CORONAVIRUS: Devon Air Ambulance begins prioritising patients

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust has today announced that it will be prioritising patients it 'can bring the greatest benefit to'.

In a statement released today (March 16) the trust outlined its plans for responding to emergencies during the Coronavirus outbreak, after consulting with the NHS.

Devon Air Ambulance spokeswoman Sarah Burden said: "Our service is usually there for anyone who needs it. However, to enable us to provide the best care during the current pandemic, the condition of patients we attend is likely to be different. We are working closely with the NHS and the South Western Ambulance Service to ensure we are responding to the patients we can bring the greatest benefit to.

"At this challenging time, the NHS and emergency services are extremely busy, so it is essential that we work with them to coordinate the best possible level of healthcare provision. Our primary objective remains to bring the greatest benefit for our patients and the people of Devon."

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Sarah added: "Alongside our aircraft this may include increased use of our Critical Care Cars and our clinicians supporting our colleagues in the NHS. Our clinical leadership team are keeping this under continual review.

"With the cancellation of community events and fewer visitors to our shops there will be an impact on our fundraising and income, however, we hope that the public will continue to support us during these challenging times as we continue to provide the best care possible to our patients."