The Sky’s the Limit!Winter 2013 | Issue 6

www.timesaveslives.comRegistered Charity 1133295

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust

@Cornwallairamb

24,000 MissionsCornwall Air Ambulance has now flown over 24,000 missions since the charity first started operations in 1987.

Our 24,000th mission came on the 19th July 2013, when the crew attended an industrial accident in the Launceston area. The crew that day were aircrew paramedics Paul Symonds and Steve Garvey, critical care doctor Dave Ashton-Cleary and pilot Pete McLelland.

Cornwall Air Ambulance doesn’t routinely carry a critical care doctor, but Dr Dave’s presence that day meant the patient could be given advanced pain relief and was able to receive the very best care possible from all three medical crew members during the short flight to Derriford Hospital.

Of course, that mission was special as it marked a milestone for the charity. However that day the crew flew two other missions. That week they flew 22 other rescues. That month they flew 71 other operations. From that day up until the time of going to print they have completed 217 more potentially lifesaving flights. Every day, our crews fly an average of 2 - 3 rescue missions where someone somewhere in Cornwall is in their moment of need. We can’t say every flight will definitely save a life but what we do know is that every flight will make a difference when it’s needed most.

Every day in the office, at events and in our shops we meet airlifted patients, their friends and families. They come in to meet the crew, see the helicopter, and to thank us for what we have done for them; for the difference this service has made to their lives.

Now we want to thank you. By reading this newsletter, volunteering, donating money, attending or holding fundraising events, shopping or donating to our shops, leaving a gift in your Will, playing our lottery or supporting us in any number of other ways at work, school, in the pub or at home, you are helping to keep us flying. You are helping to save lives. Thank You, and keep it up!

Join us in November 2014 as we follow in the footsteps of the Incas to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

Our trek takes us on a less-trodden route through the stunning Lares Valley, avoiding the tourist trails. Instead of crowds of other hikers you will see a breathtakingly picturesque mix of spectacular mountain scenery, glacial lakes, waterfalls, high plains and hot springs. You’ll be walking through Andean villages where hardy locals - and the odd llama - live much as they have for centuries, affording you a rare insight into their lives as you camp among their communities. This is the dramatic landscape at the meeting point of the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon basin.

You’ll have time to explore the historic capital of the Incan empire, Cusco, as well as the hot springs at Lares and the rarely-visited ruins of Pumamarca. On the final day, you join the famous Inca Trail and emerge through the Sun Gate to get your first glimpse of the ancient remains of the lost city of Machu Picchu - one of the 7 new wonders of the world.

The sense of achievement in reaching this stunning and spiritual place will be heightened by the knowledge that by taking part in this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, you are helping us save lives in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We’ll be there for you every step of the way, ready to provide you with advice, information, fundraising materials and of course a cup of tea and a chat as you work towards your goal. For our Kilimanjaro 2013 participants we arranged training days, social evenings and a group Facebook page, meaning friendships and a genuine team spirit had formed long before the trek itself. We’ll be doing the same for ‘Team Machu Picchu.’

In November 2014, join us on this once-in-a-lifetime challenge as we follow in the footsteps of the Incas.

Feeling inspired? There’s more information at www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/peru or call Tom in the fundraising team on 01637 889926 ext 104 or email tom@cornwallairambulancetrust.org

Trek to Machu Picchu 2014

Cornwall Air Ambulance NewsletterCornwall Air Ambulance Trust, Trevithick Downs, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4DY

Tel: 01637 889926 Email: enquiries@cornwallairambulancetrust.org

Mission Count so far: 24,217

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From the Chief Executive...Welcome to our winter newsletter! As this edition arrives in your inbox or letterbox we are busy preparing for a very busy and exciting year. In the first week of December 2014 Cornwall’s new air ambulance helicopters will go into service.

Over the next 12 months the new helicopters will be fitted out inside and painted on the outside - and don’t worry - lots of you have said the iconic red colour must stay, so we promise it will remain our primary colour!

The crews will be going through lots of training because one day they will be working on one aircraft, and the next day everything will be different. It’s a tough challenge for all of them, made even more exciting by the introduction of night flying technology.

The new aircraft will be able carry more fuel and fly further, something that is really crucial following the closure of Plymouth airport and Penzance heliport. They can also carry more weight, whether that is medical equipment, a doctor or on occasion a patient’s relative. All the safety equipment is built in, including the floatation gear and raft, so the crew no longer have to waste precious minutes taking out a seat and loading emergency gear. We are very excited to be bringing so many improvements to the service for our beneficiaries.

To fund the new night vision goggles, cockpit equipment, searchlights and training, and improvements to surveyed night-time landing sites in some remote communities, we are going to need help to raise extra funds in 2014.

We are hoping that some of this will come from new donors who can afford to give a little more than most supporters. During 2013 we were so grateful to two donors who each gave very substantial and completely unexpected personal donations, in addition to many thousands of people who gave what they could. We will be able to put the extra money towards the single biggest change in our service delivery in recent times, but we still need to raise an extra £200,000. That’s why as well as looking to build new relationships with people like those who unwittingly made such a difference to getting our NVIS campaign off to a great start we need your help to make this a reality.

Talking of challenges we must thank and congratulate everyone who took on Mount Kilimanjaro on our first group overseas challenge. To read more about their experience, turn to page 5 - and find out how you could follow in their footsteps in Peru in 2014 on the front page.

Our final challenge is to ask you to spread the word. Do you know someone who would love to volunteer in one of our shops? Do you know someone with holiday accommodation who might donate a booking to this charity? Do you know a local or national celebrity who could help us make a fundraising event successful beyond our dreams?

The air ambulance is there for all of us, free at the point of need. For anyone with a passion for Cornwall, this is your number one charity, and we need your help. Thank you!

Cornwall Today Awards 2013We were over the moon when we found out that we had won the Best Charity award at the Cornwall Today Awards 2013.

Thank you to all of our supporters who voted for us – it is lovely to think that all of the hard work from our aircrew, charity team, our 250 volunteers and anyone who has ever fundraised for us has been recognised in this way!

Welcome Onboard, Captain Doug!A very warm welcome to the newest member of the Cornwall Air Ambulance crew!

Doug Pye joined the Army in 1992 and spent the first 7 years as a signals detachment commander being sent around the world gaining a variety of different experiences, usually a nice tan and - on occasion - a medal!

He was awarded his Army flying wings in 2000 and after a short spell in Suffolk was posted to Northern Ireland where he really learned how to handle a Lynx helicopter! Doug became a seasoned aircraft commander, leading multi-aircraft/multi-type formations down to ground level at night using Night Vision Goggles (a skill which will soon prove useful here!)

Having completed 15 years’ service, Doug left the Army in 2007 with a little over 2000 flying hours and a shiny new commercial licence! The very next day Doug was hired by Bond Air Services to fly the Police helicopter out of St Athan (near Cardiff) in South Wales which he did for 6 years, spending the last 2.5 years as the unit chief pilot. During his time there he flew approximately 1500 hours, gained a wealth of different experiences, and was lucky enough to be awarded two Superintendent’s Commendations.

Having decided to move back to the South West, Doug applied for the position as base pilot for Cornwall Air Ambulance. Doug says he is exceptionally happy to be here, and is very much looking forward to working with the most experienced air ambulance unit in the country... and we are very much looking forward to working with him!

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BBC OnboardA new BBC series set to hit our screens in 2014 will show the work of the Cornwall Air Ambulance crews.

‘Countryside 999’ looks at the vital role of the emergency services in rural areas of Britain and filmed with air ambulance paramedics for 8 weeks over summer 2013.

The series – set to be broadcast early in 2014 – follows our crews on a number of missions, from heart attacks and road traffic collisions to cycling injuries and falls on the county’s beaches.

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates!

When Time Matters“I was getting ready to go and meet a friend,” recalls Gill. “Geoff was outside pointing the wall. Suddenly I heard the ladder move.”

When Gill raced outside, she was confronted with her worst nightmare. Her husband Geoff was lying on the floor at the foot of the ladder unconscious. He had fallen four metres straight onto the hard ground below.

Gill had received first aid training as part of her job, so gave her husband CPR to get him breathing again whilst she waited for paramedics to arrive. A land ambulance crew were the first to arrive at the couple’s remote cottage between Camborne and Helston, with the air ambulance arriving just minutes later and landing in a nearby field. The land crew worked alongside air paramedics Steve and Mick to stabilise Geoff.

Aircrew paramedic Steve recalls: “Geoff was finding it very hard to breathe as he had a serious lung injury, but he also had really severe trauma injuries. We’d normally take a patient in his condition straight to the Major Trauma Unit at Derriford but in Geoff’s case we were so concerned about his breathing that we took him to the closest hospital: Treliske.”

After a 10 minute flight Geoff was taken straight into resus, where Doctors drained his chest and took scans and X-Rays. It was only then that the full extent of Geoff’s injuries became obvious. Geoff had a fractured skull and spine and had broken every rib on the right side of his chest in two places, leaving him with a flail chest – a potentially life-threatening condition. His trauma injuries were so severe that after his breathing was stabilised he was transferred to Derriford’s Major Trauma Unit.

Despite the extent of Geoff’s injuries, he amazed Doctors with the speed of his recovery; something he believes is down to the team involved.

“The teamwork was remarkable. The land ambulance got to me so quickly, then the land and air paramedics got me ready to go to hospital. That was when the air ambulance really came into its own. The fact it only took 10 minutes to get to Treliske made a huge difference to my recovery.

“I can’t thank the air ambulance and all the others involved enough. I just hope I never need their help again!”

High-Flying FundraisingThis summer the Adventure 001 team hosted five weeks of exclusive events and activities in aid of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The events included sightseeing flights in Adventure 001’s jet helicopter from St Ives and the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, clay pigeon shooting, falconry experiences, Hillmotts fitness bootcamps and even windsurfing lessons with Pro Chris Murray. These activities raised a massive £15,000!

Cornwall Air Ambulance chief executive Paula Martin said: “Every year Adventure Events amaze us with their fundraising. They have now supported this charity for 3 years, in which time they have raised more than £32,000 through these events and sponsorship of our summer ball. We want to say a huge thank you to the whole team for all the work they do.”

Mary Tractor Rides Again!Well-known Cornwall Air Ambulance fundraiser Mary Phillips has done it again!

Earlier this year Mary set off from Land’s End to drive her 1953 Field Marshall tractor almost 1,000 miles at a sedate speed of 9mph to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland, around 10 miles north of John O’Groats.

Mary has been fundraising for Cornwall and Devon Air Ambulances for many many years and although she is still counting the pennies from this last incredible journey, it looks like she will have reached the £10,000 mark - a fantastic achievement.

Mary would like to thank everyone who has supported her with her journey, including her partner Peter as well as Richard Barkwill who kindly donated a 1955 Ferguson tractor for Mary to raffle off. Congratulations to Ted Barlow who was the lucky winner. Thanks also to all the patient drivers who ended up behind Mary; it’s all for a good cause!

Watch this space for more information about Mary’s forthcoming book on her tractor drive experiences!

Picture: Emma King/RNLI

page 4 | Winter 2013 | Issue 6

Thank You

John Martyn who raised £408.06 in donations in lieu of presents from his friends and family for a milestone birthday – but we

won’t say which one!

The Ladies Darts Team from the Camborne, Redruth and District Lions club for raising

£750

Our wonderful volunteers and charity ambassadors throughout Cornwall who sold a staggering number of tickets for our Grand

Summer Prize Draw

St Austell Lions for helping to raise £120 on their bouncy castle at our Pencarrow Family

Fun Day in the summer

Newquay Plastics for sponsoring the purchase of a marquee for our events - keeping us dry whatever the weather!

Team Coodes who cycled between all of their branches (and popped in to say hi to

our crew!) notching up 120 miles, cycling for 14 hours and raising over £2000

Mary Rich who recently celebrated her 100th birthday and asked family and friends to make a donation in lieu of presents raising

a fantastic £286.52

The Wadebridge Rotary Club for their hugely successful Wheels event which raised a huge £5000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance

Bootcamp TR7 for smashing the pain barrier during Fund a Flight Week and raising £169 through their 10 minute exercise challenge

Trewince Farm Holiday Park for £1,400 from their Supper and Barn dance

We receive no direct government or National Lottery funding so rely entirely on the thousands of people who donate money or volunteer their time. From our airlifted patients, their families and friends, thank you to all those who help to keep us flying. These are just a very small selection of those who have supported us recently...

Norman Family Trust for donating £1000 towards the purchase of a new training

manikin for our paramedics

Helston and St Keverne Young Farmers for raising an incredible £3,500 from dung sales, ploughing matches and several other fundraising activities throughout the year

page 5 |Winter 2013 | Issue 6

Give as you Live®

HELP SAVE LIVES IN CORNWALL EVERY TIME YOU SHOP ONLINE

Saving Time and Saving Lives in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Thousands of stores have signed up to donate a percentage of every online purchase you make - at no extra cost to you.

Start raising money for us every time you shop online. It’s 100% secure and just takes seconds to sign up.

Sign up now: www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/giveasyoulive

Team Kili: On The Roof Of AfricaIn the middle of the night, a group of people leave the warmth of their tents and step into the freezing air of an African night at 15,000 ft. They are about to begin the most unforgettable walk of their lives.

It’s only 4 miles, it’s pitch dark and in the light of their headtorches all they can make out is the frozen boots and bag of the walker in front. So what makes this walk so memorable?

This is the culmination of a year of fundraising, training and preparation; the zenith of the hardest challenge these people have ever put themselves through – physically and mentally. This is a walk to 19,340 feet, the highest point in Africa. This is a challenge that is helping to save lives. This is summit night on Mount Kilimanjaro.

After 7 hours of relentless climbing over ice and scree, the summit comes into view. The feeling cannot be bottled or described, but will last a lifetime in their memories.

The sense of achievement is heightened because, between them, these 31 people have raised over £70,000 in net proceeds for Cornwall Air Ambulance, helping us be there for people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in their hour of need. These people have helped save lives.

To read about the trek in the words of our trekkers go to www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/kilimanjaro

If you’ve been inspired, why not join us on our next challenge event as we trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu in November 2014? Read more on the front cover or at www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/peru

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Summer of FunWith everything from bouncy castles and candyfloss to classic cars and alpacas – there really was something for everyone at our Family Fun Day held in the beautiful surroundings of Pencarrow House and Gardens.

The lawns of the Italian Gardens hosted numerous stalls selling locally handmade crafts and goodies and the children’s area proved to be very popular with kids and adults alike, with bungee trampolines and traditional summer fete games keeping everyone amused. Various singing and dancing groups provided entertainment throughout the day - along with a Laughter Yoga session and storytelling – and there were rosettes to be won at the Dog Show!

For many, the highlight was the visit from the Cornwall Air Ambulance itself, providing a great opportunity for a close-up look at the helicopter and chance to find out about the work it does from the crew themselves.

We also met John, who had been airlifted from Pencarrow House in 2012 following a heart attack. When the aircrew landed, John recognised that paramedic Mick was one of the crew who helped him, giving John a chance to thank Mick personally.

The event raised almost £4000 and several people signed up to become regular donors on the day which is absolutely wonderful. We want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came along on the day, supported us with donated items or services and helped to make the day such a success. Special thanks go to Pencarrow House and Gardens and the Molesworth family for allowing us to hold our event at such a beautiful location.

Watch this space for details of next year’s event!

Bude to Exeter...The Wet Way!4 kayaks, 4 paddlers, 300 miles of coastline, one land support crew, two weeks…

At the age of 26 Chris was faced with devastating news – he was almost certainly facing deteriorating lung and liver function and disability. He decided that life is for living and wanted to help save others. So Chris along with three of his friends Matt, Chris and Steve decided to take on an amazing charity challenge – 2 weeks of navigating tides, rip currents, rocks, other boats and the British weather (!) to kayak from Bude to Lands End then back up to Exeter – 300 miles in total! Makes you tired just at the thought of it!

The guys started off as novices in sea kayaking but after months of rigorous training (fitting it around their day jobs!) they were ready for their adventure! They departed in glorious sunshine from Bude Harbour and 12 exhausting days later they ‘docked’ at The Port Royal Inn in Exeter, completing their challenge and raising an amazing £9500 for charity, £2000 of which they donated to Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the team; many congratulations on your amazing achievement!

To read all about their adventure go to www.southwestkayakcharitychallenge.co.uk

“I WON?!”Denise Paramor from Par couldn’t believe it when she got a call live on Radio St Austell Bay to tell her she’d won a car!

The car – a brand new Peugeot 107 in red (to match the helicopter!) – was donated by Hawkins Motor Group as first prize in the Cornwall Air Ambulance Grand Summer Prize Draw.

Denise said: “I was absolutely shocked to win. I know it sounds like a cliché but I’ve never known anyone who has won anything like this.”

Other prizes included a stay at the Rosevine at Portscatho, a vintage aircraft flight and museum tour from Classic Air Force, a family ticket to the National Maritime Museum, a tour of Camel Valley Vineyard and a pack of Sharps Ales.

The summer prize draw raised over £20,000 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance – enough to fund more than 10 rescue missions.

Fundraising Manager Susie Smith said: “We must say a massive thank you to everyone that bought and sold tickets for us over the summer; every pound makes a massive difference.”

Johnny Hawkins, Director of the Hawkins Motor Group who donated the car, said: “We’re all over the moon with how much was raised.

“The Cornwall Air Ambulance saves countless lives every year and we’re so proud to support them. The charity is such a vital resource for Cornwall that we must never take for granted.”

Denise was handed the keys at the Cornwall Air Ambulance airbase by Chairman John Hawkins, who particularly enjoyed sitting in the helicopter reminiscing about his days as a pilot!

Details of the winners - including the lucky ticket numbers - are available at www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/win

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Keeping Memories AliveAt a time of loss and sadness, great comfort can often be found in the sharing of stories and memories and in the celebration of a life.

Cornwall Air Ambulance has launched a new online Book of Remembrance, helping bring comfort at times of loss and keeping treasured memories alive.

Friends or relatives who have lost a loved one can set up a tribute page featuring a biography and treasured memories. Pictures and even videos can be added to create a wonderful collection of memories and the page can then be shared with friends and family to add their own personal tributes.

The design of the book was kindly donated by Cornish company Friends and Relations, part of the Online Book Company. Managing Director Jonathan Haward said: “Every time the air ambulance flies over our heads we realise how lucky we are to have such a fantastic service and, at Friends and Relations, we are proud to support it.”

Among the first to use the book were the family of Ade Hillman, who passed away in December 2011.

Ade’s stepmum Sheila said: “Ade would be so proud to have this page dedicated to him. We’ve been able to upload pictures and friends and family have then been able to go on and add their own personal memories of him. It’s now just over two years since we lost our beloved Ade and to be able to read these comments is just wonderful.

“Cornwall Air Ambulance fought tirelessly to save Ade. Now they have given us a way to remember him and allow him to live on in our memories forever.”

The Book of Remembrance is free to use although people are invited to donate to the Cornwall Air Ambulance in memory of their loved ones if they wish.

Fundraising Manager Susie Smith said: “We hear so many stories of people who have been saved by the Cornwall Air Ambulance, but tragically there are people who do not survive. We hope this Book of Remembrance will help the families and friends of these people - and also those unconnected to the charity - in their time of loss and sadness, knowing that they can share memories and pictures, keeping the memory of their loved ones alive.”

To set up a tribute page or view the Book of Remembrance go to www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/remember or to discuss other ways to remember a loved one whilst helping Cornwall Air Ambulance call Susie Smith, Fundraising Manager on 01637 889926 ext. 102

Dear Cornwall Air Ambulance,

I wanted to thank you for the way you helped my fiance back in December 2012.

When I woke up on the day before Christmas Eve I didn’t for one second think that

what was about to happen would change my life forever.

Gavin woke up complaining that he felt strange, as though he had no strength.

Although a little clammy he got up and opened the window, and we then remained

lying in bed talking about the previous night and what this Christmas would bring.

Half an hour later, he said he felt unwell again. Before I could respond he was gone.

I started CPR immediately and continued trying to help Gav until you arrived. To my

amazement the Air Ambulance landed in my neighbours garden between the

trampoline and the washing line. Within minutes Gav was safely on board and

taken swiftly to Treliske. All I can say is that you were amazing; at a time when nothing

makes sense you tried to explain everything and keep me calm for Gav’s sake.

Gav was pronounced dead an hour after he collapsed. In June this year at his inquest

we found out it was due to natural causes; despite being 6’6, strong and healthy, his

heart had a defect that nobody knew about.

Gav lived a full and happy life and had amazing friends and family, shown by over 400

people attending his funeral at Treverbyn Church on 11th January.

I wanted to show my appreciation for the air ambulance in Gav’s honour, so in July I

completed a ‘Giant Challenge’: a 26 mile run, a 110 mile bike ride and a 2 mile open

water swim across from Padstow to Rock and back again. Through this challenge and

the fantastic support of my friends and family, I was able to raise just under £5000!

There are far too many people to thank by name ,but I must give a special thank you

to City Plumbing, where Gavin worked, where the General Manager donated £2000.

Gavin would never have believed that he meant so much to so many!

I will never forget what the Cornwall Air Ambulance did for my Gavin. Thank You.

Claire

In Memory of a Gentle Giant

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Tis The Season To...We’re all familiar with that sinking feeling when you open a truly awful Christmas present.

Yes it’s the thought that counts, but if the reindeer jumper you received from your auntie really isn’t to your liking and you can never envisage using that tortoise shaped teapot from Uncle Fred then fear not!

There are ways to offload unwanted gifts without ruffling your relative’s feathers whilst also supporting a local charity!

Every item you donate will help keep our lifesaving helicopter flying. It’s a great way of helping support Cornwall Air Ambulance without having to dig deep for money - especially at this time of year!

We will happily accept clothing, toys, CDs, DVDs, books or bric-a-brac in any of our charity shops, which can be found in Saltash, Wadebridge, St. Austell, Truro, Helston, Camborne and Penzance. Don’t forget for larger items like furniture, we can collect too!

For opening times and locations please visit www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/shops or call us on 01637 889926

So this Christmas when you unwrap that pack of socks or that wonderful Billy Bass singing fish, just bear us in mind!

Donate, Don’t Dump At WorkYou or your company may not be able to donate money, but you can still help keep Cornwall Air Ambulance flying.

Did you know the average donation bag full of clothing, books and bric-a-brac can generate around £30 when the items are sold in our shops?

We are now asking companies in Cornwall to help us to fill as many bags as possible, by making them available to employees and customers to fill.

We can provide you with signage, as many bags as you feel you would need and even a ‘pen’ area for storing filled bags (the size of which can be agreed in advance, depending on the space available to you).

Full bags can be collected by our team of van drivers, who are on the road 6 days a week, collecting furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac and electrical items.

If your business can help us help Cornwall, please call our Camborne store on 01209 612404 to find out more.

Join Our Jar-My!Last year our collection jars raised enough money to fund nearly 40 rescue missions, proving that pennies really do make pounds!

If you work in a pub, caravan park, reception or in a shop then please do consider having one of our collection jars on display.

It couldn’t be easier – just give us a call on 01637 889926 and we’ll deliver one to you. When it’s full we will come and replace it for you. At the end of the year we provide you with a certificate to display so that all of your customers can see how much your jar has raised!

Being Part of a Lifesaving Team Keeps Me KeenJan finished full-time work but felt she needed to acclimatise gently to being a lady of leisure.

She noticed an advert in one of the local free papers for the Cornwall Air Ambulance shop and wanted to help a charity that helps the whole county.

One other factor that sparked an interest for Jan was that she was present at the aftermath of a car accident and saw the speedy recovery of the injured parties in the helicopter itself. She felt that the whole process was wonderful and gave those injured people the best chance of recovery.

In 2007 she started volunteering in the Saltash shop and found the staff, volunteers and atmosphere were brilliant.

Recently the arrival of new manager Pat Pethick and a refit of the shop has meant volunteers and customers alike are welcomed into an appreciative and friendly environment.

Jan says knowing her time is helping keep the air ambulance flying is why she is still volunteering, even after 6 years. She wants to say a huge thank you to all the people who have supported Cornwall Air Ambulance over the years and hopes they continue to do so!

To find out about volunteering call Jackie on 01637 889926 ext 101

Be an instrumental partOf our lifesaving team

We have a great variety of roles available, both at HQ and in our charity shops around Cornwall. Volunteering is a great way to make

new friends and learn new skills. No experience is necessary and you can volunteer as much or as little time as you like!

Call Jackie on 01637 889926 ext 101 for more information

We save lives in Cornwall. Now we need your help.

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On The End of the Phone“Teenage male, head injury from falling on rocks. Caerhays Beach. Grid reference SW974 412.” Clear, calm, concise. That’s how the Cornwall Air Ambulance paramedics are alerted to a mission by dispatchers at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust clinical hub in Exeter. Seconds before the caller may have been crying for help, confused and frightened. Now they know help is on the way.

Every day the South Western Ambulance Service receives hundreds of emergency calls from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. From road traffic collisions and industrial injuries to heart attacks, collapses and sporting accidents, it is the job of the expert dispatch team to get help to those who need it, fast.

Sometimes the best way to reach a patient and get them to often-lifesaving treatment quickly is by air ambulance. They are much faster than land ambulances, fly straight over the top of traffic jams and can go in a straight line, rather than negotiating twisty country lanes. They can land in remote and difficult-to-access locations like beaches, coastpaths and moorland, and can take a patient straight to the hospital with the most suitable facilities for their injuries, rather than just the nearest one (there are several specialist units across the southwest, including Derriford’s Trauma Unit and Frenchay Hospital’s Childrens Burns Unit).

But who decides whether a road ambulance or an air ambulance responds? That’s the job of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Dispatcher. One of the three HEMS dispatchers - Nikki, Paul or Kelly - is on duty whenever the air ambulances of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset & Somerset are on duty. The primary role of this team - paid for by the three air ambulance charities - is to task the helicopters to the missions where they will truly make a difference.

They sit in the middle of the clinical hub, surrounded by a bank of monitors giving them access to every 999 call coming into the room, the location of each air ambulance helicopter in the region, sophisticated mapping software, and a direct line to each of the air ambulance bases. They must decide whether to dispatch an air ambulance based on the information given by the 999 caller, taking into account factors including the nature of the patient’s illness or injury, the location of the nearest land ambulance, how far away the most appropriate hospital is, and whether land crews would be able to actually get to the patient. These assessments are often made in seconds, before the appropriate airbase is contacted on a dedicated emergency phoneline.

Their job doesn’t stop there, though. As the helicopter speeds its way to the scene, the dispatcher constantly updates the crew with information on the patient’s condition, the location of the land crew that will be sent in addition to the helicopter, and often details of potential landing sites and landmarks to help ensure the crew get to the scene as quickly as possible. After all, the HEMS dispatchers and others in the clinical hub are a key part of a team that saves time and saves lives.

A Surprise VisitThe children at Foxhole School had a big surprise when our helicopter landed in their school playing field over the summer!

Fortunately it wasn’t for an emergency mission and the aircrew had time to say hello and show the children inside the helicopter, with a lucky few getting to sit in the pilot’s seat!

All schools that fundraised for us over the last academic year were entered into a draw for the helicopter to land in their grounds. In total 24 schools fundraised for us and Foxhole School was picked out of the hat. As part of their fundraising the pupils had done step-ups on a bench equivalent to climbing Mount Everest! Beats a maths lesson any day...

If you have a child at a Cornish school why not ask their school to support Cornwall Air Ambulance next year? You never know: we might be landing in the grounds next summer!

Make Cornwall Air Ambulance Your Reason to Run in 2014On 27th April 2014, more than 3,000 runners will take to the streets of Plymouth for the city’s iconic and scenic Half Marathon.

Whether you’re an experienced runner looking to beat a personal best or a complete novice wanting to try something new, why not take on the challenge and run in aid of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust?

We have several Gold Bond charity places and registering for one means we’ll be with you every step of the way – from welcoming you during your initial registration to high-fiving you as you cross the finish line!

All we’d ask of our runners is that they raise a minimum of £150 to keep our helicopter flying. So, grab your trainers and make Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust your reason to run in 2014!

For more information or a registration form, call 01637 889926 or visit www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/plymouth2014

page 10 | Winter 2013 | Issue 6

Wonderful Wendy!Wendy and her late husband William were both heavily involved in a local football league where they saw Cornwall Air Ambulance airlift players from grounds around the county. Since William had to be airlifted Wendy has felt a special bond to Cornwall Air Ambulance.

She saw one of our adverts in the newspaper asking for events volunteers and started volunteering almost immediately by helping out at a fundraising event at Trereife House. Wendy spent the day running a teddy tombola, helping our mascot Hercules meet and greet children and talking to the public about our life saving work. Since that first day, she has raised money at various events including Royal Cornwall Show, Psychic Fayres and at the Wilkinsons store in Falmouth.

Wendy gets huge pleasure from meeting and talking to the community. She’s been to an induction at HQ at Newquay where she got to learn more about the charity, saw the helicopter up close and met the aircrew who she says are an inspiration to all. With the knowledge Wendy has gained, she can inform the public about the charity and get even more people involved in helping to keep it flying.

To Wendy, small donations are just as important as the big ones and Wendy finds the generosity of individuals really special and heart-warming.

Every day volunteering for the charity is different and Wendy tries to give as much time to fundraising in her local area of Falmouth and beyond as she can. We don’t know what we would do without her and our other wonderful events volunteers!

Could you give the gift of time? Give Jackie a call 01637 889926 ext 101

A Lasting LegacyEvery year Cornwall Air Ambulance receives about one third of our income from gifts left by people who have made a Will and decided to leave a sum of money, stocks and shares, valuable items or even their house to the Charity.

Over the last year, our legacy gifts have ranged from £200 to £60,000. A legacy gift to Cornwall Air Ambulance does not have to stop you providing for loved ones; it’s about members of the community giving what they can.

Whatever the amount, your gift will help us save lives. Three out of every ten emergency flights for the Cornwall Air Ambulance are funded this way. That is the equivalent of legacy donations funding all of our trauma flights in 2012 – so every road traffic accident, sporting injury, industrial accident and serious fall we attended to – we were able to because of members of the community deciding to include us in their Will.

We recently met with Geoff and his wife Barbara who got in touch to inform us that they have included a donation to the charity in their Will.

Geoff says “When we moved to Cornwall some years ago, we soon realised that many places in this beautiful county are only accessible by very narrow roads or tracks, and that in an emergency, the availability of the Cornwall Air Ambulance really can make the difference between life and death.

“We all need it, and yet the cost of keeping it running is huge. There are so many good causes that are worth supporting, but there is a limit to what one can give on a regular basis, especially in these more difficult times.

“It seemed to us that a very sensible way to help, without putting too much strain on our everyday finances now, was to leave a legacy in our Wills. It’s also worth remembering that bequests like this to charities are exempt from inheritance tax.”

For a private and confidential conversation about leaving a gift in your Will to help fund future lifesaving flights please contact the Chief Executive Paula Martin on 01637 889926 ext. 100

To: gemma@cornwallairambulancetrust.orgSubject: Craft FairHi Gemma,I wanted to express my thanks to you and all the team for a wonderful day at your Christmas craft fair! My kids had a fab time spending their money on the tombola and cakes. I hope the event was successful for you and that you raised lots of money!Shirley

To: tom@cornwallairambulancetrust.orgSubject: Fundraising NightHi Tom,I’d just like to say thank you for all your support with helping us with our fundraising night. Your slot on the leg waxing table is still available, should you change your mind! The current total is fantastic; we never thought we’d reach such a great figure. Hopefully it’s enough to fill up the tank of the ‘big bird’ for it’s next flight!Audrey

We love to hear from you! To contact us, call 01637 889926, email enquiries@cornwallairambulancetrust.org or write to Cornwall Air Ambulance, Trevithick Downs, Newquay, TR8 4DY.

Last July my 13-month-old son Jack pulled a cup of freshly boiled water over his body. In a hysterical state of panic I whipped his clothes off and stuck him in a cold shower. I didn’t dare put the car straps over his vivid, peeling skin so couldn’t take him to hospital, so I phoned 999 and a land ambulance was dispatched immediately, followed by the air ambulance.

Within 15 minutes we heard the air ambulance overhead and suddenly the house was full of paramedics. They reassured me that I had done the right thing and enabled me to cuddle my hysterical baby whilst they showered us both for a further 10 minutes. The land and air paramedics jumble up in my memory at this point, but they were all fantastic and so calming. They even helped our 4 year old daughter who was hysterical and my husband who walked into the melee. It must have been so traumatic for them both, but again, the crew were fantastic.

Through our trauma we discovered the human spirit to help. 3 neighbours we had previously never met came to our house when they heard the commotion and helped us as much as they could. We now see them regularly; they even bought Jack and his sister Christmas presents!

The ambulance drove us around the corner to the helicopter and we were whisked to Frenchay Hospital Burns Unit near Bristol. During the flight Jack fell asleep due to the trauma, morphine and whirring rotor blades. Paramedics Stuart and Amy looked after us wonderfully, and our pilot Craig was very calming; I felt in very safe hands. Your wonderful, wonderful people not only dealt with Jack’s injuries but the emotional trauma we were both suffering.

Within just 45 minutes we arrived at Frenchay - a journey that would have taken around 3 hours by road. Jack was given a general anaesthetic and had Bio-brain applied to his body. He has made a remarkable recovery and is barely scarred at all; today I could not even get a picture of the tiny scar.

Many people were involved in the healing and care of Jack and our family. Cornwall Air Ambulance played an instrumental role and we are eternally grateful. This is an invaluable service for Cornwall and its people. The care we received that day was second-to-none. We can never be grateful enough.

Thank you to you all - especially Stuart, Amy and Craig - from the Gray Family (Charlie, Neil, Izzy and Jack)

Mum Charlie: The ‘Wonderful People’ who cared for my Jack

I would like to make a single donationI enclose a cheque payable to “Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’ for

c £5 c £30 c £100 c other £

Gift Aid: I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 that I gave up to April 2008 and will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008.

Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made:

c Today c In the past 4 years c In the future

Please tick all boxes you wish to apply.

Name and full home address:

Signature: Date:

Please notify us if you wish to cancel this declaration, change your details or no longer pay sufficient tax.

I would like to make a regular donationTo: The Manager, Bank or Building Society

Address:

Postcode: Name/s of Account Holder/s:

Bank/Building Society Account Number / Sort Code

ref:

Amount to be debited £ (in words)

c Monthly c Quarterly c Annually Date of first payment / /

Until further notice / Date: / / (delete as appropriate)

Signature: Date:

For Charity Use Only:Please donate to Beneficiary Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, Registered Charity 1133295. Bank name and address: HSBC, 3 Fore Street, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2HUAccount Number Sort Code

3 1 4 5 8 9 0 6 4 0 1 2 2 2

Please return to us at: Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, Trevithick Downs, Newquay TR8 4DY

I would like to make a donation and help to save lives in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

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Printed by

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust Trevithick Downs Newquay Cornwall TR8 4DY

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Get in touchPlease send me more information about (please tick all that apply):

c Fundraising

c Regular giving

c Corporate support

c Volunteering

opportunities

Title: First name(s):

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Email: Tel:

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust will not pass your details to any other organisation. If you already receive information from Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust we will continue to send it unless you tell us otherwise by writing to Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, Trevithick Downs, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4DY.

Summer 2013 | Issue 5

c Booking a speaker/presenting a cheque

c Leaving a gift in your Will

c Donating items to the charity shops

c Receive this quarterly newsletter and information about forthcoming events

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