1986
In 1986, Ann Thomas’ son Ceri was tragically killed in an accident in which he was knocked from his bike. When she asked what could have saved her son, she was told that the quicker a patient receives treatment the better their chance of survival. This stayed with Ann and she launched the ‘Ceri Thomas Appeal’ to raise funds to get an Air Ambulance in Devon.
1992
On 27 August Devon’s Air Ambulance flies its first mission. Prior to this the crew and helicopter landed on Exeter’s Cathedral Green for a blessing by the Bishop of Exeter. The service launches flying five days a week.
1997
On 7 July 1997 the service is extended to seven days a week.
1999
Devon-born Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies launches a larger stretched Bolkow aircraft at The Gipsy Hill Hotel, Exeter.
2001
In September, Devon Air Ambulance launches its own in-house lottery.
2002
DAA celebrates the 10th anniversary of its first lifesaving mission with its Air Ambulance Challenge. This involved visiting all emergency helipads throughout the UK.
2002
Ten years on the Bishop of Exeter re-blesses the helicopter and crew.
2004
In June, the new state of the art EC135 helicopter arrives. This was leased from Bond Air Services.
2005
A cycling accident left 17 year-old, Tom Staniford, with similar injuries to those suffered by Ceri Thomas. Tom was airlifted to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Wonford, Exeter. Despite arresting twice in the aircraft he went on to make a full recovery.
2005
In May, a second aircraft launches, based in North Devon. The Bolkow 105dbs helicopter is operational five days a week.
2006
HRH Princess Anne opens a new airbase shared with Devon and Cornwall Police air support team.
2006
In January, the service celebrates the arrival of a purpose built incubator. DAA were the first Air Ambulance to have one, which was funded by corporate supporters.
2007
CEO Heléna Holt joins the Charity.
2007
The country’s first HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) dispatch team is created by DAA. It is based at the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust’s (SWASFT) 999 call centre.
2007
In May, the second helicopter, based in North Devon extends its service from five to seven days a week.
2008
In October, the Charity buys a Eurocopter EC135 helicopter (G-DVAA), which includes customisation of fit. The Exeter-leased aircraft moves to North Devon to replace the older Bolkow aircraft.
2009
After being gifted the land for a new North Devon airbase by Barry Pearson of Eaglescott Airfield, trustee Jack Lomas digs the first turf.
2010
In January, the Steve Ford airbase is officially opened. The airbase is named after our much-loved pilot Steve Ford, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
2012
January saw the conclusion of the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal, which exceeds all expectations by raising over £852,000.
2012
DAA celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first flight with a special weekend of celebrations at Darts Farm, Exeter. Pictured second right is founder Ann Thomas with DAA team members.
2012
In June, flying hours are extended during Summer months – flying up to 14 hours a day.
2013
DAA celebrates the 21st anniversary of its first lifesaving mission with a special weekend at Darts Farm, Exeter.
2013
In October, the Charity buys its second custom build EC135 (G-DAAN). This aircraft is future-proofed and night-flight ready.
2014
In March, the Charity becomes completely independent after being awarded its own Air Operating Certificate (AOC) by the Civil Aviation Authority.
2015
Working in partnership with DAA, Plymouth University launches a new Msc Pre-hospital Critical Care/ Transport and Retrieval Masters degree for aircrew.
2015
Doctors fly on board for the first time, acting as mentors as part of the Master’s degree.
2016
‘Make night time flight time’ awareness campaign is launched.
2016
The first tranche of 20 paramedics pass their first year Msc Pre-hospital Critical Care / Transport and Retrieval Master’s degree course.
2016
The first community landing site opens.
2016
In November, night flying starts – flying up to midnight every day.
2017
We celebrate 25 years of lifesaving service. Patients and staff gather to celebrate the service.
2018
Devon Air Ambulance lists its 100th patient during the hours of darkness
2019
The 100th Community Landing Site goes live.
2019
Flying hours extend to 2am.
2019
Devon Air Ambulance is named in The Sunday Times top 100 not-for-profit companies to work for.
2019
In April 2019 Devon Air Ambulance becomes clinically independent.
2020
We are awarded 13th place in the Best 100 not-for-profit companies to work for.
2020
In March we expand our service with two Critical Care Cars
2020
Our 150th Community landing Site goes live
2020
Our new helicopter touches down in Devon for the first time.
2020
In October we open our online shop – a space for online shoppers to support more people to access the same affordable, quality, preloved items.
2021
We continue delivering our service to the people of Devon and beyond over the course of the pandemic.
2021
We advance our commitment to environmental sustainability.
2022
Our patient services team rolls our a series of Cardiac and defibrillator training days across Devon as part of our Help with all your heart campaign.
2022
We launch our First Responder Volunteer Scheme.
2022
We celebrate 30 years of lifesaving service.
2023
We treat our 5,000th patient since clinical independence in 2019.
2023
Devon Air Ambulance Founder, Ann Ralli, is awarded the title of Life President of the charity.
2023
Devon Air Ambulance is awarded 2-star accreditation from best Companies.
2024
We introduce two further Critical Care Cars to the fleet.
2024
We celebrate our 200th Community Landing site.