Busman's holiday for Devon Air Ambulance Trust volunteer

Charity volunteer Rick Walker was taking a relaxing stroll with his dog along Exmouth seafront on Sunday morning, when he heard a noise he knew so well. It was the Devon Air Ambulance helicopter coming down to land at the seashore. Rick, a volunteer for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust for nearly 5 years, managed to capture the scene on his camera phone and sent them to the charity.

The aircrew were called to attend an adult female suffering a medical collapse. Help was already on hand thanks to a volunteer lifeguard, part of the Exmouth Beach Rescue Club, who patrol the beach during the off season. The Air Ambulance paramedics stabilised the lady before airlifting her to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital at Wonford.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said 'Our volunteers are an integral part of our fundraising team, and we really couldn't do without them. In fact, we have over 200 volunteers who support us in a variety of ways. We are always grateful to receive photos such as this, as it enables us to show our supporters and future donors what sort of incidents Devon's two Air Ambulances attend. If anyone ever takes photos of either of our helicopters we would be delighted to receive them, and if can use them in the future, that really helps.'

She added, 'If you would like to find out more about volunteering for the charity why not contact us? This could be at one of our charity shops, or by attending an event with a stand, giving talks about our work, accepting a cheque on our behalf, to servicing our red collection boxes in your area. Please call Debbie Collingwood on 01392 466666 or email
d.collingwood@daat.org