee...

Stephen Tyrrell is DAA’s Chair of Trustees. So what is the role of a trustee and the board?

Helipad asked Stephen to explain a little…

What is your background and why did you become a trustee for DAA? My background is in strategic business development with a career spanning IT, aviation and the automotive industry.

As a resident of Devon, you know how important Devon Air Ambulance is to everyone who lives and visits the county. However, it was not until I attended my first meeting as an observer that I better understood the charity’s fantastic people, its ambitious goals and, of course, what an amazing live-saving service it offers.

I was really pleased to be nominated as a trustee by the other board members.

Why does a Charity have to have a Board of Trustees and what do they do?

The board has a range of duties – the primary role is to oversee how the charity is governed and ensure compliance and accountability. It also helps develop strategy, sets and monitors policies and procedures, maintains a watchful eye over the finances and, of course, promotes the organisation.

Our other important role is to appoint the Chief Executive who, along with the senior leadership team, look after

the everyday running of the charity and the overall strategic ‘vision’.

Individually, each trustee brings different skills and expertise to the board.

Between us, we have a wealth of experience in business, local government, hospitality, PR, HR, accountancy, law and emergency medicine, to name but a few!

How does the role of a trustee differ from the role of a member of the Senior Leadership Team?

The trustees are actually independent of the charity and undertake the role in a voluntary capacity. We don’t become involved in the day-to-day running of the charity, that is the job of Heléna, the CEO, and her senior team. The trustees act as an overseeing body, effectively the ‘eyes and ears’ of the public who raise the money which allows the air ambulance to operate. We have to make sure that the charity is run properly and ethically, that it complies with the law and that the money raised is spent and invested wisely and appropriately. Our aim is to help DAA achieve its aims!

How does the Board work in practice?

The board of trustees meets every three months, with the senior leadership team, shortly after the various committee groups meet – Finance, PR & Fundraising, HR and Operations. The minutes of all these meetings are reviewed and actioned at the board meeting.

How important are the four committees?

The committees are very important; each one has a specific focus, and is chaired by a trustee, normally with a particular background or expertise in the subject.

They look at each specific area of the charity in more depth and then report back to the main board, ensuring everyone has a clear understanding of each area of the whole charity.

What prompted you to become Chair?

Having already been a trustee for two years and sitting on both the PR & Fundraising, and Operations, committees, it was suggested to me by other trustees that I should put myself forward. It’s a huge

honour to have been selected and chair such an amazing and passionate group of trustees for such an incredible charity as Devon Air Ambulance. o

“ The trustees act as an overseeing o effe ti e the ‘eyes and ears’ of t e i o raise the money i a o st e air am a e to operate. ”

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

Amongst the youngsters we airlifted in 2010 were Harry and Lauren…

Abrupt end to family picnic H

arry Blunt, 22 months, was enjoying a picnic at Hayton with his mum, dad and big sister, Holly, while watching the Dartmoor ponies. “Harry was fascinated by them,” explained dad, Roy. “He loves all animals and wanted to go a little closer to see them. He was standing with me while I was taking a photo but the next thing we knew was that one of the pony’s hooves had kicked back and caught Harry’s face. It was awful and, although we knew there was a lot of blood, we couldn’t see what other damage may

have been caused.”

Two off-duty policemen were close by and called 999. With no land ambulance immediately available, the Devon Air Ambulance was called.

Paramedics Paul Robinson and Mark Hawley attended and Harry was flown, with his dad, to RD&E. Harry was kept in overnight and had stitches the following day.

He had a black eye and a deep wound on his cheek but, fortunately, no fractures to the skull.

When Harry was back home, his mum, Lisa, called the office, “We just want to

51

2010

Harry, now 8, looking very smart at a family wedding

say a massive thank you.

Without ever having had any experience of the Air Ambulance, I admit I was a little cynical but now I am

completely converted! The speed and the care were second to none - even the Ambrose Bear was a lovely idea.” o

A very worrying time…

L

ittle Lauren Parkhouse was just four years old when, in August 2010, an accident left her in urgent need of specialist care.

Whilst staying with her grandparents at their farm in Westleigh near Tiverton, Lauren was playing in the milking parlour with her grandparents when she tripped and fell backwards into a bucket of scalding water.

Minutes later her mum, Jenny, arrived to find her daughter sitting in a bath of cold water.

“Lauren was screaming with pain – her skin was literally hanging off. She wanted to be picked up and cuddled, but I didn’t dare – I didn’t want to hurt her any further.”

Aircrew paramedics Mark Langley and Glenn Birtwisle arrived at the farm and Jenny was relieved to know that she could travel with Lauren to the specialist burns unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, a flight of just 30 minutes. For dad, Andrew, the drive to Swansea was a worrying 2.5 hours!

Mark Langley explained, “It’s essential that a burns patient receives urgent specialist treatment. Speed is imperative, not just for saving the life of the patient but also to secure the treatment that will best save the skin.”

Little Lauren spent 24 hours in Morriston before being transferred to Frenchay in Bristol. There followed an

extremely worrying time as she developed toxic shock and was kept alive in the High Dependency Unit with drips and tubes administering essential treatments.

Fortunately, after 10 days, Lauren started to come round.

Jenny said, “We were just so grateful to see her awake after so many days lying there so still and helpless. After that, she did actually make the most amazing recovery and her skin has healed beautifully.

But without the Devon Air Ambulance, and the speed that they got her to hospital in the first place, things could have been so much worse.

It just doesn’t bear thinking about.” o

Lauren enjoying family time with her o er sister ie a itt e rot er A e

The Parkhouse Family

“ But without the Devon Air Ambulance, and the speed that they got her to os ita i t e rst a e t i s o a e ee so m orse ”

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helipad | OUR PEOPLE

Ambitious expansion plans Devon Air Ambulance already has an impressive retail operation – there are currently shops across the county run y mem ers of sta and 2 0 olunteers and with a turnover around £1.8m per year. But, says Retail Director Martin Bell, “We aren’t resting there we ha e some really am itious retail plans oin forward. Our aim is to open two new shops e ery year for the ne t si years rin in the total to 0 shops y 202 .

W

hen people think of charity shops, they know they are places to get fantastic bargains, but there is also a lot of cost and science behind any retail operation which most members of the public would be less aware of. As Martin explains “Running a charity shop is no different from any other High Street retailer – we still have the same challenges around stock density and processing, quality and cost control, building our brand and maintaining a good base of well-trained and enthusiastic staff and volunteers”.

“Also although, as a charity, we are able to get a reduction on our business rates, we otherwise have exactly the same running costs as any other business, including utilities and staff costs”.

“Because we have to pay for any items we dispose of” adds Martin “we are very good at recycling and ensuring every item

that can goes to the most appropriate outlet – such as our electrical and furniture retailer, our vintage shop in Topsham or our discount shop in Exmouth”.

For Devon Air Ambulance, having retail shops is much more than just about raising money. “Although it is important that a shop makes money for the charity, we know it isn’t the most profitable of our operations. However, there are many other, less tangible, benefits from having such a strong and visible presence out in our local communities” said Martin.

As a charity that is important for everyone in Devon, not just those near our Exeter head office or airbases, it is really important that local people are able to engage with us in their own High Streets. A positive effect of having a local shop” added Martin, “is that we often see an increase

Retail Director Martin Bell

“ For Devon Air Ambulance, having retail shops is much more than just about raising money ” in money coming into the charity in that area from other means – such as donors and fundraising – where people

know more about us, see our brand every day and have an opportunity to learn about what we do first-hand”.

In using the shops to raise the profile of the charity, to attract volunteers and to create more public awareness, they have to be of a certain standard, so significant investment has been made in ensuring the presentation is really professional, with good quality fittings and electronic tills.

“Our retail operations will make more money when the development programme is completed” says Martin “but we are committed to continually investing in our shops, ensuring we have the best quality stock, equipment and training. With this commitment to investment, making our shops a visible presence across more of our communities will give us an even greater connection to the people of Devon”. o

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

Christmas day accident

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2011

Christmas is such an exciting time of the year and most families look forward with eager anticipation to the opening of presents, playing with new toys and sharing a special time with family and friends. With four young children in the house, the Downing family home in Bradworthy was no exception, until events that day took a drastic turn.

S

ix-year old Maisie, 4 year old Eden and 3 year old twins Minnie and Freddie were all thrilled with their presents from Santa. Mum, Andrea and dad Simon were happily organising everything for a big family lunch with grandparents and other family members all due.

Everything changed, however, when Maisie came running down the stairs saying that her little brother Freddie had just fallen out of the bedroom window. Unable to believe what she had heard, Andrea ran outside,

his skull. As Andrea prepared to go in the helicopter with her young son, she said goodbye to her three daughters, knowing they would be looked after by family while Simon drove to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Freddie was observed during the flight to Derriford where, on arrival, tests revealed that as well as clots on the brain, he had also suffered a seizure.

Freddie urgently needed to be conveyed to Frenchay Hospital for specialist treatment but, with Eagelscott

“ Freddie was rushed straight through for surgery and his life hung in the balance for the next few days ” with her heart in her mouth.

Freddie was lying on his tummy on the patio, moving and crying, having fallen about 20 feet. Andrea gingerly picked him up, while Simon called 999. It appeared that Freddie had only minor grazes but his parents were concerned that he was very distressed and struggling to open his eyes.

The Air Ambulance arrived from Eaglescott within minutes of the call; paramedics Mark Langley and Glenn Birtwisle were immediately concerned Freddie may have fractured

aircraft already deployed to another patient, it was the Exeter aircraft who conveyed Freddie to Bristol.

Andrea expressed her fears, “It was all so terrifying,” she explained, “We’d been having such a lovely day and were excited about all the family joining us for lunch. But Freddie’s accident changed everything. His condition was absolutely critical when we arrived at Frenchay Hospital, we were so frightened.”

Freddie was rushed straight through for surgery and his life hung in the balance for the next few days with

monitors constantly checking the pressure on his brain.

He then developed a lung infection and was transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital (BCH) where, after further treatment, fortunately, he finally started to improve.

On New Year’s Eve, almost a full week since the accident, staff at BCH felt they could start to wake Freddie up. To Andrea and Simon’s absolute delight, he opened his eyes and recognised his mum and dad. Whilst still attached to drips and monitors for days to come, his condition

continued to improve, much to the delight of his whole family. He was finally discharged from hospital on 12th January when, as Andrea explained, “The whole community in Bradworthy breathed a sigh of relief.”

Freddie is now a fit and healthy 8-year old schoolboy, with a passion for football.

His parents say they will never forget that Christmas. “We are still so grateful to everyone who helped us, to both the aircrews who flew those mercy missions and to all the staff in the hospitals.” o

54

helipad | PATIENTS

2012

Saving legs and saving lives

Julie on Zak, her recovery horse

In August 2012, Julie Hawker and her daughter, Amy, were out riding their horses near their home in Musbury, near Axminster when Julie’s horse, Charlie, suddenly spooked.

Julie was thrown through the air, landing unceremoniously in a hedge.

W

ith pain shooting through her entire body, Julie saw the distorted shape of her leg and knew immediately that the break was bad… she had actually suffered a multiple compound leg fracture.

Amy raced back to her mum and called for the emergency services. As can often be the case with equestrian incidents, however, the land crew were unable to reach Julie by road and had to rely on the help and transport of the local farmer. Devon’s air ambulance soon arrived on the scene and Julie was flown to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for emergency surgery. There followed a total of 75 days in bed; with a ‘meccano-like’ Ilizarof frame fitted to her leg.

As Julie recovered she was full of praise for the service, “The aircrew, Mark, Glenn and Damian were so professional, but they also provided lots

of reassurance both for me and my family who were on the scene by then. Whilst it wouldn’t have been my choice to experience the benefits of the service firsthand, needing it when I did makes me truly recognise how valuable and necessary the Air Ambulance is.”

Julie, who runs social enterprise company Cosmic has long been a supporter of DAA, offering Social Media training to DAA staff members and talking publicly about her accident, and we asked her how she was doing now. “The main reflection I’d have is how I’ve enjoyed great health in the past five years since the accident, which also means I’m enjoying the horses more than ever, mainly because I value the opportunities even more than I did pre-accident.

“I’d also stress how much I continually urge others to support DAAT; horse-riders of course, but all of my

business contacts as well, with the message that none of us know when we or our families may truly need the helicopter. I’m still convinced that without the airlift, a mere 8 minutes journey to Exeter from Musbury Castle, I would have lost my right leg. And so DAAT made the difference between my losing my leg or (as I have) making a full recovery and back to enjoying life in the fullest way!” o

Julie’s leg in the Ilizarof frame

“ I’m still convinced that without the airlift, a mere 8 minutes journey to Exeter from Musbury Castle, I would have lost my right leg. ”

2

The Opulence and Splendour Of Early Steamship Travel Brixham Steam Packet Company specialising in antique and reproduction marine collectables has launched The Chart Room, the very first ocean-liner-themed coffee lounge in Devon.

The Chart Room is a gracious and idyllic haven, especially for adults, where you can experience the world of early steamship travel – it’s located within the fascinating Brixham Steam Packet Company shop at Old Foundry Court on Fore Street.

The owner Bob Higginson loved his time working for Cunard so much that he wanted to save some of its delightful memorabilia.

He explains, “When ships are scrapped, they are run aground; the crew then abandon ship and shore staff take over and dismantle the vessel. This is where I come in to salvage these wonderful pieces of history.”

The Chart Room coffee lounge is very ‘old school’ and is a joy for lovers of this gentler, more gracious era. The beautifully varnished lounge seating is similar to the outdoor seating on a turn of thecentury steamship; all the glass-topped tables have ephemera from the period such as postcards, letters and black and white photos from P & O liners and White Star liners in the pre-Titanic days.

Collectables such as Main and Upper Deck signs from Cunard’s Caronia and a wheel from Cunard’s SS Malta (a passenger & cargo ship that sank off Cornwall in 1889) are all around.

The opulent service area of The Chart Room resembles the stern of an ocean liner with bar stools made from old ship’s telegraphs and Art Deco runway lights from the Ark Royal. Ron Warwick who was Commodore at Cunard as was his father before him (the only father and son duo to have achieved this high honour

at Cunard), officiated at The Chart Room’s launch and signed the wall to the delight of over 100 assembled guests. The evening also raised £350 for Brixham Lifeboat.

Entering the shop and coffee lounge, your senses will be bewitched by the wonderful array of beautifully restored items from the era. The whole of the first wall is actually the wall of a ship with its distinctive painted rivets; the many antique and reproduction collectables on display make this a superb place to make a special visit. The shop’s stock comes in from ships that have been scrapped from many different parts of the world and in many cases the provenance is well documented and makes a fascinating collectable. Ship’s bells, passage lights, diving helmets, life rings and portholes are all popular as are Bob’s ‘upcycled’ items; for example where a ship’s clock or compass is set into a coffee table.

You can enjoy teas, coffees, wonderful homemade cakes, savouries and light lunches at The Chart Room, which is managed by Hayley Johnson. It’s very much an adult haven; it’s not designed for children under 12 so a gracious and tranquil experience of the opulence and splendour of early steamship travel is guaranteed. Bob is planning to hold marine-themed valuation days, book signings, lectures and exhibitions all marine related. The Chart Room is available for private functions/meetings and Bob also has 3 marine themed holiday letting homes on offer in the stunning harbourside town of Brixham.

Ron Warwick visits the Chart Room

Old Foundry Court, Fore Street, Brixham brixhamsteampacket.co.uk 01803 856361 f T

56

helipad | www.daat.org

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25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

A father’s instinct When Olly Daglish collected his 3-year old daughter, Eliza, from nursery school one afternoon in September 2013, he had no reason to suspect anything was wrong but by early evening the situation had drastically changed.

O

lly was putting a very sleepy Eliza to bed but as he tucked her in he saw, to his horror, her eyes roll to the back of her head and it was clear that she was not just sleepy but unable to focus on anything. Grabbing her back to him and realising that Eliza had become completely floppy, he ran and dialled 999.

Olly remained on the phone for 15 minutes whilst the emergency call taker kept him calm and advised what to do. “I was so frightened but the lady on the phone was brilliant, I just did what she said,” said Olly after the event.

“Eliza was still fitting, her breathing was sporadic and her lips had turned blue. I put her in the recovery position but if I hadn’t had someone telling me to keep calm, I think I’d have lost the plot completely.”

Land-crew paramedic, Steve Llewellyn-Ford, arrived first and administered oxygen to the little girl as the Devon Air Ambulance helicopter landed nearby and paramedics Mark Hawley and Chris Saunders ran to help.

Whilst many children suffer febrile convulsions and all are worrying, Eliza’s seizure was far from normal.

Olly’s wife Anna was still out with their seven year old daughter Georgi and, unable to contact them, Olly realised that he may have

to accompany Eliza in the aircraft without Anna even knowing what was happening.

Finally, Olly reached a friend who was with Anna, who arrived home as the paramedics were giving Eliza medication prior to her transfer to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Watching the terrifying situation unfold before her eyes, Anna watched as Olly and Eliza set off in the helicopter.

Paramedics Mark Hawley and Chris Saunders monitored Eliza during the flight and Olly feared the worst as her condition deteriorated further still.

Eliza’s condition was still causing concern when she reached hospital and the emergency team recommended that Anna should get there as soon as possible.

There followed a worrying few hours as Eliza was treated, in AEU and the High Dependency Unit, with significant concerns about the risk of brain damage.

Fortunately, just before midnight, Eliza came round and was very sick but able to talk, much to everyone’s relief. She was completely exhausted and remained in hospital, undergoing a multitude of tests, for a further three days.

“A heart murmur was detected during the tests,”

57

2013 Eliza in hospital

Eliza now seven

“ Steve, Mark & Chris and Rob the pilot were all so calm and reassuring. We know that without the amazing job they did, things may a e ee er iffere t ”

The Daglish family visiting the airbase in 2014

Anna explained. “But it is not thought to have been the cause of the seizure. There is no history of convulsions in the family at all so it was a terrifying ordeal for everyone but we were so glad that

Eliza was in such good hands.

Steve, Mark & Chris and Rob the pilot were all so calm and reassuring. We know that without the amazing job they did, things may have been very different.” o

58

helipad | VOLUNTEERS

“We were playing at shops – and had such a laugh” Helipad spoke to three of the charity s lon est ser in olunteers to find out what it was really like runnin the first e er e on ir m ulance shop

W

hen Gerry Kirkham was offered redundancy from her part time job at HSBC, she looked forward to the next chapter in her life.

Little did she realise that a chance meeting would lead to an involvement with Devon Air Ambulance that would last for the following 20 years.

Soon after she left the bank Gerry attended a W.I. meeting, where the speaker mentioned that Devon Air Ambulance was looking for volunteers.

Recommended by her friend, Gerry soon found herself running the refreshments trolley at Heavitree Hospital in aid of DAA. Eighteen months later, Gerry was asked if she would be willing to run a small shop that the Air Ambulance had secured in Topsham High Street. With limited retail experience, she was initially reluctant but enthusiasm to

help the cause persuaded her.

Along with a group of friends, many from the W.I., they became a team of volunteers who ran the shop.

“We had so many laughs,” Gerry says fondly. “It was all very primitive. We sold some new bits; Devon Air Ambulance merchandise and jams and marmalades, but we were always on the scrounge for things; donated stock, bags, coat hangers etc. We didn’t even have a till, we just wrote down the sales in a notebook and put the money in a box.

I’d then take it to neighbouring shop to keep safe until I could get it to the bank. And if no-one was available to work one afternoon, we’d just shut the shop!”

Another volunteer who joined Gerry when the shop opened was Mary Mather, who is also still involved some 20 years later. Mary echoed

Mary

Gerry’s comments about the laughs they had. “It was much less of a business than it is now but, even so, we always knew we were ‘working for the Air Ambulance’ and took that side of things really seriously.

I’ve always loved volunteering for DAA – it’s been great to watch the service progress and develop.”

Also working alongside Gerry and Mary was Maureen Simms who said, “We had such fun; volunteering was very rewarding. While I was working in the shop, my husband serviced the local DAA collection boxes and we both helped out at various shows over the years, we did whatever we could.”

Much has changed since those early days, from the first, part-time, shop in Topsham to the 18 fulltime outlets the charity has today, but the one thing

that remains unchanged is the vital role played by the volunteers. From sorting the multitude of bags full of donations, pricing and displaying the stock, and working the till, they are invaluable.

Gerry and Mary can both still be found regularly in the Topsham shop and say they have got a lot out of volunteering. “I’ve always enjoyed being part of the Devon Air Ambulance family,” said Gerry. “As my circumstances have changed, I love that I can do more hours when I’m available but I don’t have to feel guilty if I’m unable to go in. It’s always such a compliment when a customer says ‘oh, I didn’t realise this was a charity shop’. And a particular highlight was when our Casino Royale window display won the Best Dressed Window in Topsham!” o

Gerry Maureen

i Ed r to en be ve ha en st lp re ju he au re ho o t M a d ey s w go an th er y s, te ks ar ar un an , M ye ol th ! ry 20 r v our one a er G nd ul – ry l e u e g ce e hi ro r vi ev W r a 00 er nd e: fo r 4 e s a ot us ve th ch o t a N i t h of o r e ’s w e pp re su th

“ I’ve always loved volunteering for DAA – it’s been great to watch the service progress and develop. ”

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | WAYS TO HELP

59

Do you have the Will to help Devon Air Ambulance?

Wills are not trendy, fun or exciting; they are the poor relation of the legal world and are shrouded by mystery and myth. The net result of which is that over 70% of the population do not ha e one and as a conse uence are lea in their financial a airs to chance. With that in mind thou ht would address some of these myths and try and put the record straight as well as explaining how mentioning Devon Air m ulance Trust in your will can make a hu e di erence to the harity s work... gets everything and the partner nothing.

“I’m currently separated and the divorce is coming through so my ex-spouse will get nothing if I die….”

In the eyes of the law you are still legally married until the issue of the Decree Absolute which then dissolves the marriage. If you have a will which gives everything to your spouse by name and you don’t change it, or have no will, then your ex-spouse would still inherit, so on any separation it is vital to make a will or update your present one.

These are just a few of many things to consider and having a properly drawn up will is an easy way to guarantee that what you want to happen with your money and property does happen. It ensures

your estate goes to whom you wish and not where the law says it should go. It also makes the traumatic time of dealing with a loved one’s death much easier and is quicker and cheaper than battling with an intestacy.

When making your will you should consider what happens if something happens to both you and your spouse or partner and this is a great time to think about leaving a gift to charity to help them continue their valuable work for the generations to come.

Even small gifts can make a difference and to help people consider this, DAA has a legacy information sheet that gives helpful hints on the correct wording to use to ensure that your kindness

goes to the charity you intend.

This is available free from DAA by contacting 01392 466666 or on the Get Involved page at www.daat.org. DAA can also direct you to a qualified lawyer who can offer help and advise you on the issues to consider. I hope you have the Will 2 Help DAAT as I do!

Ian Hunt is the Principal of East Devon Law and is a specialist in preparing wills and trusts.

Ed it se by or’ rv a p s N ic o r no e, om te t i p l e ot : I f n e y su ase r o ou pp b ffe a or e a rin re a to w g p f D are a c pro ev th ha ac o n at r i t h e Ai thi y w d a r A s p ill t m ro wr a s bu m iti to la oti ng re nc on e is

But first those myths: “If I die my spouse will get everything…”

Sadly not always true. It depends if you have children or not: the rules have recently changed over intestacy and the spouse only gets assets up to £250,000 and any personal possessions with everything over that split 50:50 between the spouse and the children.

“We aren’t married but have been together for years so my partner is my common law spouse and gets everything…” The intestacy rules only recognise marriage or civil partnerships but not co-habitees and, as such, if one partner dies without leaving a will and, say, has a child from a previous relationship, then that child

60

helipad | PATIENTS

2014

Life is good now

Jack cheers on his brother Ed, to win 1st place at the Dragon Boat Festival

Just two months after a serious, life-changing motorcycle accident, Jack Smiddy came alon to s first e er ra on Boat esti al on eter uay to cheer on his rother d and the team from aritor and risp rofessional e elopment. d was takin part to support the charity that had sa ed ack s life.

I

n July 2014 Jack was riding between Dawlish and Starcross when he was involved in an accident with a car. Jack suffered a fractured pelvis and significant injuries to his right leg and ankle.

Speaking after the incident, Air Ambulance paramedic Darren Goodwin explained that Jack’s accident had been an incredible example of all the emergency services working together: with fire crews, a land ambulance crew, a BASICS doctor AND the aircrew all in attendance.

Having a BASICS doctor (British Association for Immediate Care, offering skilled medical help at the site of an accident or medical emergency) at the scene, enabled Darren to administer Ketamine under supervision.

“The injuries to Jack’s leg were severe, including the degloving and partial severing of his ankle,” explained

Darren. “We had to make Jack as ‘comfortable’ as we could before we conveyed him to Derriford Hospital. Ketamine offers powerful pain relief and allowed us to move him whilst also monitoring all his other injuries.”

Sadly, it became apparent during surgery that Jack’s leg could not be saved and it was amputated above the knee.

Jack remained in Derriford for two weeks and had 13 further surgical prodecures

Jack meets paramedic Darren Goodwin at a visit to Eaglescott

at Torbay Hospital during the following six months. He was wheelchair-bound during that time whilst undergoing intense physiotherapy.

As his physical strength returned, however, Jack was keen to get used to a prosthetic limb. Having previously been a very keen footballer, however, Jack realised that some things would have to change!

Clearly adopting a very positive approach, Jack

investigated new sporting options and now regularly plays disability cricket and wheelchair basketball.

Speaking to Helipad recently, Jack explained, “It was tough to start with and a lot to get my head round.

When I came along to the first Dragon Boat Festival I was still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened – although supporting Devon Air Ambulance was never in question! I am eternally grateful for their help that day. But I definitely have a different outlook on life now.

I make the most of life every day and I don’t take anything for granted. It’s all good now, I’m very used to using my prosthetic leg and it doesn’t stop me doing anything. With a new baby this summer bringing our family to four daughters, life is certainly never dull!” o

4

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | www.daat.org

61

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We provide a full range of legal services to individuals and business.

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62

helipad | www.daat.org

Serving the people of Bideford and North Devon for over 140 years.

We offer local, friendly, professional advice whatever your legal requirements.

SOLICITORS

Bazeley Barnes & Bazeley

family law conveyancing matrimonial disputes children proceedings employment

Have you been airlifted?

Due to patient confidentiality we don’t know who we have helped. If you have been airlifted by Devon Air Ambulance we would love to hear your story.

powers of attorney

care of the elderly

business acquisitions probate

court disputes & claims 01237 473122 • mail@bazeleys.co.uk

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If you’d like to thank your aircrew please call Debbie Gregory on

01392 466666

or email d.gregory@daat.org Find out more at www.daat.org

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | PATIENTS

An amazing recovery

63

2015

When builder Mark Hulland from South Molton was hit on the head by a falling ladder, he took it ‘on the chin’ as another typical builder’s incident.

T

he following week, Mark and his wife Dawn flew to America for a two-week holiday to Disney World. During their stay in Florida, Mark became aware of a regular headache. He took pain killers but still it wouldn’t shift. At first, Mark thought it might be caused by sinusitis and then wondered if, perhaps, it might have been the result of various knocks to the head during his rugby and sport-playing days in years gone by. As his joints also started hurting, Mark convinced himself that a ride on a roller coaster would ‘realign and sort everything out’.

On the day before Mark and

Dawn were due to fly home, Mark realised that as well as still having a headache his legs were really hurting and his wife was keen to visit a doctor in America. Instead, they flew back to Gatwick, with Mark sleeping from the moment he sat down in the plane to the moment he landed. As they headed back to Devon, Dawn was concerned that Mark was driving erratically and took over, becoming increasingly worried about her husband.

Waking up the following morning Mark was violently sick – and realised that he was vomitting blood.

Mark in Florida, before he knew the extent of his head injury

“ As they headed back to Devon, Dawn was concerned that Mark was driving erratically and took over, becoming increasingly worried about her husband. ” Dawn rushed him to A&E where, initially, tests were inconclusive. As doctors were discussing Mark being allowed home, he collapsed.

Further tests revealed that, incredibly, Mark had suffered a subdural heamatoma – a bleed on the brain – most likely to have been caused by the blow to the head from the ladder over three weeks earlier!

As the medical team worked to stabilise Mark, the Air Ambulance was despatched to transfer him urgently from North Devon District Hospital to Derriford. On arrival, he had an emergency operation

to stop the bleeding and a further operation a few days later. Mark has no memory of the first nine days that he was in hospital and spent a total of 19 days in Derriford.

Amazingly, Mark made a full recovery and even returned to work just three weeks later, with strict warnings from his wife and daughters to ‘please take things easy’. “I consider myself to be incredibly lucky,” Mark explained. “When I think of the two long-haul flights, the roller coaster ride and all the other things I did without knowing what was going on in my head, I’m very lucky to still be here!” o

64

helipad | PATIENTS

2016

A little pair of trainers...

Harry in hospital

eturnin to the o ce after the hristmas and ew ear reak s atient iaison O cer e ie Gre ory found a little pair of oy s trainers on her desk alon with a note.

“I

t was the first time I’d heard the name of Harry Tansley or anything about his story,” said Debbie, “but the more I heard the more astonished I was.”

Just a few days before Christmas, while out with his dad, brother and a friend, eight year old Harry had been riding his scooter along Exmouth seafront when he toppled and fell to the pavement. As he fell, the handlebar of the scooter caught Harry’s throat. The effect was immediate; Harry had a tear in his windpipe causing air to form under his skin with every breath he took.

Harry’s dad, Simon, immediately called 999 and First Responders were quickly on scene. They administered an IV drip and called for back up from Devon Air Ambulance.

The helicopter, with a doctor and two paramedics arrived, as well as an emergency car with two further paramedics.

Harry’s face, chest and

stomach were swelling but he and his dad remained calm.

Paramedic John Shaddick explained, “Harry’s incident was an amazing example of teamwork. Everyone there knew what needed to be done. We decided to treat Harry in the ambulance the doctor administered an anaesthetic to Harry and a tube was inserted to stop his throat swelling shut and to keep him breathing. When we’d arrived, Harry looked like an 8-year old body-builder, he had a barrel chest and was swollen from his head to his groin. But he really was a ‘perfect patient’, particularly considering what was happening.”

When Harry was stable enough to fly, pilot Richie Tate conveyed him and his dad, along with the aircrew, to Bristol Children’s Hospital where Harry’s care was taken over by specialist children’s doctors. On Christmas

Eve, after three days in an induced coma, Harry was gradually woken up. The medical team, along with his family at his bedside, were all relieved to realise that his windpipe had ‘healed itself’ and there was no longer the need for surgery.

Incredibly, Harry was discharged from hospital the following day, after a visit from Santa Claus and after just a few more days of recuperation, was soon as right as rain.

Speaking about the incident Nigel Hare, Operations Director for DAA, explained, “This incident is the ‘high-end’ of all that we attend where all the up-skilling and training for our paramedics and doctors came together. Harry received exemplary care at the scene from a team of highly skilled medics and it’s fantastic that there was such a successful outcome – even just a few years ago, things might have

been very different.”

As for Harry’s trainers, which had inadvertently been left on the aircraft when Harry was dropped off at Bristol Children’s Hospital, Debbie was delighted to hand them back to Harry personally when he called in to the office to say thank you to everyone. o

“ Harry received exemplary care at the scene from a team of highly skilled medics and it’s fantastic that there was such a successful outcome – even just a few years ago, things might have been very iffere t ”

6

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | OUR STORY

65

Our service today

ounder nn alli re ects on how the charity de eloped and where it is today

M

y children and I had worked tirelessly for many years to get the charity off the ground, but eventually we were confident that the service was operating successfully, the charity was financially self-sufficient and we had great staff on board.

My ‘baby’ (the air ambulance charity) had grown up and I needed to step back from it.

It was painful to let go, but it was the right thing. I have since taught in the Middle East, Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands and have

recently moved to America to be near my daughter Toni and her family.

We still keep in very close touch with the charity, through our amazing fundraisers – some who have been with us since the start – and our wonderful CEO Heléna Holt and her staff, especially Sarah Burden, who keeps me up-to-date.

At the time we started, I couldn’t have envisaged where we would be 25 years on! I didn’t actually look that far ahead, all I knew was

that I was determined for Devon to have a full-time air ambulance. Now I know I can sit back, confident in the knowledge that the charity is run by a fantastic team of people who are as passionate about it as I am.

I am truly grateful that they never let Ceri’s name slip away. It was because of him that the service was started and that is truly wonderful.

Devon Air Ambulance is everything I ever dreamed it would be. It saves lives and that’s all I ever wanted. o

A

a

er fami

“ Now I know I can sit back, o e ti t e o e e t at t e arit is r by a fantastic team of people o are as passionate about it as I am. ”

e e rate t e arri a of DAA

i

at

eter at e ra

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helipad | www.daat.org

Fantastic fundraisers!

Where would we be without the loyal and enthusiastic antics of our amazing supporters? Your fundraising keeps YOUR helicopters in the sky!

Thank you all...

25 Year Anniversary 2017 | FUNDRAISERS

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Every child has something special to offer...

at the Abbey School we find it and make the most of it.

• We are a non-selective school and our average 11+ pass rate for our Year 6 cohorts over the last 4 years is 95%.

• A happy and flourishing Independent preparatory day school and nursery for children from birth to 11 years.

• We expect high standards in all we do and are committed to quality care, teaching and learning.

• Our curriculum promotes excellence in reading, writing, communication and mathematical skills.

• The development of happy and independent learners is our focus.

If you have a young family to educate, why not visit us?

We look forward to welcoming you to Abbey School.

Member

01803 327868 • admin@abbeyschool.co.uk • www.abbeyschool.co.uk

Abbey School • St. Marychurch • Torquay • TQ1 4PR