Vertu Volvo Exeter Helps Keep Devon Air Ambulance Flying High
Vertu Volvo Exeter is helping ensure that Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) continues to soar.
Since 2019, the Exeter-based dealership has played a key role in keeping the DAA’s fleet of Volvo XC90 Critical Care Cars in top gear, enabling rapid response and pre-hospital care across the region - particularly in situations where helicopters are unable to fly due to inclement weather or essential maintenance.
Devon Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Cars, all Volvo XC90s supplied by the dealership, are specially equipped to handle emergencies that require immediate and often lifesaving medical interventions. Operating every day of the year, these vehicles allow DAA’s highly skilled medical teams to reach patients swiftly especially in areas where accessibility is more difficult for the aircraft to land such as urban or city locations.
The cars are fitted with rapid response blue light technology and carry the same advanced medical equipment as DAA’s helicopters, ensuring that life-saving procedures can be performed at the scene, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Jon Thompson of Devon Air Ambulance expressed his gratitude for the dealership’s unwavering support: “Vertu Volvo Exeter has been a fantastic partner from the start. The team’s flexibility, generosity, and eagerness to support our mission have been simply outstanding. The vehicles are vital to help us maintain a presence in key areas, improving response times and enabling us to reach more patients across the county.”
Ben Williamson, Service Manager at Vertu Volvo Exeter, highlighted the dealership’s commitment, stating: “We are delighted to support Devon Air Ambulance. Our goal is to continue working closely with the organisation, ensuring that our partnership contributes to the wellbeing of our community here in Exeter and across Devon.”
Last year, Devon Air Ambulance responded to a record 2,226 incidents, an 18% increase from the previous year. Of these, 814 were attended by their Critical Care Cars, underscoring their vital role in the charity’s operations.
The recent expansion of the fleet to four XC90 Critical Care Cars, acquired through Vertu Volvo Exeter was made possible through a generous donation from the HELP Appeal and will further enhance DAA’s ability to save lives across Devon.
As the partnership between Vertu Volvo Exeter and Devon Air Ambulance continues to grow, the addition of new vehicles and ongoing support ensures that DAA is fully equipped to meet the increasing demands of emergency pre-hospital medical care.
Both organisations are committed to this collaboration for many years to come, with a shared goal of making a positive impact on the community.