Any one, at any time, could require the services of the Air Ambulance: no one is immune!
We are a local Service – provided for local people – supported by local people
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a REGISTERED CHARITY (No: 1078685) and a Company limited by Guarantee. The Charity was established in January 2000.
The operational costs of our helicopter are £1.4m a year, that’s approximately £3,800 per day. We receive no funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely almost entirely on the generosity of the public to ensure we keep flying.
Since our launch we have attended literally thousands of life saving missions. On average we are deployed 3-4 times per day, however during the summer months this can increase up to 8 and we can be anywhere within the two counties in under 19 minutes of receiving an emergency call, making our service the ideal choice in life-threatening or time-critical situations.
Our Helicopter (Eurocopter 135) is based at Henstridge Airfield, just off the A30 between Sherborne and Shaftesbury and it flies comfortably at 150mph.
A key element of the Air Ambulance is that it can take patients direct to an appropriate specialist hospital that will meet the patients’ clinical needs.
Address and Contact Information (Registered Office)
Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
Landacre House
Castle Road
Chelston Business Park
WELLINGTON
TA21 9JQ
Tel: 01823 669604
Fax: 01823 664756
Email: info@dsairambulance.org.uk
Public Benefit
DSAA provides the funds to operate, support and administer an emergency helicopter for the benefit of the communities of Dorset and Somerset. The more the helicopter is tasked, the more it publicises the work and achievements of the air ambulance and creates a fund of good will towards the Charity and its aims. Each sortie provides analytical data on which to base decisions regarding the future requirements of the air ambulance and inform the Charity’s Business Plan as to the best allocation of resources. The voluntary help and generosity of the population of both counties translates into positive publicity and yet more funding support for the Air Ambulance.
Structure, Governance and Management
DSAA is controlled by a Board of Trustees embracing a balanced spectrum of skills and experience including Healthcare, Aviation, Legal, Business, Finance, the Services, Charities and Local Affairs. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the DSAA constitution and fulfill their responsibilities within clearly defined and approved Terms of Reference. The Board comprises a Chairman and up to twelve other Trustees. At least four Trustees represent each County. The Board is strengthened by the Deputy Finance Director of SWAST who is the Company Secretary, and a Consultant Anaesthetist who is the Honorary Medical Adviser. Representatives from Bond Air Services Limited and SWAST also attend Board meetings as required to provide additional operational advice.
Annual Report
To view our 2009 annual report please click here.
To view our 2008 annual report please click here.
