Exeter Helicopter Flies 12,000th Mission

Added on: 31 July 2009

Press Release
12,000th mission flown by Exeter’s Air Ambulance

Release Date: 31st July 2009

This week saw yet another landmark for  Devon’s Air Ambulances and in particular the Exeter based service, who flew it’s 12,000th mission.

The helicopter was called at 9.44am to the aid of an elderly male, suffering from a suspected heart attack near Moretonhampstead.  The journey from there to arriving at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Wonford took just 8 minutes.

Heléna  Holt, Chief Executive for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust said ‘This has truly been a year of landmarks for the charity, from the North Devon helicopter flying it’s 3,000th mission, jointly flying their 15,000th mission, to the turf being dug on our new airbase in the North of the county.

She added ‘None of this would however be possible without the continuing support of the community , businesses and friends of Devon.  These are uncertain times, but we are always very heartened at the way the charity and service is still constantly supported.  

‘We have seen a decrease of donations this year by 20%, however community fundraising led events such as coffee mornings, sponsored swims, parachute jumps to name a few are up by 36%.  Looking at our funding however overall compared to last year there is a 5% drop, which means we really cannot afford to rest on our laurels and need to continue our proactive approach

‘Air Ambulances are not cheap to operate, as each and every year we need to raise £4 million to keep both helicopters airborne. However just looking at the number of missions flown, which equates to approximately 850 missions each helicopter per year, it proves just what an essential service it provides to those of us in Devon.

‘We don’t know who these patients are because of patient confidentiality and would like to reiterate that we would be pleased to hear from anyone who has used the service and would be happy to tell us and our supporters their story.  If that’s you, please get in touch by ringing 01392 466666 or emailing info@daat.org’.

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