Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
The Dorset And Somerset Air Ambulance Charity
    Search
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    Lottery Donate
    Menu
    • 20 Years By Your Side
    • Who We Are
      • About Us
      • Our Team
        • Trustees
        • Patrons and Ambassadors
        • Crew
        • Staff
        • Volunteers
      • Mission, Vision, Values
      • Annual Report
      • Join our Team
    • What We Do
      • Clinical Operations Throughout COVID-19
      • Clinical Capability
      • Patient and Family Liaison
      • Aircraft and Car
      • Medical Equipment
      • Deployment and Delivery
      • The Facts
      • Outreach and Education
      • Injury Prevention
    • Why We Do It
      • Patient Stories
      • Share your Story/Feedback
    • How To Help
      • Join our Save a Life Challenge
      • Donate
      • In Memory Giving
      • Other Ways to Donate
      • Lottery
        • Join our Lottery
        • This Week's Lottery Results
        • Grand Draw
        • Adhering to COVID-19 Guidance
      • Fundraise for Us
      • Fundraise Online
      • Leave a Legacy
      • Volunteer
      • Shop
    • News / Events
      • News
      • Blog
      • Beeline Magazine
      • Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge
      • Events in aid of DSAA
    • Contact Us
    • Admin
      • Log in
    • Basket: (0 items)
    • About Us
    1. Who We Are
    2. About Us

    About Us

    Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a registered charity, established to provide relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance service, with an air and road-delivered critical care capability. We receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Our operational costs are over £5 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000. 

    Since our launch in 2000 we have flown thousands of missions. We are tasked as part of the normal ‘999’ emergency process by a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk located at Ambulance Control (paid for by the South West Air Ambulance Charities) and can attend up to eight or nine incidents in a single day.

    Our airbase is situated at Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset/Somerset border. From there, we can be at any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. More importantly, the helicopter can, if required, then take a patient to the nearest Major Trauma Centre in the South West within a further 20 minutes.

    Chief Executive Officer, Bill Sivewright, shares how far we have come since our formation in 2000.

    Structure, Governance and Management

    Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is controlled by a Board of Trustees embracing a balanced spectrum of skills and experience including Healthcare, Aviation, Legal, Business, Finance, Military 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. Representatives from Specialist Aviation Services and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASfT) also attend Board meetings as required, to provide additional operational advice. 

    Code of Conduct

    Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fundraising behaviour and adhering to the standards set by the Fundraising Regulator. We are also a member of Air Ambulances UK (AAUK), the national organisation representing, supporting and advocating the life-saving work of the UK's 21 air ambulance charities.

    Published: 11th September, 2017

    Updated: 8th October, 2020

    Author:

    Share this page
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Latest

    • Supporting Our NHS Colleagues With COVID-19 Transfers

      Supporting Our NHS Colleagues With COVID-19 Transfers

    • 2 mile walk for Air Ambulances Save a Life Challenge

      2 mile walk for Air Ambulances Save a Life Challenge

      Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) is a registered charity, established to provide relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance.

      I’m supporting DSAA as they receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Their operational costs are over £4 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.

    • Operations throughout Covid-19 Video

      Operations throughout Covid-19 Video

      Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides a critical care service from 7.00am - 2.00am every day of the year. This video explores how our service has operated during the pandemic.

    • COVID-19 Update

      COVID-19 Update

    Most read

    • With Sadness

      With Sadness

    • This Week's Lottery Results

      This Week's Lottery Results

      To view the latest Flight for Life Lottery results, simply choose the week number that you would like to check.

    • Join our Lottery

      Join our Lottery

      Our Flight for Life Lottery is the easiest and most sustainable way that you can support us!

    • About Us

      About Us

      About us. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a registered charity, established to provide relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance service, with an air and road-delivered critical care capability.We receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Our operational costs are over £4 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000.

    • Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge

      Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge

    • Head Office - General Enquiries

    • Recycle

      Recycle

      Recycling is one of the most effortless ways to support us. You would be amazed at the amount of funds that can be raised in this way, especially as you would probably have thrown most of these items out!

    • Aircraft and Car

      Aircraft and Car

      We operate 19 hours a day (7.00am – 2.00am) using two vital resources, which include our AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) helicopter and Critical Care Car.

    • Deployment and Delivery

      Deployment and Delivery

      Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is tasked by a dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk, located at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust clinical hub in Exeter.

    • Critical Care Doctors

      Critical Care Doctors

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Sitemap
    • Accessibility
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Privacy Statement
    • Contact Us 

    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