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Dorset And Somerset Air Ambulance Charity
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    • shift-timeline
    1. What We Do
    2. Shift Timeline

    Shift Timeline

    As expected, no two days are the same for our air ambulance crew. In order to operate safely and effectively there are rigorous checks and procedures that are carried out during every shift, with every crew member performing a vital role.

    Arrival and Preparation

    Arrival and Preparation

    The first shift of the day starts at 7.00am. The pilot’s first task will be to go to the office to check the handover book, pilot log and notices to airmen (NOTAMS)... Read more

    Published: 1st February, 2020

    Updated: 27th October, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Briefing

    Briefing

    The team then come together for a briefing. This covers both the medical and aviation side of operations... Read more

    Published: 2nd February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Simulations

    Simulations

    Assuming the team have not been tasked to an incident, simulated exercises take place throughout the day... Read more

    Published: 3rd February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Tasking

    Tasking

    When our team receive a call from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk, the dispatcher will explain the nature of the incident (as it has been reported) and provides a grid reference to follow... Read more

    Published: 4th February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    In Flight

    In Flight

    We operate as a single pilot operation, which means that our clinical team are trained as technical crew members... Read more

    Published: 5th February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Landing

    Landing

    The pilot’s aim is to find the closest and safest landing site to where the incident is... Read more

    Published: 6th February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Debrief

    Debrief

    When the crew arrive back to our Henstridge airbase, their first priority is to ensure they are ready for the next mission... Read more

    Published: 7th February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Shift Changeover

    Shift Changeover

    During the shift changeover period, the day crew and the late crew meet in the briefing room to complete a structured aviation and clinical handover... Read more

    Published: 10th February, 2020

    Updated: 11th August, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    Night Hems

    Night Hems

    At night we operate with an extra practitioner whose main role is to act as a technical crew member, supporting the pilot with navigation, reading out heights, speeds and rates of descent, as well as assisting with general awareness... Read more

    Published: 11th February, 2020

    Updated: 31st October, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

    End of Shift

    End of Shift

    At the end of the late shift, the crew will bring Pegasus back into the hangar... Read more

    Published: 12th February, 2020

    Updated: 31st October, 2022

    Author: Lara Battersby

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    • Surgical Skills Training Day

      Surgical Skills Training Day

      Last year alone, trauma incidents made up 48% of the charity’s total number of missions. To ensure that the highest quality of care is provided to patients to give them the best chance of survival and recovery, the team undertakes extensive training together every month.

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    • About Us

      About Us

      Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides life-saving, pre-hospital critical care, to patients in need. We are your local air ambulance charity, a vital part of the community and we rely on your support.

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      Volunteering enables supporters to become more involved with a charity that is close to their heart. It gives people the opportunity to make friends, to learn new skills and to represent the Charity in a more formal way.

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    Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 3893356 and registered as a Charity number 1078685

    Registered Office: DSAA, Landacre House, Castle Road, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JQ.
    Telephone Number: 01823 669604

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