The Helicopters
Devon has two Air Ambulances.
Both helicopters fly 10 hours a day 7 days a week.
An EC135 helicopter flies from our joint air support unit, shared with the police helicopter at the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary’s headquarters at Middlemoor, Exeter.
Flying from a base North of the county the North Devon Air Ambulance helicopter is a Bolkow 105dbs.
The Bolkow 105dbs will be upgraded with an EC135 in approximately October 2008. The Trust will be purchasing this aircraft outright. It is being custom built to the Trust’s own specifications. The current helicopters are leased. Click here for news item.
The EC135
This helicopter has an spare seat, meaning if for example a child is airlifted, there is room for a parent or guardian to accompany.
Advantages and General Information
- 50% of Devon can be reached by Air Ambulances within 5 minutes, with the remainder within 15 minutes
- Flies over congested roads and flies over traffic jams
- Chances of a patient's recovery is increased by faster transfer to hospital (The Golden Hour)
- Has twin engines for safety and can fly at speeds of around 140mph
- The EC135 has side or rear loading for stretchers. The Bolkow 105dbs has rear loading only
- High manoeuvrability and compact size for landing almost anywhere
- Skid under-carriage enabling aircraft to land on a variety of ground conditions and slopes
- Main and tail rotors set up high for good obstacle clearance and safety. The EC135 also has an enclosed tail rotor for additional safety
- 450kg of fuel - over 2 hours flying time
- Full range of high tech medical equipment to care for patients in flight
- Low vibration level gives a smooth and comfortable ride
- The EC135 had an additional seat - a parent or carer can therefore accompany a sick or injured child
- The EC135 has a GPS linked moving map system - funded by tv celebrity Jennie Bond, from her 'Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' experience.
- The EC135 bears her signature in recognition of her donation of £163,000+
