Medical Equipment

Airway/Breathing Equipment
Cardiovascular Equipment
Paediatric/Neonates Equipment

All of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s medical devices meet the highest and most complex requirements and standards of critical care and aviation medicine (BS EN 13718-1:2014+A1:2020). These standards do not only extend to the medical device, but for its integration and fixation with the helicopter and car through European Aviation Safety Agency certification (EASA PART-21: Design). The equipment is selected through a rigorous procurement process for the device’s performance in a pre-hospital and hospital critical care environment to treat patients of any age.

State of the art medical devices for monitoring critically ill patients, undertaking diagnosis and provided critical care treatment as well as back-up devices are carried by our clinical team. This includes non-invasive and invasive pressure monitoring, as well as spontaneous and controlled breathing machines for patients of all age ranges. The patient’s requirements are governed by portable blood gas analyser to ensure bespoke patient treatment. All vehicles have oxygen cylinders onboard with an installed patient stretcher and harness and a range of critical care medication.

WATCH the following video where Critical Care Practitioner Stuart Cox, provides an overview of some of the specialist medical equipment used by the clinical team.

We have also included an overview of the different types of specialist medical equipment and what they are used for below.

Airway/Breathing Equipment

Video Laryngoscopes - McGrath and GlideScope GO

Video laryngoscopes incorporate an integrated camera and display monitor. They provide indirect visualisation of a patient’s airway to assist in the placement of a breathing tube into the lungs.

Blood Gas Analysis System - Abbott i-Stat 1

The i-STAT 1 gives hospital blood testing to wherever it is needed. This allows DSAA clinicians to expedite care by undertaking diagnostic tests at the roadside within minutes, rather than waiting to get to a hospital. It only needs using only a few drops of blood and in a few minutes, you gain a result.

Suction Unit - Laerdal LCSU 4

The LCSU 4 is a small portable unit to clear patients’ airways to assist in breathing or by placing a breathing tube.

Cardiovascular Equipment

Critical Care Portable Invasive and Non-Invasive Monitor/Defibrillator/Cardioverter and Pacemaker - Zoll X Series Advanced Parameters

This is a multiple parameter monitor for all patients we care for. This helps manage a range of complex patients from those that need defibrillation to the most advanced blood pressure or neurological monitoring.

Medication Infusion Devices - Fresenius Kabi Syringe Driver

Fresenius Kabi syringe drivers allow medication to be given at a set rate and dose.

Ultrasound Devices - Sonosite iViz

The Sonosite iViz is a portable ultrasound machine allowing the DSAA clinicians to look at the heart function and injuries within the abdomen or the chest.

Blood Products Cooling Equipment - Credo Cubes

The Credo Cube is a chilled medical materials container which keeps medication and blood products at a safe temperature for up to five days. These are restocked by the blood lab at the Dorchester Hospital.

LUCAS - Deliver High-Performance, Continuous Chest Compressions

The LUCAS chest compression system, provides benefits both to the cardiac arrest patient and the pre hospital critical care team and allows compression to continue whilst the patient is moved.

QinFlow Warrior

This is a portable blood and IV fluid warmer for mid and long-haul critical care transports in the pre-hospital environment.

Blizzard Air Ambulance Edition Kit (AAE)

The Blizzard Air Ambulance Edition Kit (AAE), has been designed and tested in collaboration with clinicians from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the team at Blizzard Protection Systems Limited. The blanket has been developed with Blizzard’s 3-layer Reflexcell material, has an integral hood with shoulder protection and a beanie hat. The AAE kit is designed for the patient’s comfort and to protect them from the elements, whilst trapping valuable heat within the blanket, which improves the thermal management and treatment provided to critically ill and injured patients. It also has a class 1 medical device certification and it is manufactured in Wales.

Blizzard Air Ambulance Edition Kit Training Video

This short training video outlines the key features and benefits of the bespoke AAE kit, along with instructions for its use in the pre-hospital environment.

The AAE Kit, has been developed as a commercial product available for sale and global distribution by Blizzard. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance will not benefit financially from the sale of this product.

For more information and to purchase the AAE kit, please contact Blizzard direct by calling: 01248 600666, emailing: [email protected] or by visiting their website.

Paediatric/Neonates Equipment

Child Restraint System – Ferno Pedi-Mate Paediatric Transport Harness

Ferno transport harness system is paramount when children are being transported. It allows DSAA to support children of a relatively broad age and weight range whilst travelling in the helicopter.