Devon Air Ambulance launches critical care paramedics during COVID-19 crisis

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses and organisations across the country have been united in the fight to defeat the invisible enemy. Cross collaboration is better than ever as companies work together to support each other’s determination to succeed.

They have been humbled by the generosity and support of companies and fellow air ambulances not only in Devon but as far as Tamworth in Staffordshire and Kent, Surrey & Sussex who have shown them tremendous generosity.

One of those companies got in touch just a few weeks ago was Kastners, a local Volvo dealer based in Exeter. Knowing that their helicopters were grounded and that they were responding to emergencies using their critical care cars, they offered to lend them an additional Volvo for their fleet.

Not only does this enable them to attend more life-saving missions if necessary, but also means that they can call upon an additional vehicle which may be closer to the incident.

It will also carry the same equipment on board as their existing vehicles, enabling their paramedics to give the vital treatment to the patient at the scene.

A spokesperson for Kastners said: ‘It’s with great pleasure that we are able to support Devon Air Ambulance by loaning one of our XC60 models to support their paramedics in the community.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the valuable emergency service you guys provide.’

How will you recognise the new critical care car? The third car will have blue light rapid response capability and will carry the same red, blue & bright yellow colours that you have come to recognise on their existing vehicles.

Thanks to Kep Print Group, who are based in Tamworth in Staffordshire, they have had magnetic door and bonnet signage made to match their other vehicles free of charge, so you will have no trouble realising it’s them.

Mark Plowman, Kep Print Group Managing Director commented that: ‘We at KEP Print Group are proud to support the Devon Air Ambulance.

‘This may be a small donation in the grand scheme of things, but we know it will help the air ambulance team make an even greater impact in the community. We are grateful for the opportunity to do our part during this current crisis.’

As the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, KEP have been looking for ways to support their healthcare workers, the NHS, and other care bodies. They’ve been grateful that organisations like the Devon Air Ambulance Trust have reached out.

To them, it’s important to recognise all the staff that are helping to protect and serve them – from the air ambulances to the hospital cleaners. They thank you from the bottom of their hearts, for all that you do.

They hope that this small donation can inspire others to give where they can and how they can. This is a challenging time for all, and so if you have the time or the means, please reach out to support.

This week the two existing critical care cars reached 75 missions since they were introduced in February this year, you can track them on their mission map and on website and see exactly where their critical care paramedics have been called out to save lives across the county.