Devon Air Ambulance stays independent

Others wanted it to be centrally funded

Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) is staying independent - funded by and run for the people of Devon.

The future was in some doubt when parliament debated a petition presented to government for air ambulances across the country to be centrally funded.

But Devon Air Ambulance, which now operates two helicopters and two rapid response critical care cars. says it is "extremely proud of its independence and wants to remain that way."

Its chief executive Helena Holt says: “We do appreciate the rationale behind calls for centralised funding of air ambulances. Whilst grants for one off expenditure on items like the critical care cars have been a tremendous help, government funding of our day to day running costs would inevitably come with many strings attached that would stifle our ability to determine how best to deliver and develop our service for our local community.

"We have seen the impact of austerity measures implemented across all parts of the public sector. At the same time, thanks to our independence and local support, DAA has been able to invest in both improving and expanding our service in many important ways.”

Such improvements include the addition of an Airbus H145 aircraft with a bespoke interior layout and state of the art technology on board; introducing a Patient Support service, provided by three Patient Liaison Clinicians, and increasing operating hours into the early hours of the morning, which saves more lives.