BASICS Devon releases powerful short film highlighting life-saving impact across the County
- Fundraising Manager
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
BASICS Devon has released a moving new short film telling the story of a cardiac arrest survivor Gillian, 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 one survivor’s journey from collapse to recovery, showing how BASICS Devon medics bring 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 and Glenda Cooper, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Resuscitation Officer and Treasurer. This was made possible with funding contribution from National Lottery Community Fund to help raise awareness and engage the community they serve, and thanks to Ocean City Media, Dartmoor National Park, North Dartmoor Search and Rescue and especially all of our 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. 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, they conducted 25 community education sessions and are 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.
The film is now live on BASICS Devon’s website, YouTube, and supporter channels.
A community screening event will also be announced at a later date to thank everyone involved.
Please watch and share the film at Every Second Counts: Saving lives in Rural Devon
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.
To support, visit https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/donate/basics-devon
ENDS
Notes to editors: ·
About BASICS Devon
BASICS Devon is a network of 16 emergency volunteer doctors providing immediate access to specialist medical care at the scene of an accident or illness. Making themselves available around the clock throughout the year, responding to incidents at the request of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. The charity relies solely on donations.
• BASICS Devon doctors aim to provide a fast response to incidents in rural areas and use their extensive skills to support patient care.
• For further information, to donate or get involved please visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
The film was produced by Ocean City Media for BASICS Devon and part funded by National Lottery Community Fund
Please share via social media, local groups, health networks, and community organisations. Use hashtag #EverySecondCounts and tag @BASICSDevon.
For further information please contact Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager
amie.bull@basics-devon.org.uk T: 01752 936299 or visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk
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