This article relates to April 2020. Please refer to the latest news for current updates

After temporarily suspending its helicopter service earlier this week, Devon Air Ambulance was deeply saddened to learn of the death from coronavirus of Captain Sanchez, a pilot flying with the Spanish Air Ambulance service.  Thoughts go out to his family, friends and the wider Air Ambulance community.
 
Devon Air Ambulance is continuing to operate its two Critical Care Cars, which will be based in the areas where they can be most of use, crewed by critical and specialist paramedics, who offer an essential service otherwise not available until a patient reaches hospital.
 
Heléna Holt, CEO, explains:
 
“Standing down our aircraft was a very hard decision for us to make but one we have had to take in order to protect all of our crew, including pilots who can’t wear the necessary level of PPE whilst flying the aircraft.  Our decision has been reinforced by this very sad news.
 
Please be assured that this is a temporary measure and subject to continual review. We are actively working with colleagues in the NHS to identify other ways in which we can support patient care as the pandemic develops and other ways in which our aircraft might be deployed safely in support of the national response.
 
"We have received such wonderful support across Devon and beyond. Our supporters understand how difficult this decision was for us to make, because we are all so passionate about what we do and the essential service we provide. Despite the pandemic, we will always do our best to continue delivering lifesaving care to patients, albeit by road for the timebeing."
 
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