Devon Air Ambulance is an independent charity providing specialist emergency medical care to people across Devon and neighbouring counties. Operating two emergency helicopters and a fleet of Critical Care Cars, its highly skilled pilots, doctors and paramedics deliver time-critical treatment to patients suffering serious illness or injury, wherever they are.
Founded in 1992 following the vision and determination of Ann Ralli, who campaigned for an air ambulance service in Devon after the tragic loss of her son Ceri, the charity has grown into one of the region’s most vital emergency services. Today, its crews can reach all areas of Devon by air within approximately 20 minutes, bringing advanced pre-hospital care directly to patients when every second counts.
Devon Air Ambulance operates from airbases in Exeter and North Devon and responds by both air and road, ensuring patients can receive specialist care regardless of weather conditions or location. The charity’s helicopters and Critical Care Cars carry the same advanced lifesaving equipment, enabling crews to provide hospital-level interventions at the scene of an incident.
Demand for the service remains high. During 2025, Devon Air Ambulance attended 2,125 land and air missions across Devon and neighbouring counties, including 395 missions carried out during the hours of darkness. Crews responded to a wide range of emergencies, from cardiac arrests and serious trauma incidents to road traffic collisions and other life-threatening medical emergencies.
Since launching in 1992, Devon Air Ambulance has attended more than 36,700 missions and continues to invest in innovative ways to improve patient care. Alongside its emergency response service, the charity supports local communities through CPR and defibrillator awareness training, helping more people develop the skills and confidence to save lives.
Unlike NHS emergency services, Devon Air Ambulance receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of supporters, fundraisers, lottery players and volunteers. Every donation helps ensure its crews can continue providing specialist, lifesaving care to those who need it most across Devon and beyond.
