We are calling for support from skilled kniteers to knit hats to keep our patients snuggly on scene.
A fun way for nimble-fingered supporters to help our patients.
Often our crews assist patients in remote, exposed places like the moors and, for many months of the year, while the weather is far from friendly.
Cold patients who have been subject to a serious trauma are at higher risk of bleeding, which is why it is important that clinicians manage the temperature of our patients.
Both the aircraft and Critical Care Cars are well stocked with disposable fleeces, blizzard blankets and insulating ready heat systems to help maintain our patients’ body temperature. But while patients are well insulated, and depending upon their specific needs, sometimes a patient’s head also needs to be kept warm and protected from the elements. We’re calling upon the support of the knitting community to help!
Adding knits to our kits
We’re very fortunate to have received generous donations of dozens of home-knitted hats and beanies, lovingly and skillfully hand made by crafty volunteer supporters.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has been busily knitting and donating wonderful woolly hats as these have made a meaningful difference to the comfort of patients on scene.
Since September 2024, our Patient Services team has used 44 hats and our supply is now running low. It’s thanks to the kindness and skill of our supporters that we have been able to keep so many patients snug over the winter months. But we need more!
Can you help? If you’re you able to knit more hats for our patients, your efforts would be greatly appreciated.
Knit together!
We welcome your support for adult-sized hats for our patients. Below is some guidance to help you get started.
- Style – any colour(s), stripes or monotone
- Sizes – adults, small, medium and large
- Materials – wool blends, soft acrylic, and hypoallergenic yarns are all wonderful options. The closer the weave the better – think cosiness and comfy.
Here are a few things to avoid:
- Avoid anything scratchy or heavy – comfort is key!
- We don’t need any baby hats – fortunately we don’t attend too many infant / paediatric incidents.
- Please don’t include embellishments like buttons, bobbles, tassels or glitter.
- Please avoid scented wool.
Drop-off details
Please bring your finished hats to our Exeter Head Office at 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS during working hours 9 am-5 pm week days, or drop off at your local DAA shop in a bag clearly marked ‘Hats for HQ’.
Do message us if you’d like to post them instead by contacting [email protected].
Don’t forget, our shops typically have a crafting section where we stock plentiful donations of wool and knitting needles, so if you’re low on supplies then you can turn these gifted donations into something wonderful for our patients!
Happy knitting!
