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The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was launched in March 2000 and thanks to the tremendous support given by the public were able to upgrade to a new generation aircraft in March 2007.

The Eurocopter EC135 is bigger, faster and quieter than the previous Bolkow 105 and enables us to provide the best possible journey to hospital.  With an average of 3-4 missions a day and over 5,000 missions to date, the air ambulance continues to prove its’ necessity as one of the key emergency services.

The helicopter is leased from Bond Helicopters and costs in excess of £3,500 per day to run.  It is crewed by a pilot and two paramedics and is capable of carrying two stretcher patients, plus a third sitting passenger. It flies comfortably at 150 mph and can be anywhere in the two counties within 19 minutes of receiving the emergency call, making it ideal when time is critical in life-threatening situations.

The charity has a band of loyal volunteers who give us the ‘gift of time’ and help us ensure this vital service continues to fly.  It also runs its’ own ‘Flight for Life’ Lottery which at present has over 22,000 members.

Thank you for your continued support!