2023 saw a record number of missions for Devon Air Ambulance, illustrating just how vital the medical emergency service remains to the people of Devon.
Throughout another challenging year for many public services and charities, the crew at Devon Air Ambulance were tasked to attend a huge 2,226 incidents across Devon and assisting across borders in neighbouring counties of Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Of those 2,226 missions, 1,040 were to help patients with medical emergencies and 1,176 were trauma-related incidents (accidents and injuries caused by slips, trips, falls, burns and road traffic collisions to name just a few).
Nigel Hare, Operations Director for Devon Air Ambulance, said:
“Yet again, the number of incidents Devon Air Ambulance responded to and the number of patients we treated has broken all previous records. 2023 saw us deploy to incidents a staggering 2,226 times, 1,333 by helicopter and 814 by Critical Care Car.
“With just under 12% of the patients we treated last year being children, and 27% over 70 years of age, Devon Air Ambulance truly seeks to be there for everyone in our community who is suffering from a life-threatening medical condition or traumatic injuries.”
Devon Air Ambulance now has 199 Community Landing sites and is looking forward to launching their 200th site in Fremington this year.
In 2024, the charity is dedicated to continuing their focus on Cardiac Arrest as this is still the number one medical emergency that they are called to. Through their ‘Help with All Your Heart’ CPR & Defibrillator training sessions Devon Air Ambulance will continue educating and raising awareness within local communities. These sessions will demonstrate that, should the need arise, anyone can help save the life of someone suffering a Cardiac Arrest.
Devon Air Ambulance is a charity that receives no Government funding. It’s thanks to kind and generous supporters across Devon and beyond that this life-saving team continues to deliver expert time-critical care every day of the year. Visit www.daat.org to find out more.
