Ten years ago Doctors joined our paramedics on board the aircraft. Here's what a difference that made to the service.
A decade of lifesaving innovation with Devon Air Ambulance
Ten years ago, we began to explore an ambitious idea: bringing doctors on board the charity’s helicopters. The goal was simple but transformative: to combine the expertise of doctors with the skill of paramedics to create a Critical Care Team capable of delivering hospital-level interventions at the roadside.
Doctor Kate Sharpe was one of the first doctors to join Devon Air Ambulance.
When we started, the helicopter was mainly about getting patients to hospital quickly,’ Kate recalls. ‘Paramedics were doing an incredible job, but some interventions – like pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia, procedural sedation and surgical skills – just weren’t possible. We wanted to change that to improve pre-hospital patient care in Devon.
Fast forward to today, and the difference is remarkable. Devon Air Ambulance now operates a critical care service from 7am to 7pm, with advanced-level paramedics and doctors working side by side. They’re called to the most complex emergencies – major trauma, cardiac arrests, paediatric crises – bringing resus room quality critical care to patients when every second counts.
From helicopter transport to critical care
The journey hasn’t been easy. When Kate joined the team in 2016, she had already worked developing other helicopter emergency medical services in the UK and overseas. Devon was starting late compared to some regions, but the ambition was clear.
We knew we had to build something special and bespoke for the people of Devon. There were significant developments in Major Trauma Care in 2012 when Plymouth and Bristol became the Major Trauma Centres for adults and children respectively. Networks were changing, and we wanted Devon Air Ambulance to help with that evolution.
Kate Sharpe – Critical Care Doctor
Today, the team’s capabilities are unrecognisable compared to a decade ago. They carry advanced drugs, blood products like freeze-dried plasma, and equipment for procedures that were once only possible in hospital.
‘We’ve kept patients alive who almost certainly would have died ten years ago,’ Kate says. ‘That’s down to the skills, the kit, and the teamwork.’
The power of clinical governance
Behind the scenes, a process called clinical governance drives this excellence. It’s a structured way of learning from every case; what went well, what could be better, and what new evidence might change practice.
‘We do a Rapid Peer Review within hours of each job and have in-depth team discussions twice a week. Each month we review the most challenging cases together’, Kate explains. ‘If there are themes, we bring that learning back to the team. It’s about constantly improving.’
‘We’re always learning and reviewing the tools and drugs we use to secure better outcomes for patients,’ Kate reflects. ‘We also have excellent patient and family support clinicians who provide aftercare and report back at our monthly clinical governance meetings the experiences of patients and their families.’
Education and simulation: Preparing for the rare
Education is at the heart of the team’s culture. Monthly governance days include case reviews, medical journal analysis and simulation training.
Our recent paediatric simulation session was excellent. Dealing with critically ill babies is rare, so we rehearse those high-acuity, low-occurrence scenarios. From using tiny syringes to intubating young children and loading them onto the helicopter – it’s all about being ready.
Kate Sharpe – Critical Care Doctor
The team also opens these sessions to medical students, road paramedics, and allied services, spreading knowledge across the emergency care network.
‘We’re not just educating our own team, we’re educating the partners we work with,’ Kate adds. ‘Some of our development has already contributed to research in pre-hospital care with many of our paramedics completing Masters degrees and one chairing the National HEMS Research and Audit Forum.’
Looking ahead: the next chapter
As Devon Air Ambulance celebrates this tenth anniversary, the focus is on consolidating achievements and shaping the future.
‘We’ve had this big acceleration,’ Kate reflects. ‘Now we need to decide what we’ll be really good at – whether that’s teaching exemplary pre-hospital care or leading research into preventing road deaths. Whatever we choose, it will be alongside delivering the highest quality care for our patients.’
For Kate, the milestone is personal.
I enjoy being reflective about the jobs we’ve done and what learning can come from them. It’s been a team effort to develop this service, and we’re proud of where we’re at – and excited for what’s next. Whatever the future holds here in Devon, it will be about delivering the highest quality evidence-based medical care for our patients.
Devon Air Ambulance’s journey from helicopter transport to a doctor and paramedic critical care service has transformed emergency care in the region. Ten years on, the mission remains the same: to give patients the best possible chance when life hangs in the balance.
And that’s thanks to you your support. Thank you.
Your donations have helped our service to adapt to changing need over the years. We welcome your continued support.
