BBC Home
Explore the BBC
BBC News
Launch consoleBBC NEWS CHANNEL
Last Updated: Sunday, 16 May, 2004, 08:32 GMT 09:32 UK
Ambulance stands by to take off
Jennie Bond - PA
Jennie Bond's donation was the largest the charity has ever received
The Devon Air Ambulance Trust has confirmed that it will launch its new helicopter in September.

The new aircraft has been bought using some of a £260,989.85 donation made to the trust by former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond.

The new EC135 helicopter will include a state-of-the-art computerised navigation system.

It will officially come into service at a ceremony being held at Powderham Castle near Exeter on 3 September.

Extra seat

Ms Bond's donation came from money she raised from being voted runner-up in the reality TV show "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here".

The new helicopter's call sign will be "DAAT", standing for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

As well as the computer navigation system, the aircraft boasts several features that the trust says will make it safer.

The helicopter's main rotor blades are higher than its current aircraft.

The cabin also has an extra seat in it, meaning crews can also take a seated patient, or a friend or relative if a stretchered patient is being attended to.




SEE ALSO:
Bond wins cash for air ambulance
10 Feb 04  |  Devon
Air ambulance's cash plea
26 Aug 03  |  Devon


RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

News Front Page | World | UK | England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | Politics
Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health | Education
Have Your Say | Magazine | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific