DSAA Beeline, Issue 1 2017

FOREWORD
Welcome
elcome to the spring edition of
W
Beeline. This is a time of year when
nature shakes off its winter coat
and everything starts to grow like Topsy; the
same can be said for Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance.
Despite our best efforts, the entry into
service of our new AW169 helicopter was
unfortunately delayed. This was largely due to
the time it takes to gain operational clearance
certificates for all new aircraft designs and
modifications. However, fear not, we have spent
that time very productively.
On the aviation front, we have been
familiarising the crew with every aspect
of the new aircraft layout and training the
new members of our team. We have also
been adding the finishing touches to the
newly updated hangar facilities. The clinical
training room is already in constant use, the
crew can be found in and around there most
days conducting sophisticated simulations
using our hi-tech mannequin. The operations
planning room has been fitted with all the
necessary facilities for the safe and efficient
planning of day and night missions.
Part of this has been the installation of a
weather station at the side of the hangar that
automatically feeds the operations room with
key information such as wind speed, visibility
and the height of the cloud base. Accurate
data is essential for the safe conduct of flying
but becomes even more critical when we are
conducting night operations. The system we
have installed will also link to other systems,
giving an excellent picture of the weather
situation across the region.
Our new crewmembers have been incredibly
busy. They have all completed formal training
as HEMS technical crewmembers, enabling
them to play a full and active part in assisting
the pilot with the safe and effective operation
of the aircraft. The new paramedics have also
gone ‘back to school’ and started their MSc
in Pre-Hospital Critical Care/Retrieval and
Transfer, which is sponsored by the Charity.
So, as you can imagine, there’s not many idle
moments for them all!
For the rest of the Charity, life has been
equally ‘challenging’ as we have drawn these
major projects together. Keeping everyone up
to speed with where we are and, of course,
supporting all those who generously fundraise
on our behalf remains a top priority.
I have to applaud all those in the ‘back room’
whose tireless efforts enable us to turn your
donations into real patient benefit in the most
effective way possible.
Last but not least, I would like to add my own
thanks to Gareth Williams who retired from
his role as our Lottery Manager last month.
The Charity owes him an enormous debt for
the leadership and drive he brought to our
lottery over the years, making it one of the
most successful in the country. He is succeeded
by Caroline Guy, who has been Gareth’s deputy
for a number of years. I know she will help to
build on Gareth’s great legacy.
Bill Sivewright
Chief Executive Officer
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Published by:
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance,
Landacre House, Castle Road,
Chelston Business Park,
Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JQ.
Tel: +44 (0) 1823 669604
Email: info@dsairambulance.org.uk
www.dsairambulance.org.uk
Registered Charity Number: 1078685
Editor: Tracy Bartram
Assistant Editor: Lara Battersby
Designer: Anthony Collins
Production Editor: Claire Manuel
Front cover: Farhad Islam (a.k.a. Izzy)
© 2017. The entire contents of this publication are
protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior permission
of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
(DSAA). The reproduction of advertisements in this
publication does not in any way imply endorsement
by DSAA of products or services referred to therein.
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Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 3
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