AirTime - Winter 2015 newsletter

Air TimeThe Cornwall Air Ambulance Magazine Winter 2015

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING Trek Sahara///04

Find your reason to fundraise.

INTERVIEW15 minutes with Steve Garvey/// 18

FEATUREA Lifeline to the Scillies///12

Follow us @corwallairamb

CONTENTSWINTER 2015

— 02 Foreword

— 04 Events & Fundraising

— 10 Sweet Violet

— 12 A Lifeline to the Scillies

— 14 Thankyou

— 16 Mission News

— 18 15 Minutes with Steve Garvey

— 20 Good News

— 22 Groundcrew News

I’m delighted to report that Cornwall Air Ambulance is embarking on an exciting phase in enhancing patient care, by introducing educational support doctors alongside the paramedic aircrew from 2016. We are also about to commence flying in hours of darkness. This will increase the service availability by up to three and a half hours a day in the depths of winter. The helicopter can now continue to operate after 16.30hrs until approximately 20.00hrs using its Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS). These systems were paid for by the fundraising of widow Victoria Milligan after the terrible tragedy of the speedboat accident in Padstow. The next nearest air ambulance in the South West Region with NVIS technology and

Summer 2015: The Difference Your Support Made

198

126.5 hours Total Flying Time funded by people like you

Missions Flown

114 Medical Emergency Missions

53 Cardiac Emergencies – 1 in 4 missions

29 Neuro Conditions

19 Babies, Children and Teens Helped

17 Beach and Coast Incidents

FROM 1 JUNE TO 31 AUGUST 2015

27 Patients Suffered Serious Falls

30 Patients Suffered Head Injuries

26 Patients Suffered Leg Injuries

78 Trauma Injury Patients

28 patients involved in road traffic collisions, 6 were cyclists, 5 were motorcyclists

providing this extended service is based in Wiltshire, so we expect to play a very important role in saving lives this winter. We can only make developments like these with your support. I would just like to add that this charity has never and will never sell any of its supporter databases. We rely on your donations being voluntary, and our donors can let us know at any time if they prefer to receive more or fewer newsletters, or if they want to help us save money by being added to the thousands of supporters who already receive updates from us by e mail. Thank you for continuing to help us to save time and save lives.

ForewordPaula Martin, Chief Executive

02 AIR TIME WWW.CORNWALLAIRAMBULANCE.ORG.UK 03

1

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

SAHARA TREKSwap the sands of Cornwall for the sands of the Sahara in our exciting challenge in September 2016. You could be joining other fundraisers on the trek of a life-time through the dunes and wilderness of the Sahara Desert. You’ll complete this amazing challenge with one inspiring thought in your mind: you’re helping to keep Cornwall Air Ambulance flying. The challenge takes place from 22nd September – 1st October 2016 and with six days of trekking over rough terrain is challenging but achievable. You’ll make your way through the desert, past sand dunes and over wind-carved ridges, sleeping in traditional Berber tents along the way and feasting on Moroccan meals. Your destination is Erg Chegaga – the highest dune in the region – and the metaphorical and physical highlight of your trek. As well as experiencing one of the greatest wilderness regions on the planet, you will also get the chance to have a day in Marrakech to soak up the sights and sounds of modern day Morocco – a world away from the traditional tranquillity of the dunes. Registration for this challenge costs £350 and we’re asking our trekkers to fundraise £2,500 which will cover your trip costs and a donation to the charity. If you’re not the bucket shaking type, you can take the ‘self-funding’ option which means you pay your own costs and only have to fundraise £1,250.

2

Events & Fundraising

Whatever your interests, there are many ways to fundraise for the Cornwall Air Ambulance

KNOCKOUT FUNIf you ever watched the TV show ‘It’s A Knockout’ you’ll know that it was packed with silly games and even sillier costumes and if you were at Pencarrow House on 23rd August that’s exactly what you would have seen at the Cornwall Air Ambulance ‘It’s A Cornish Knockout’ competition. The rain during the weekend couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 60 people that took part in the event. They battled it out over foam-covered inflatables and dance contests to be crowned champions and, although only one team could take the title, everyone had a fantastic time. In the end, it was a close run competition but the trophy went to ‘Ninja Warriors’ from MoneyPlus in Truro who came prepared with matching outfits and ninja headbands! Each team pledged to fundraise £500 for Cornwall Air Ambulance and, along with money raised on the day, the event raised over £4600. We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the teams that took part and everyone who came along to support them on the day. Big thanks also go to Ann’s Cottage for sponsoring the event.

If you think you could claim the

title of ‘Knockout Champions 2016’

then keep an eye on our website for

details of next year’s event.

To find out more about this

exciting challenge head to www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/sahara or call Becky Wise on 01637 889926.

WWW.CORNWALLAIRAMBULANCE.ORG.UK 0504 AIR TIME

FLYING HIGHStepping out of a plane door at 10,000 feet and freefalling at 120 mph above the stunning Cornish coastline. Sound like fun? Then why not sign up to a sky dive next year.Our next tandem skydive is in April and takes place at the Cornwall Parachute Club in Perranporth. Jumpers receive a pint of Sharp’s ale, a pasty, T-shirt, certificate and medal to mark your achievement.

RUNNING UP SUPPORTWe have ten places for the Plymouth Half Marathon taking place on Sunday 17th April. It features stunning coastal views, a charming harbour and the beautiful National Trust grounds of Saltram Park, as well as the iconic Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake once played bowls.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIROn Sunday 22nd November from 11am to 4pm the helicopter hangar at the Newquay HQ is home to the annual Christmas craft fair. With a large variety of craft stalls, a raffle, tea and cake and a teddy tombola, it’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead with your Christmas shopping.

4

5

Registration for this challenge costs £395 and then we’re asking our cyclists to fundraise £3,895 which covers your trip costs and a donation to Cornwall Air Ambulance. If you’re not the bucket shaking type then you can take the ‘self-funding’ option which means you pay the trip costs yourself and then fundraise £1,750.

VIETNAM CAMBODIA CYCLEJoin us on an epic adventure from 16th – 27th November 2016 and cycle from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. You will cycle over 400km in six days and explore two of the most stunning countries in South East Asia – pedalling through the lush Mekong delta as well as the dry fields and forests of Cambodia. You’ll pass tranquil temples and explore the exciting city of Phnom Penh. Cycling off the beaten track will make sure you see the best both countries have to offer, chatting to the locals and experiencing life in this part of the world. Cycling between 35km and 95km in high humidity each day will make this challenge tough but achievable by anyone who is willing to put in the training or perfect for experienced cyclists wanting a different view from their saddle.

3

To find out more about this

exciting challenge head to www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/cycleasia

or call Becky Wise on 01637 889926.


This really is the thrill of a

lifetime so do call us on 01637 889926 to secure your place.

It’s also a great chance to meet the paramedic crew and pilot and see the helicopters close up.

Please call Becky Wise on

01637 889926 to book your place.

6


AU REVOIR LONDON, BONJOUR PARIS

On Friday 11th September, 19 cyclists clipped on their cycle helmets and made their way to the London Eye to begin a cycle challenge that some of them had spent almost a year preparing for. The challenge saw the group cycle 300 miles over four days between two of Europe’s most iconic cities – beginning at the London Eye and finishing under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Cycling through the English countryside from London to Dover was the longest day in the saddle at over 90 miles but the weather in France was the biggest challenge of the trip with heavy rain and wind making going a little soggy! As well as training hard in preparation for the trip, our cyclists also fundraised hard for Cornwall Air Ambulance raising almost £23,000 between them to help to continue the life-saving work the helicopter and aircrew provide for the people of Cornwall.


Amongst the group of fundraisers were aircrew paramedics Stu Croft and Steve Garvey. Steve said about the challenge, “Working on the helicopter, Stu and myself see first-hand the difference it can make to people’s lives and it was fantastic to be involved with such a great group of people so passionate about fundraising for the charity. The experience of cycling through France with 30mph headwinds and driving rain is one I’ll never forget and everyone should cycle down the Champs Elysees at least once in their life!”

8

HAVING A BALLA superb £30,000 was raised by the annual ball held at HQ. This year’s theme was ’Heliwood’ and it was an especially glitzy and glamorous evening. The auction featured great prizes such as diamonds, helicopter flights and magnums of champagne. Hotly battled for was a Poldark experience which was the opportunity to spend a day with the cast and crew of the popular TV drama set in Cornwall. Bids were attracted from as far afield as America and Switzerland. Our sincere thanks goes not just to those revellers that made it such an enjoyable evening but to the sponsors that made it possible, Medical Aviation Services, Ann’s Cottage, AE Adventure and Newquay Plastics.Next year’s ball has a circus theme and is titled the astonishing, amazing Acro-CAAT ball.

7

ARE YOU A KEEN CYCIST?To find out about our 2016 cycle challenge

from Vietnam to Cambodia, visit our

website www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/cycleasia

BOOK FOR NEXT YEARIt takes place on Saturday 16th July.

Tickets are £70 and can be reserved by

calling Hayley Cayton on 01637 889926.


A Lifeline to the Scillies

FEATURE SHIRLEY’S STORY

“To say that Cornwall Air Ambulance is valuable is an understatement. It is a lifeline.”

Shirley Graham who lives in St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly.

Shirley has been airlifted by the air ambulance in two medical emergencies and her son has also needed a lifesaving journey.

The first time Shirley was helped was when she broke her ankle. It was a very nasty break and she was not able to travel in the commercial helicopter so the Cornwall air ambulance came to her rescue and took her to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske. The second time was potentially fatal as her appendix burst. Once again, the air ambulance took her in quick time to the mainland hospital and she made a full recovery. When Ethan, her five year old son, came home from school complaining of a bad stomach ache, Shirley took him to the doctor. Within ten minutes the doctor called the air ambulance, suspecting that the boy was suffering from serious appendicitis. Shirley says, “The air ambulance was a Godsend, particularly as it was the first time that any of my children had been very ill. It was very scary and there was no time to grab a bag but the crew and the ‘I’ve been airlifted’ teddy really helped to quieten Ethan down. They were great and I can’t praise their service enough. They are heroes.” Happily Ethan made a full recovery, thanks to the speed with which he received hospital treatment.

It takes the Cornwall air ambulance just 28 minutes to fly to the Isles of Scilly from its base in Newquay. From here patients can be taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Derriford Major Trauma Centre or the Bristol Children’s Hospital, depending on which unit is most appropriate. “I can’t put into words what the residents of the Scillies feel about the air ambulance,” says Shirley. “We were delivered into the safe hands of the Royal Cornwall Hospital in no time. We see it fly over the islands every day, if not more. I simply don’t know what we would do without it.” In September the helicopter visited the Scillies eight times but the summer months tend to demand more frequent visits.

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY TO TELL?Due to patient confidentiality the charity is unable to follow up on what happens with patients that the crew tend to. This makes us reliant on patients and their family getting in touch with us to tell us about their experience. Having stories from people that have been airlifted is the very best way to show people what we do and how vital our emergency care is.

If you have a story that you would like to share, please call Lisa Young on 01637 889926 or email her at [email protected]


Thank youCornwall Air Ambulance receives no government or National Lottery funding for its running costs so we rely on people like you to keep us flying.

1. Friends and family of Bob Hall ran a fishing competition and charity auction in his memory, raising £4643.51

2. CAAT volunteers Shaun Silvester and Anthony Berry organised a Ten Tors sponsored walk and fun day, raising £2385.30

3. David and Charlie Mead raised £1338.24 from their cycle ride from John O Groats to Lands End

4. Camel Valley Vineyard raised £1620 through guided tour upgrades

5. Callington Young Farmers who presented our volunteer Paul with a cheque for £1200 following a year of fundraising

6. Mr and Mrs Juby who raised £800 with their summer garden party

7. Everyone who organised and took part in the Joe Way Paddle this year raising £150

8. The Cornwall Community Foundation and the Lord St Levan Fund for donating £1461.25 for a LUCAS Heart Compression Unit

9. Dobwalls Beer Festival Committee for supporting us once again and raising £2000

10. Launceston Community Market who raised £500 throughout the year at their weekly market

11. Martin Jennings Ride Out organisers who allowed our volunteers to collect £4697.30 at their ride out

12. Linden Homes who raised £6931.13 at their charity golf match

3

5

6

Here’s just a few examples of how people have recently supported us.

THANK YOUS

1 2

4

11

8

9 7

1012


MISSION NEWS

Since spring the paramedics have been using the Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) when the helicopters are grounded by bad weather. Due to our summer having been so inclement, those occasions numbered more than a few! In fact from 1 June – 31 August the vehicles attended 43 missions. Our crews were the first on scene in over half of these incidents. Six of these occasions involved a baby, child or teenager and twelve of the emergencies featured cardiac problems while eight of them were resultant from falls. So, when you see our vehicles out on an emergency you know that even though bad weather has grounded the helicopters, we are still here to help you in your time of need.

Rapid Response Vehicles in Demand

Mission News

BACK TO SCHOOLThree of the paramedic team are studying for a Masters degree in Pre-Hospital Critical Care/ Retrieval and Transfer. Paramedics Steve Garvey, Stuart Croft and Mick McLachlan are taking the three year course run by the University of Plymouth to further boost their critical care knowledge. Steve said: “This extra qualification will give us the knowledge and the clinical skills to provide an even higher level of care to our patients. It will provide us with the platform to better look after and manage our specialist patient groups, both in the retrieval and transfer of critical care patients within specialist situations.”.

New Lifesaving Kit

The £22,000 ZOLL Patient Monitor can monitor an enhanced range of vital signs and also gives greater accuracy than previous monitoring equipment. The ZOLL is also a defibrillator, which can be used to treat patients suffering cardiac emergencies, which account for around a quarter of missions. Paramedic Mick McLachlan said, “Unusually, the ZOLL is not specific to certain conditions; it’s a piece of kit we will use on nearly every patient we treat – for medical and trauma emergencies, and for adults and children. It really will help enhance the lifesaving care we can provide.Fundraising like this from the local community is not only what keeps us flying, but also allows us to keep advancing the care we can provide.”

Fundraising like this from the local community is not only what keeps us flying, but also allows us to keep advancing the care we can provide.

Cornwall Air Ambulance has been presented with a new piece of lifesaving equipment, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Cornish Lions Clubs.


“What’s great is finding someone who is seriously ill or injured and being able to improve their health through our care.”

Steve Garvey, Lead Paramedic on the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

This is the seventh year that Steve has been working on the air ambulance. He joined the

ambulance service in 2000 as, having a compassionate nature, he had a strong desire to work in the emergency services. When he was a junior in the service he says that he was “in awe” of the paramedics’ skills and levels of responsibility yet just five years later he became a paramedic. At this point

15 minutes with Steve Garvey, Lead Aircrew Paramedic

INTERVIEW STEVE GARVEY

he thought that it was a pipe dream to become a paramedic on the air ambulance. A couple of years had passed when Steve finally applied to be an aircrew paramedic. “After two observer placements with the crew I just knew that I could work within that environment and I knew it was the job for me,” he said.

The recruitment process was thorough, as one might expect. It included fitness tests, running and swimming tests – in full ambulance uniform. Lifting assessments featured lifting an 80kg manikin and an outward bound day on Dartmoor tested for teamwork, leadership and endurance. Following challenging clinical scenarios and a more traditional office style interview, Steve was selected. “In the air ambulance crew I found paramedics with excellent clinical skills that I really respected. They pushed themselves, were self-starters and showed real commitment. I wanted to be challenged as a clinician and challenged in a specialised critical care environment.” Steve starts work at 7.30am when the team have half an hour to get organised for the twelve hour shift ahead. This involves getting the aircraft ready to go by signing the necessary drugs such as morphine and ketamine into the helicopter, checking all medical equipment and supplies. Meanwhile the pilot checks weather reports, fuel levels and aviation related notifications. Once the medical crew and the pilot are satisfied that the helicopters are ready to fly, they book on with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team based in Exeter. This is part of the South Western Ambulance Service which tasks the crew and seconds paramedics to the HEMS team. “I like the fact that we are quite a small team, like a family, so I’m working with people that I really trust and can rely upon.”Despite being a Cornishman, Steve has one criticism of his beloved county. “Cornwall’s temperamental and localised weather patterns are often a huge problem for accessing a patient by helicopter. However, working in a fantastic county and being able to fly around it and see its beauty from above as part of my job is a privilege.”“I knew it was the

job for me.”


Good NewsWe have some touching thank yous from patients that the crew have cared for via our Facebook page. Here are just a few:

“Awesome”“Your amazing crew airlifted me to Treliske when I was 35 weeks pregnant with my twin girls. I started hemorrhaging really badly and suddenly a paramedic was on the scene within only a few minutes and she quickly called for the air ambulance. I was transported to a nearby field where the helicopter was waiting to take me to Treliske. I can’t say enough good things about the paramedics or the air ambulance crew, I was obviously petrified but they kept me calm (and even made me chuckle by making jokes about how huge I was!!) You guys are all truly awesome xxx”Kay Collins – Angove

“Could have lost his arm”“My son was crushed by a car and damaged his leg and arm and could have lost his arm if it hadn’t been for the air ambulance getting him to Derriford so quickly from the Royal Cornwall Showground. They were so lovely as I had a fear of flying and had to go with him. We will never be able to thank them enough xxxx”Olwen Dalley

“Saved my life”“I was on holiday in Cornwall in 2009 when I collapsed with a pulmonary embolism. The air ambulance had to land on the first tee of a golf course to get to me! I was told by doctors that I was lucky to survive and that being able to get to the hospital quickly made all the difference as it would have been an hour by road. I believe you saved my life. Thank you!”Jo Miller

SUPPORT FROM CARY GRANT! Members of our Ebay team had an incredible surprise when they were given an autograph book to sell. It was full of the signatures of Hollywood actors and actresses including Cary Grant, Ivor Novello and Lillian Harvey. The donated autograph book held the signatures of fourteen actors and actresses that enjoyed their heydays through the 1930s. Our team auctioned the prized donation in early October and secured £130 for the charity. In this year alone the team have made over £4000 from the online shopping site.

If you’d like to see what else we’re selling then follow Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust on Ebay.

“Given 48 hours to live”“I was the 1001st patient and was flown from Treliske to Derriford hospital. I was only 18 months old with serious burns. I was given 48 hours to live but am now 28. Thank you guys very much x”Jordan Andrews

“Serious injuries”“Connor fell 100 feet off a cliff on a beach near Newquay last October. Fortunately a passer by found his bag at the top of the cliff before spotting a body lying some 100 feet below. Our crew were called and found Connor to have sustained serious injuries so they flew him straight to hospital. We can now report that Connor is back to full health.”Mrs Simmonds


ROYAL VISITHRH Duchess of Cornwall, the charity’s patron, arrived in July to unveil the rebranded helicopter dedicated to the Isles of Scilly, but also to officially cut the turf on the new volunteer annexe building. What a day was had by over two hundred people, many of whom got to talk to the Duchess. Some even met her husband Prince Charles as he arrived to fly from HQ to London.

Groundcrew News

GREEN FINGEREDOn 17th May, we held our annual Plant Sale at HQ. This was a chance to get some plants for the garden and to see the new helicopters close-up for the first time.

ROYAL CORNWALL SHOWThe new helicopter attracted many visitors at the Royal Cornwall Show, especially children. The volunteers from our Wadebridge shop ran a charity retail outlet which was very successful.

TIME FOR TEAThe volunteer High Tea took place in the HQ hangar and was dedicated to thanking the volunteers for all their efforts in donating their time to keep the helicopters flying. Local entertainers Johnny Cowling and Cornish Connection enthralled the guests, whilst The Round Kitchen supplied a lovely tea. This year’s event was anonymously sponsored which made it even more special and we would like to thank those donors for enabling many volunteers to be rewarded for giving their time and effort to the charity.

ANNIVERSARYOur Newquay shop had its first anniversary on the 18th September, with charity mascot Hercules paying a visit and cakes being sold to customers, plus a weekend of events in and around the shop. Fun was had by all.

GIFT OF TIMEThroughout the year, we have maintained the numbers of volunteers at approximately 250, many based at our retail shops. We now have six shops in the county, all of which are run with volunteers and staff. They manage all of the donations received by sorting it and getting it ready for display plus covering the shop floor and the till. Many of these people volunteer every week and show such dedication to this life-saving charity. We also have volunteers who support us at events and HQ. They are all truly amazing and we really could not manage without them.

Our Great Groundcrew, the volunteers that we collectively call Groundcrew are the life-blood of the charity.


This is my donationStep 1: Your Name and Address

Title: First Name(s): Surname:

Home address:

Postcode:

Email: Telephone:

EITHER: Make a Regular Donation

To: The Manager, Bank or Building Society

Address:

Postcode:

Name/s of Account Holder/s:

Account Number Sort Code ref:

Amount to be debited £ (in words)

Monthly Quarterly Annually

Date of first payment: / / Until further notice / Date: / / (delete as appropriate)

Signature: Date:

Please return to: Cornwall Air Ambulance, Trevithick Downs, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4DY

For Charity Use Only: Please donate to Beneficiary Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, Registered Charity 1133295. Bank name and address: HSBC, 3 Fore Street, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2HU

Account Number Sort Code

3 1 4 5 8 9 0 6 4 0 1 2 2 2

OR: Make a One Off DonationI enclose a cheque payable to ‘Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’ for

£5 £30 £100 other £

Keeping the air ambulance flying

Sweet VioletViolet Hann and her husband Jim had been taking part in the charity’s Mission Maker Lottery for two years when suddenly the time came that they needed the very air ambulance that they had been supporting. Jim complained of feeling unwell, his stomach swelled up and he suffered breathing problems. Violet called 999 and when the land ambulance crew arrived, they decided that the air ambulance was needed. Our helicopter landed in one of the Hann’s fields and took Jim to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske. He was fitted with a pacemaker and recovered well. When Violet wrote her will earlier this year, she decided to remember Cornwall Air Ambulance in it. A quarter of all missions are funded by someone like Violet leaving us a gift in their will. This is the equivalent of funding all of the cardiac emergencies our paramedic crew attended last year.

Make it your Mission Play our Lottery

If you would like a confidential chat about leaving a legacy to Cornwall Air Ambulance or would like to visit the airbase to find out more, please call Susie Croft on 01637 889926.

You could win £1000 by taking part in our lottery. Tickets cost just £1 per week. To sign up please visit cornwallairambulancetrust.org/lottery or call us on 01637 889926.

22 AIR TIME

www.cornwallairambulance.org Tel: 01637 889926 Email: [email protected]

Registered Charity No: 1133295. Registered Charity Name: Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. VAT Registration No. 985 6171 76

Step 3: Would You Like To Know More?

Fundraising Regular Giving Corporate support

Volunteering Booking a speaker Leaving a Gift in your Will

Receive this newsletter by post

Step 2: Can You Gift Aid Your Donation?I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 that I gave up to April 2008 and will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008.

Please Gift Aid all qualifying gifts of money made (tick all you wish to apply):

In the past 4 years Today & in the future

Signature: Date:

Please notify us if you wish to cancel this declaration, change your details or no longer pay sufficient tax.

Documents

AirTime - Winter 2015 newsletter