Devon Air Ambulance are offering a fun way for nimble-fingered supporters to help their patients.
Often crews assist patients in remote, exposed places like the moors and, for many months of the year, while the weather is far from friendly.
Cold patients who have been subject to a serious trauma are at higher risk of bleeding, which is why it is important that clinicians manage the temperature of our patients.
Both the aircraft and Critical Care Cars are well stocked with disposable fleeces, blizzard blankets and insulating ready heat systems to help maintain the patients’ body temperature. But while patients are well insulated, and depending upon their specific needs, sometimes a patient’s head also needs to be kept warm and protected from the elements.
The trust is very fortunate to have received generous donations of dozens of home-knitted hats and beanies, lovingly and skillfully hand made by crafty volunteer supporters.
They are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been busily knitting and donating wonderful woolly hats as these have made a meaningful difference to the comfort of patients on scene.
Since September 2024, the Patient Services team has used 44 hats and the supply is now running low. It’s thanks to the kindness and skill of supporters that they have been able to keep so many patients snug over the winter months. But they need more!
Can you help? If you’re you able to knit more hats for patients, your efforts would be greatly appreciated.
They welcome your support for adult-sized hats for patients. Below is some guidance to help you get started.
- Style – any colour(s), stripes or monotone
- Sizes – adults, small, medium and large
- Materials – wool blends, soft acrylic, and hypoallergenic yarns are all wonderful options. The closer the weave the better – think cosiness and comfy.
Here are a few things to avoid:
- Avoid anything scratchy or heavy – comfort is key!
- We don’t need any baby hats – fortunately we don’t attend too many infant / paediatric incidents.
- Please don’t include embellishments like buttons, bobbles, tassels or glitter.
- Please avoid scented wool.
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Please bring your finished hats to the Exeter Head Office at 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS during working hours 9 am-5 pm week days, or drop off at your local DAA shop in a bag clearly marked ‘Hats for HQ’.
Do message if you’d like to post them instead by contacting volunteer@daat.org.
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