DEVON Air Ambulance has confirmed that 2018 was the busiest year in its 27 years of operation, having assisted 1,109 patients, an increase of 12 per cent from the previous year.

Nigel Hare, Operations Director for Devon Air Ambulance said: “We knew we had been busier, and in fact have helped an additional 119 patients in 2018.”

He added: “Trauma related incidents, for example, road traffic collisions and accidental injuries equated to 49 per cent of the patients we responded to, with the remaining 51 per cent being medical emergencies, e.g. heart attacks or breathing problems.

“We are here for all ages and 121 of our missions (11 per cent) were to under 18s. We also attended two patients who were aged over 100!”

Heléna Holt, CEO of Devon Air Ambulance added: “Keeping the service airborne last year cost £7.5 million. Raising this amount to ensure the stability of the service is a huge task but being able to further extend our service to 2am really is testament to the fantastic supporters we have throughout Devon.”