Devon Air Ambulance’s new Airbus H145 gives medics more space

The New Year brings with it new and exciting projects and plans for Devon Air Ambulance (DAA), though one of its biggest operational developments happened in November, when its new Airbus H145 helicopter went into service.  

After many years of planning and collaboration on an international level, the new aircraft, based at Exeter airport, became operational. Critical Care Paramedics are on site from 07:00 hrs until 02:00 hrs waiting for a call and can be airborne and on their way to assist their patient within just two minutes. 

Medical fit-out designed by the service 

Ian Payne, Flight Operations Director, explained: “We were absolutely thrilled to bring the Airbus H145 home to the people of Devon. Their determination to raise the funds needed, coupled with our determination to deliver this magnificent aircraft, means we now have state-of-the-art flight systems and much-improved space available to treat and convey patients. 

“It has a bigger airframe than our EC135 and we have designed our own medical fit-out, which includes a unique seating configuration so that up to three clinicians can all access a patient, either on the ground or when in flight, with their vital life-saving equipment and monitors laid out systematically and within easy reach.” 

In true DAA tradition when a new helicopter joins the fleet,  G-DAAS would have been flown around the county to show her off and say thank you for the help that hundreds of supporters gave to bring her to fruition.However, with the pandemic continuing to stand in the way, there are now plans afoot to instead host virtual tours that will give a bird’s eye view and closer look at the interior. 

A larger clinical area crucial during pandemic 

Specialist Critical Care Paramedic Jess explained one of the main advantages of the new aircraft: “The larger clinical area in the 145 means that we are able to keep more of our equipment with the patient in flight. With the smaller 135, prior to loading the patient, the clinical team must prioritise which equipment needs to be kept with the patient and which can be stowed in the front left-hand seat as there's less space available to keep everything in the back.  

“Throughout the pandemic, this became increasingly challenging because a protective screen segregates us in the clinical area from the pilot in the cockpit; therefore, once equipment is stowed in the front, it can't be accessed. The 145 eradicates this problem as all kit remains at the patient’s side and within our easy reach.” 

The H135 helicopter formerly based at Exeter has now relocated to the service’s North Devon airbase at Eaglescott near Burrington, which means that Devon now has two aircraft with full night vision capability, another invaluable benefit when the crew are called out to assist a medical emergency in the hours of darkness.