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, 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.

Operations

We operate 19 hours a day (7.00am – 2.00am) providing a critical care service, using our AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) helicopter and critical care car. We also provide an enhanced care service using our outreach car in Dorset from 10.00am – 10.00pm, whilst working towards providing a seven-day per week service in Somerset for 2022.

We are tasked as part of the ‘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).

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.

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 fulfil their responsibilities within clearly defined and approved Terms of Reference. The Board comprises a Chair and up to twelve other trustees. It has two sub committees responsible respectively for staffing and remuneration and finance. It is policy to maintain a balance in county representation on the Board.

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.