Celebrating Devon's special delivery
Monday, 10th November, 2008
Celebrating the launch of the new Devon Air Ambulance, from left to right: Markus Steinke, MD of Eurocopter UK; Helen Mackie, Devon Air Ambulance paramedic; Jennie Bond, Ann Ralli, founder of Devon Air Ambulance Trust; James Searle, South Western Ambulanc
Devon's new air ambulance has taken to the air - bearing the name of the celebrity who helped raise more than £260,000 to fund it.
Jennie is a state of the art Eurocopter 135, named after one of its major fundraisers, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond. The chopper is the first to be wholly owned by the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and cost over £3m.
Launched on National Air Ambulance Day, the arrival of the new aircraft allows the Trust's leased EC135 to cover the north of the county, replacing an ageing Bolkow 105dbs and improving the service for residents.
Helena Holt, Chief Executive of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said, "We did not take the decision to buy this helicopter lightly. We have a duty to all of our wonderful fundraisers and supporters across Devon to spend their hard-earned money as 
wisely as we can. This is a considerable investment but one which will pay dividends in 
cost savings for many years to come.
She added, "Air Ambulances are essential in a county the size and nature of Devon. They come into their own because they fly over any traffic jams, fly in a straight line, and are able to take the patient to the hospital which offers the best treatment for their particular needs, which may not always be the closest."
The new helicopter has already flown its first mission, flying a patient who was run over by a fork lift truck in a remote part of the county to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter.
