Devon Air Ambulance marks milestone with 200th operational community landing site

Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) has successfully launched their 200th Community Landing Site at Tews Lane Playing Field, Fremington. 

The milestone celebration at Tews Lane Playing Field witnessed the presence of residents, Parish Councillors, children from Roundswell Community Primary Academy, Barnstaple, and the dedicated aircrew, staff, and volunteers of Devon Air Ambulance. 

Established in 2016 to facilitate nighttime flying, DAA's Community Landing Site Network has become a pivotal component of their operations. The surveyed landing sites, now numbering 200, have played a crucial role in enabling DAA's aircraft to reach various towns and villages during the 'hours of darkness.' This expansion has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of the specialist medical crew in reaching patients swiftly.

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust is the charity that is responsible for funding Devon’s two Air Ambulances and their fleet of Critical Care Cars. The organisation responds swiftly to accidents and illnesses, providing specialised treatment to patients in need.

Funded entirely by the generosity of communities, businesses, and friends of Devon, the service plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes for patients.

In 2023, they were tasked to 1333 missions by Helicopter and 814 missions by Critical Care Car. 

Fremington Parish Council, a long-term collaborator with DAA, played a vital role in the success of the project. Councillors who attended the launch gained a firsthand insight into the operations at DAA and experienced a close-up view of the Critical Care Car and Air Ambulance.

DAA's extensive network of surveyed landing sites has significantly enhanced their ability to conduct nighttime flights, ensuring rapid and secure access to patients across Devon.

Graham Coates, Landing Sites Manager at Devon Air Ambulance, expressed enthusiasm for the successful operationalisation of the 200th landing site. 

He commended the supportive towns and villages across Devon, and highlighted the rapid growth of the network since its inception. Mr Coates extended his gratitude to Fremington Parish Council for their unwavering support for this transformative project.

Sue Kingdom, Chair of Fremington Parish Council, shared her excitement, stating, "We're delighted that the project has been completed, and we now have a second landing site for our community." 

Jude Wood, Administrator and Projects Manager for Fremington Parish Council, expressed their thrill at being part of the grand celebration and highlighted the significance of having a second community landing site.

The significance of the community landing sites in expanding nighttime operations has been pivotal. The pre-surveyed and managed sites have offered crews flexibility in landing choices during nighttime missions, ensuring timely medical assistance.

Since the 200th community landing site has now become operational, Graham Coates revealed excitement about the ongoing development of landing sites in the years to come. 

For those interested in learning more about DAA’s Community Landing Sites or proposing a potential site, contact Graham Coates at g.coates@daat.org.