BASICS Devon has released a moving new short film telling the story of a cardiac arrest survivor Gillian Kirkman (60), from Newton Abbot, and the vital role the charity’s volunteers play in saving lives across rural Devon.

The film, “Every Second Counts: Saving Lives in Rural Devon” follows her journey from collapse to recovery, showing how BASICS Devon medics takes hospital-level emergency care straight to the roadside, farm, or home when every second counts.

It features long serving volunteers, Dr Simon Scott-Hayward, the volunteer doctor that attended to Gillian on October 17, 2018 and Glenda Cooper, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Resuscitation Officer and Treasurer.

Gillian said: "BASICS Devon didn't just save my life, they actually gave me a chance to have a really full life again.”

The video in which she features was made possible with a funding contribution from National Lottery Community Fund to help raise awareness and engage the community they serve.

BASICS Devon thanks Ocean City Media, Dartmoor National Park, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue and especially all of its volunteers.

“This film shows the human side of what we do — every intervention, every extra pair of skilled hands can mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr Simon Scott-Hayward.

In 2024, BASICS Devon volunteers responded to hundreds of emergency call-outs across the county, including cardiac arrests, major trauma, and serious medical emergencies.

One of the BASICS Devon doctors, a still from the short film.
One of the BASICS Devon doctors, a still from the short film. (BASICS Devon)

Call-outs have increased up to 30% in recent years and BASICS Devon consistently arrives first on scene 40% of the time, this underlines the mounting demand and the strain on rural healthcare response times.

Most recently BASICS Devon responders were on scene at the M5 multi-vehicle crash and Plymouth’s major block of flats fire, treating 13 casualties.

Since January the volunteers have responded to 283 emergency callouts.

BASICS Devon is a charity run entirely on donations and volunteer commitment. It receives no government funding, yet provides a vital link in Devon’s emergency response network, especially in rural areas where delays in ambulance arrival time can significantly affect survival chances.

Beyond emergency response, BASICS Devon is passionate about health education and community empowerment.

In 2024, it conducted 25 community education sessions and is launching a Community Volunteer Programme, enlisting local medical professionals and community members to extend their reach, and also a Community Defibrillator Programme.

They target areas with longer response times, providing training, equipment, and volunteer support to improve survival rates and reduce long-term disability.

A community screening event will also be announced at a later date to thank everyone involved.

Support by spreading the word or volunteering your time www.basics-devon.org.uk

BASICS Devon relies entirely on charitable donations. Gifts of any size help with travel, specialist medical kit, training, and community outreach.