We live and work in Devon, so when the time came to choose
our charity of the year for 2013, the Devon Air Ambulance Trust seemed a
natural choice.
Each year, the Trust raises £4.5 million in funds to keep 2
helicopters flying to relieve sickness and injury across the county of Devon.
The result is an outstanding, independent and efficient Air Ambulance service,
available to all, 24 hours a day.
The Trust’s story starts in 1986, when 18 year old Ceri Thomas
was involved in a collision whilst out on his push bike. A road ambulance took
him to hospital, but sadly he died later of his injuries. Ceri’s mother Ann
asked the doctors at hospital if there was anything that might have been done
to save her son. She was told the quicker a patient receives emergency medical
treatment, the better chance there is of survival – so, on 27th August 1992 the
Devon Air Ambulance Service went into operation.
We've first hand experience of the Trust’s excellent
work. We're based on Dartmoor and no less than three of our members
of staff have been airlifted so it is a charity that is very close to our
hearts. You never think you will need the Air Ambulances yourself but,
when you do, it is so reassuring to know that they are there. We live and work
in a beautiful but remote part of the county and the speed with which the
helicopters and medical crew can reach us really does make a difference.
The pilots are highly experienced, usually with a military
or service background. Paramedics are employed by the South Western Ambulance
Service NHS Foundation Trust and seconded to the Air Ambulance. They undergo
extensive training on navigation and safety skills prior to becoming aircrew,
with regular refresher courses as well as continuing professional and clinical
development. This training is supported by the charity.
A small team works behind the scenes at the charity's office
in Exeter and its network of charity shops across the county. Volunteers are
also essential to the Trust through their contribution to fundraising,
community involvement, public relations, administration, practical support and
campaigning.
We hope you'll help us spread the word about this
wonderful charity and the excellent work it does. We'll keep you updated
on our fundraising efforts during 2013.
If you’d like to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/helpfulholidays at any time or you can also make a contribution when you book a holiday through Helpful Holidays.
If you’d like to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/helpfulholidays at any time or you can also make a contribution when you book a holiday through Helpful Holidays.
