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A site for young people, parents, teachers and group leaders to learn about and get involved in supporting Devon Air Ambulance
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Young patients: Harry Tansley's Dramatic Christmas
Sarah Burden
Christmas was very different for one Exwick family in 2016, but fortunately it had a very happy ending.
With all the excitement of being on school holiday and Father Christmas due in just a few days, 8-year old Harry Tansley from Exwick was happy to be out scooting and skating along Exmouth seafront with his dad, his older brother Ben and their friend, Will.
They were having a lovely time until, for no known reason, Harry lost his balance on his scooter and fell – with the handlebar of his scooter catching Harry's throat as he toppled. The effect was immediate; Harry had a tear in his windpipe causing air to form under his skin with every breath he took.
First responders were quickly on scene and administered an IV drip but called for backup from Devon Air Ambulance who sent an emergency car with two aircrew paramedics and the helicopter with two further paramedics and a doctor on board.
Despite Harry's face, chest and stomach swelling rapidly, he and his dad remained calm and Harry was able to answer questions coherently. Paramedic John Shaddick explained, "When we arrived, Harry looked like an 8-year old body builder, he was swollen from his head to his groin. But he and his dad were both amazingly calm – Harry really was a 'perfect patient', particularly considering what was happening."
Rapid response: time is everything
Treating Harry in the back of the land ambulance, Dr Reed administered an anaesthetic and a tube was inserted to stop Harry's throat swelling shut and to keep him breathing. John Shaddick continued, "The teamwork of everyone working together was brilliant. Everyone, land crew, rapid response crew and aircrew, all knew what needed to be done, both inside and outside the ambulance. While Harry was being looked after, paramedic Nick Ratcliff advised Harry's dad and brother what was happening and spoke to Harry's mum, who was at work in Torquay, on the phone.
Harry was flown in the air ambulance to Bristol Children's Hospital (BCI) and his care was taken over by specialist children's doctors. His dad went in the aircraft too and was impressed by the speed with which they got there, "It would have taken so much longer by road. I was so grateful that Harry was in such good hands en route and that we got from Exmouth to Bristol in just 30 minutes!"
As he was gradually woken up from his induced coma on Christmas Eve, his family at his bedside were relieved to realise that his windpipe had 'healed itself' and there was no longer the need for surgery.
A flying visit to hospital - and back intime for Christmas
Christmas Day was made all the better with a visit from Santa Claus in the morning and, amazingly, a discharge from hospital in the afternoon. Back home in Exwick the remaining Christmas holidays remained fairly calm as Harry recovered from his ordeal.
His mum, Justine, called to say thank you, "We are just so grateful to everyone who helped Harry on 20th December. Without the skills of all the paramedics and Dr Reed and the helicopter getting him to Bristol so quickly, things could have been so different. My husband and I have decided that we are going to run a half marathon this year to raise funds for DAA, so that the service remains available to help others when they need it. We can't thank you all enough."
To make a life-changing difference to people like Harry and his family, find out about donating to Devon Air Ambulance, fundraising for us, or even volunteering a little of your time.
Published: 21st September, 2018
Author: Sarah Burden
Young patient stories
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The Motorcycle Ride Out
Rideout terms and conditions
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2020 was another busy year for Devon Air Ambulance as
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Mission map
Devon is a large county with diverse terrain. The Devon Air Ambulance mission map shows you where our Helicopters and our Critical Care Cars have been. Find out more.
Devon Air Ambulance stands down aircraft
Devon Air Ambulance will temporarily be responding to patients solely by critical care car, but its critical care paramedics will still to respond to patients with their specialist skills and equipment.
Play our lottery and save lives
Play the Devon Air Ambulance lottery for a chance to win a top weekly cash prize of £1,350. Of every £1 played, 76p goes straight back into the charity.
Thanks to your support, our two helicopters are able to provide essential lifesaving treatment as quickly as possible. We're there for you when it matters most.
Motorcycle Ride Out - 2018 online registration now closed
Online registration for the 2018 Motorcycle Ride out is now closed. Here you can read about details for the day, or you can register at one of the start points if you have not done so already.
Mission facts
Take a glance at the situations our ambulance teams encountered in 2020.
By making a donation your generosity and support really does make a huge difference. Please be assured you can donate simply and safely online. Your details will only be used to process your donation. Thank you for your support.
Why we are asking our supporters not to sign the petition for government to fund air ambulances
The response from Devon Air Ambulance to a petition to government for funding air ambulance services.
About the helicopters
Some interesting stats about our helicopters from last year (2019).
Our volunteers are fantastic people who donate their skills and time to support Devon Air Ambulance. Would you like to be one of them? Find out more.
There are all sorts of ways to help support your local Air Ambulance Charity. Read more
Published: 3rd April, 2019
Author: Naomi Palmer
Devon Air Ambulance
5 Sandpiper Court
Harrington Lane
EX4 8NS
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Devon Air Ambulance Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (1077998) | Company No. 3855746