Beeline: The magazine for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Beeline
FEATURE
The Official Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Magazine
1
We help save lives, one day it could be yours
Issue 1 | 2018 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 1 01/03/2018 10:34

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1
FEATURE
FOreWOrD
elcome to our spring edition of
W Beeline. Since our last publication,
we have reached a number of
landmarks, many of which are included within
the magazine. Inside, you can read all about
how Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
was formed and how it has developed over
the years. I hope you will agree that it makes
interesting reading and that you are impressed
at how far we have come since the start of the
Millennium.
Now is a great time for looking forward and
that is exactly what we are doing; 18 years old
and raring to go!
We are currently all focused on where we
go from here and looking at every aspect of
the Charity’s operations from administration
and finance to clinical development and
provision. This is all set against a backdrop
of increasing regulatory pressure from
the Charity Commission, the Information
Commissioner’s Office and the Fundraising
Regulator. Governance, of course, remains
at the top of our agenda to ensure that we
continue to uphold the highest standards in
everything we do.
Our clinical development continues at a fast
pace with increasingly complex in-house and
multi-agency training scenarios being a regular
Welcome
feature. Some of the team have now passed
their Master’s Degree, which is an outstanding
achievement and our congratulations go to
them all. A number of others are working hard
towards achieving this qualification and all
should be praised for their commitment and
dedication to learning. This year, we are hoping
to recruit additional crew members in order
to add resilience to the team now that we are
operating for 19 hours a day.
As you read through the magazine you will
see the full picture of the last six months in the
life of the Charity. As ever, we are grateful to all
those who have shared their personal stories
and helped broaden the understanding of how
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance continues
to save and improve lives across the area – they
are why we do what we do!
People’s lives really do depend on us being
there; your support helps ensure that we
can be.
bill Sivewright
Chief Executive Officer
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Beeline
The Official Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Magazine
We help SAve liveS, One DAy iT cOulD be yOurS
issue 1 | 2018 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
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
lottery office:
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance,
unit 3, brook road industrial estate,
Wimborne, Dorset, bh21 2bh.
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 849530
editor: Tracy Bartram
Assistant editor: Lara Battersby
Designer: Anthony Collins
production editor: Claire Manuel
Front cover: Phil Hyde and Claire Baker
© 2018. 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.
If you currently receive a copy of our magazine or other communications from the Charity, please be assured that
your details will not be passed on to third parties, unless it is to support the charitable objectives of Dorset and
Somerset Air Ambulance. We never sell your data and we will never share it with another company or charity for
marketing purposes. If you no longer wish to receive these communications, you can ‘Opt Out’ at any time by
contacting us via the following means:
Tel: 01823 669604
email: info@dsairambulance.org.uk
post: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Landacre House, Castle Road,
Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JQ
BAMBOO HOUSE
PUBLISHING
For advertising queries, please contact
Bamboo House Publishing Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1225 331023
www.bamboohouse.co.uk
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 3
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 3 01/03/2018 10:34

CONTENTS
Contents
3 Welcome
A letter from the Chief Executive Officer
WHO WE ARE
6 About us
YOUR service, provided for people in YOUR area,
with YOUR support
7 An amazing journey
A few words from Roger Morgan, our Chairman of
Trustees, as he prepares to step down
9 Pegasus unveiled
Our new aircraft was formally named at a special
event held in Yeovil
WHAT WE DO
10 Outreach: ‘Working together,
saving lives’
Our ‘Outreach’ programme has helped us to build
trust, increase knowledge and save lives
11 Injury prevention
Our Critical Care Team are involved in a number
of projects
12 Clinical update
We are providing life-changing care for patients
across Dorset and Somerset
13 View from the cockpit
Mario Carretta, our Unit Chief Pilot, shares his
thoughts about flying Pegasus
14
14 How far we have come
CEO Bill Sivewright reflects on just how much has
been achieved since the Charity’s launch
WHY WE DO IT
16 “Things could have been very
different”
Claire Wilson was involved in a serious road traffic
incident, which saw her sustain multiple injuries
18 Thank you visit
Nine years after being airlifted, Darren Way, Manager
of Yeovil Town Football Club, paid DSAA a visit
19 “The air ambulance is invaluable”
After being airlifted following a crash, Jordan
Turner plans to help raise funds for DSAA
19 A huge thank you
Keen walker Mandy Bugler thanks the team
6
4 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 4 01/03/2018 10:34

CONTENTS
20 “I am so lucky to be alive”
DSAA was called out when Shena Kozuba-Kozubska
suffered multiple injuries after a riding incident
22 “I knew that I was in safe hands”
Time was of the essence when Tim Grizzell suffered
a heart attack and needed hospital treatment
25 “An emotional journey”
An update on David Little, who suffered a cardiac
arrest while at the gym
26 “It could have been a whole
lot worse”
DSAA were on hand when Jamie Moran had a quad
bike incident in a remote location
HOW PEOPLE HELP
29 Dorchester Marathon
DSAA are delighted to once again be the main
beneficiary of the Dorchester Marathon and
Casterbridge Half Marathon
30 Farewell, Jim
Praise and congratulations as Volunteer Jim
Burrows steps down
30 Time to saddle up
Help make 2018’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge the
best yet!
31 Fundraising
Why not have a spring clear out and raise money for
DSAA at the same time?
32 Flight for Life Lottery
Our Grand Christmas Draw was spectacular!
20
34 And the winners are…
Who are our latest competition winners?
36 New fundraising partnership
Brewer Hall and Woodhouse announces two-year
charity partnership with local air ambulances
IN THE COMMUNITY
38 In the community
Fundraising stories from across the two counties
HOW YOU CAN HELP
45 Ways to make a personal
donation
Please help us to keep flying
46 Help raise funds for DSAA
There are so many ways that you can support us
with your own fundraising events or activities
48 Check out our new website!
The brand new website has loads of great features
50 Postbag
A selection of readers’ letters
43
34
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 5
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 5 01/03/2018 10:34

WHO WE ARE
About us
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is YOUR service – provided for
people in YOUR area – with YOUR support
Since our launch
in 2000 we have
flown more than
12,500 missions
orset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a
registered charity, established to provide
D
relief from sickness and injury for the people
of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air
ambulance. 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 £2.5 million a year and the approximate
cost per mission is £3,000.
Operations
Since our launch in 2000 we have flown more than
12,500 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.
Providing Critical Care
Our cohort of clinicians include a mixture of Senior
Emergency Physicians, Intensive Care Consultants and
Anaesthetists and Specialist Practitioners in Critical Care.
All form part of the air operations crew and, as part of
their role, assist the pilot with navigation and operation
of some of the aircraft systems.
We provide a Critical Care Team, consisting of at least
a Doctor and Specialist Practitioner for each mission. The
doctors are predominantly drawn from NHS Hospital
Trusts across the region and the practitioners from the
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
(SWASFT). More recently, some clinicians have joined us
from further afield, broadening the skills and experience
of the team.
Pilots
Our pilots are provided by Specialist Aviation Services
Ltd, who operate our aircraft. They are carefully selected
because air ambulance flights are typically more
challenging than regular non-emergency flight services.
They will have a great deal of experience in low-level
operations and instrument flying.
Operational hours
We operate 19 hours a day (7.00am – 2.00am) using
two vital resources: our AW169 helicopter and Critical
Care Car.
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 the
Association of Air Ambulances (AAA).
6 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 6 01/03/2018 10:34

WHO WE ARE
An amazing journey
A few words from Roger Morgan, our Chairman of Trustees,
as he prepares to step down
he Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
T
goes from strength to strength. The last 18
months has seen a number of projects come to
fruition with a successful extension to operating hours,
the strengthening of our clinical team, the carriage of
blood products and of course the arrival of ‘Pegasus’
– our amazing new helicopter. Many of you will have
either seen it close up or possibly flying overhead in its
distinctive yellow livery. It certainly stands out and must
be a welcome sight to those who need our help.
The number of missions carried out by Dorset and
Somerset Air Ambulance has significantly increased in
the last five years. This demonstrates the need for the
level of expertise that our Clinical Team can provide and
is a testament to all the great work and achievements put
in over the years; not only by enhancing our capability
but also by creating awareness of these skills outside the
Charity through our Outreach Programme.
My nine years as a Trustee come to an end this spring
and what an amazing journey it has been. It has been
a joy to work with everyone associated with the service
and I feel very proud that we have been able to deliver so
many key projects in a relatively short timescale.
Thank you to everybody who continues to contribute
to this amazing charity – none of it would be possible
without you!
Welcome Hannah to the Board
Hannah Nobbs has become the newest member of our Board of
Trustees after a number of years as a volunteer. We asked her
what inspired her to do this…
I have really enjoyed my time as a volunteer, giving talks
to local groups and helping at a number of events. I’ve
even played my part in wearing Dasher (the Charity’s
mascot)! I love the sense of pride and ownership that the
public have when they talk about the air ambulance and
that makes me so proud to be associated with it.
Hannah Nobbs
is the newest
member of our
Board of Trustees
My background is in engineering, specialising in the
structural design and development testing of helicopter
rotor blades and controls. I worked for AgustaWestland
(now Leonardo Helicopters) between 2006-2016 and
during my time there was seconded to Italy.
I was actually in the room when initial discussions of
the concept of the AW169 were being made; things such
as how large was it going to be, the number of blades,
wheels or skids, cabin size etc. I helped pull together
some of the end user requirements and was involved
in the certification of the rotor system, so as you can
imagine, I am thrilled to see it finally enter into service.
I am now part of the Innovation Team at the RNLI
where we explore how new technology can assist with
future lifesaving.
It is an absolute honour to serve alongside a very
experienced Board of Trustees with such a diverse range
of skills and expertise. I hope that by using my skills and
experiences, I can play a part in further improving our
service as society needs and technologies change, all for
the benefit of our patients.
P.S. I am still doing talks and volunteering for events!
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 7
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 7 01/03/2018 10:34

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WHO WE ARE
Pegasus unveiled
Our new aircraft was formally named
at a special event held in Yeovil
aving announced that our AW169 helicopter
H
was to be named ‘Pegasus’ following a
competition last year, we were delighted to be
able to hold an event in January where the name of the
aircraft was formally unveiled.
Kindly hosted by Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, the
event gave the Charity an opportunity to showcase the
aircraft and inform guests of our vision and mission both
from a clinical and aviation point of view.
Geoff Munday, Managing Director of Leonardo
Helicopters, began proceedings by welcoming the
audience, before Roger Morgan, Chairman of Trustees
for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, responded by
thanking all those who support the Charity and have
helped make it so successful.
The ‘unveiling’ was entrusted to the Charity’s Patrons,
Annie Maw (Lord Lieutenant of Somerset) and Angus
Campbell (Lord Lieutenant of Dorset). They were joined by
Angela Andrews, Deborah Fear and Poppy Holt, three of
the winners of the naming competition.
Also in attendance were the young winners of an art
competition that the Charity ran alongside the naming
competition (you can read more about them on page
34). They were extremely proud and excited to have their
photograph taken standing next to an enlarged version of
their winning entry.
Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Chief Executive Officer, took to the stage and
congratulated the winners before giving a review of the
Charity’s vision and the key milestones reached since our
formation in 2000.
Clinical Lead Dr Phil Hyde continued proceedings
and talked about the Charity’s clinical mission. Phil was
then joined by Paul Jelley and Jennifer Molloy, patients
who both needed the services of Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance after being involved in a cycle and horseriding
incident respectively.
Finally, Unit Chief Pilot Mario Carretta spoke about
the aviation side of the service, highlighting some of the
key facts and differences between flying during the day
and at night and commenting on the pilots’ appreciation
of the new aircraft. The audience then congregated and
watched ‘Pegasus’ lift and fly off into a fantastic sunset,
back to its Henstridge airbase.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 9
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 9 01/03/2018 10:34

WHAT WE DO
Outreach: ‘Working
together, saving lives’
Over the past two years, we have seen a 60% increase in the number of
patients we have treated. This, we believe, is because of the patient advocacy
enabled by our ‘Outreach’ programme, which has been instrumental in building
trust, increasing knowledge and saving lives
ith a vision of being open, approachable
W
and supportive, Outreach gives professionals
and students alike an opportunity to
collaborate, reflect, learn and improve, all for the benefit
of our patients.
The project exists not only to forge and improve
relations across the emergency services community, but
also to inspire those caring for critically ill or critically
injured patients to continue improving their practice and
be given the foundation to pursue a career in pre-hospital
critical care medicine.
Outreach is all about teamwork and provides group
discussions, presentations and workshops, which
explain and demonstrate the capabilities of our team. It
encourages integration and communication, has enabled
better decision-making when tasking assets to assist a
Our Outreach
project forges
and strengthens
relations across
the emergency
services
community
patient, and helps a receiving hospital better prepare for
a patient’s arrival.
Immersive educational days enable us to engage with
universities, Community Responder Groups, Ambulance
Service staff, young Lifeguards and students within the
paramedic, medical and nursing background.
Collaborations have also been forged with our interagency
colleagues (HM Coastguard Search and Rescue,
Fire and Rescue Service, Police Firearms & HART Teams),
where simulated training exercises help identify the
different ways of working and the type of equipment
carried by all parties.
If you are one of our Emergency Services
colleagues or a student and would like to find
out more about Outreach and how you can get
involved, please email: dorset.somerset@nhs.net
10 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 10 01/03/2018 10:34

Injury prevention
WHAT WE DO
Many members of our Critical Care Team play an
important part in promoting the national integration
of injury prevention into NHS trauma systems; a topic
which is high on our agenda. Below are a number of
projects that our team are involved with and fully
support. We hope to further expand on these topics in
future editions of Beeline.
More information can be found via our website:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk
National Trauma Care Conference
Dr Phil Hyde organised and chaired whole-day injury
prevention programmes at the 2016 and 2017 National
Trauma Care Conference. This was a first for the UK
and injury prevention is now firmly embedded into the
annual National Trauma Care Conference.
Safe Drive, Stay Alive Roadshow
Dr Rob Török volunteers his time to a project called
Safe Drive, Stay Alive. This is a high-profile initiative led
by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service,
aimed at reducing the number of young people killed
or seriously injured in road traffic collisions. National
Health statistics state that young people are more at risk
of death from a road traffic collision than from any other
accidental cause. Despite this shocking statistic, there
is nothing in the school curriculum to educate young
people of the risk.
The Safe Drive, Stay Alive Roadshow was created
to fill that gap. It is presented by serving members of
the emergency services, parents of young people who
have lost their lives in a road traffic collision, those left
disabled and those that have actually caused a fatal road
traffic collision. It is designed to make the audience
aware of the nature and extent of personal tragedy and
suffering that road traffic collisions cause. It leaves the
audience with awareness of their personal vulnerability
and accountability as new drivers.
Every young person that leaves the roadshow fully
understands that they are at risk when they become a
new driver. This also means they are open to accepting
other forms of road safety messages, such as how
important it is to wear a seatbelt, stay within the speed
limit, never to drink and drive or drive under the
influence of drugs and to stay off their mobiles, to name
a few.
Across Dorset and Wiltshire, the Safe Drive, Stay Alive
project reaches more than 15,000 young people every
year. The roadshow is successful because it’s real, it’s
delivered by real people with real stories to tell.
To find out more how your school or organisation
can get involved, please visit: www.dwfire.org.uk
or email: enquiries@dwfire.org.uk
DocBike
Of all the road users in the UK, 1% of the miles are
travelled by motorcyclists, yet they account for around
25% of serious injuries and deaths. Motorcyclists don’t
The DocBike
project is headed
up by PC Chris
Smith and
Dr Ian Mew
necessarily have more accidents than other road users,
but because they lack the protection of being inside a
steel box, with a roll cage, crumple zones, seat belts
and air bags; when they are involved in a collision,
their injuries are significantly worse than that of other
road users.
The DocBike project is headed up by PC Chris Smith
QPM, (Police Traffic Officer and Advanced Police
Motorcycle Instructor for over 20 years) and Dr Ian Mew
(Intensive Care Consultant and Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance Doctor). Together they started the project by
delivering life-saving skills to local riders through Biker
Down courses (an interactive trauma aid skills session)
held at BikeSafe events across the region.
Not happy to just teach these skills to riders of all
ages and experience levels, Ian wanted to take them to
the roadside and so Dorset DocBike was born. In the
summer of 2015, DocBike made its first outing attending
the National BikeSafe event and attracted a great deal of
interest, being the first of its kind in the UK.
Two years on, the project has grown from strength to
strength and has won National Awards. DocBike plays
a key role in engaging with riders, delivering key road
safety messages and bringing bikers of all kinds into posttest
training.
Biker Down – Skills to save lives at
the roadside
Biker Down courses usually run between 7.00pm-
10.00pm. Topics covered include: (1) how to manage the
scene of an accident; (2) what you can realistically do to
keep someone alive until the ambulance arrives; and (3)
how you can make yourself more visible and less likely to
be in an accident. Biker Down courses are FREE! Not only
that, thanks to Bournemouth Bikes, you go home with
a free first aid kit, small enough to fit on your bike, but
capable enough to help save a life.
For more information on DocBike and Biker
Down, including a list of the course dates for the
coming year, visit: www.docbike.org
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 11
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 11 01/03/2018 10:34

WHAT WE DO
Clinical update
Through the
generosity of the
public, our clinical
and aviation team
are providing
life-changing care
for patients
across Dorset
and Somerset
any of these clinical interventions are
M
highlighted in the numerous patient stories
included within this issue of our magazine.
While our team are credited within these features, we
are keen to highlight that other clinicians will often have
played a significant part in the patient outcomes. At the
majority of incidents, we are not the first to arrive at
the scene and the first intervention is often performed
by a passer-by, family member or one of our emergency
services colleagues.
Our ‘Outreach’ programme is aimed at our colleagues
within the Ambulance, Fire, Police and Coastguard
services and shares information about what can be
achieved for patients when we work together. You
can read more about the programme on page 10. This
teamwork approach is helping to save countless lives
across the two counties and enables us to bring the
hospital to the patient, no matter their location.
That is why in future editions of Beeline,
where possible, we also intend to credit the
contribution of our colleagues.
We have now been providing a 19 hours
service (7.00am to 2.00am) every day since
April 2017. Rapid response cars were used
in the hours of darkness from April to
the end of October. At the beginning of
November, night operations began. At
present, one third of our operations are
now in the hours of darkness.
Team development
Every month, the team train together to ensure
that the highest quality of care is provided to patients.
This training, led by Emily Cooper and Owen Hammett,
has continued to improve the team’s dynamics and
performance and continues to be extensive. Some of
the latest topics include the inter-hospital transfer of
Pilot Phil Merritt
cycled the length
of the UK to raise
money for DSAA
adults and children, the use of infusion pumps, sedation
and vasoactive drug infusions, the testing of patient
extrication devices, troubleshooting and rapid packaging
of patients with limb injuries. The ‘scoop bridge’ has
also been introduced to our operations. This enables
our equipment to be mounted over the top of a patient,
improving safety and speed of patient packaging.
Education
Mark Williams, Michelle Walker, Paul Owen and Neil
Bizzell have successfully completed their Master’s Degree
in Critical Care Paramedicine; a truly wonderful and welldeserved
achievement. Claire Baker is also in the final
stages of completing her Master’s Degree.
Steve Westbrook, Lauren Dyson, Ollie Zorab and Owen
Hammett have all successfully completed the first year
of their Masters programme and are now proud holders
of Postgraduate Certificates in Pre-hospital Critical
Care. Additionally, they have worked to achieve
the Ambulance Service Skills Portfolio and
are now classed as Specialist Practitioners
in Critical Care.
Congratulations go to them all and
a big thank you to all the doctors
for mentoring and supporting each
practitioner through this process.
Other news
Pilot Phil Merritt completed the gruelling
cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in
super quick time and raised £1,747.63 for charity.
This was split equally between Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes. What an awesome
achievement!
And yes, they want to do it again! Nine members of
the team will take part in this year’s Coast to Coast Cycle
Challenge, which takes place on Sunday 13 May.
12 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 12 01/03/2018 10:34

WHAT WE DO
View from the cockpit
Mario Carretta is DSAA’s Unit Chief Pilot. He kindly
shares his thoughts about Pegasus and gives
an insight into flying the air ambulance
he team have seen many changes over the last
T
year, particularly on the aviation side. They
have learned how to operate two new aircraft
types: Pegasus (the AW169) and the MD902 Explorer
that acts as our spare aircraft. Additionally, we have
commenced night operations following an extended
period of training that started with night-vision goggle
theory and finished with simulated night missions to
unprepared sites. Throughout this time, I have been
thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the team
as they managed these changes while continuing to
provide an amazing service.
Our job as pilots, quite simply, is to use Pegasus to
deliver the clinicians and their equipment to the patient
as quickly and as safely as possible. We operate as a single
pilot operation, which means that both the doctors and
practitioners are trained as Technical Crew Members.
This enables them, among other things, to sit in the front
left-hand seat and assist the pilot with cockpit duties on
the way to the incident.
If we take a patient to hospital during the day, then
both clinicians will be in the cabin tending to the patient.
However, at night we carry an extra practitioner who
is assigned permanently to front left-hand seat duties.
Therefore, the clinicians are not passengers, but are
essential aircrew members who must understand and
keep current in aviation matters, as well as having to
ensure that they are fully prepared to deal with whatever
medical situation awaits them on arrival at scene.
The night operating environment is new to us and
actions that are easy to achieve in the day take longer
during the hours of darkness. We therefore take more
Unit Chief Pilot
Mario is impressed
by the capabilities
of the new aircraft
time in the planning of a night mission to give us better
situational awareness before we arrive at the scene. Using
satellite imagery, we look for suitable landing locations
and check for hazards such as wires and access points.
Prior to this, we would have also searched for the nearest
pre-surveyed landing site, just in case the location we
have chosen proves to be unsuitable due to things like
livestock or tall crops being present. Once overhead, we
check again for hazards by using the Trakkabeam light
(the white object on Pegasus’s nose).
We are fortunate to have the latest night-vision goggles.
For those that aren’t familiar, these goggles look like a
small pair of binoculars that attach to the front of our
flying helmets. They amplify what light is available and
project the image onto a small TV screen in front of
each eye. Their performance is amazing and allows us to
remain operational even on the darkest of nights.
We are extremely fortunate in Dorset and Somerset
to have many hospitals that have the ability to accept
our aircraft at night. This is a luxury that not all regions
have, and we are grateful to the local residents for their
continued support and understanding of the need to fly
night missions.
Pegasus is faster, and has better endurance and power
than any previous aircraft I have flown in this role. It
also has some excellent features, which help single pilot
operations, particularly when the weather starts to make
flying difficult.
Hopefully I’ve given you a little insight into what we
do and that you’ve also picked up on the fact that we are
delighted and impressed by the increased capabilities
that Pegasus gives us!
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 13
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 13 01/03/2018 10:34

WHAT WE DO
How far we have come
At our helicopter naming ceremony back
in January, CEO Bill Sivewright reflected
on just how much has been achieved since
the launch of the Charity 18 years ago
The beginnings
Although the first UK air ambulance charity was formed
in Cornwall in 1987, the pace of change since then has
been quite staggering. Interestingly, it coincided with
the early development of the Paramedic as a nationally
recognised clinician. At the time, the proportion of
patients attended by air ambulances compared to those
attended by road ambulances was, unsurprisingly, tiny.
That is why the pressure to form air ambulances did not
come from any national agenda or strategy, but from
local community initiatives.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
is born
In 2000, a grant from a fund established by the
Automobile Association (AA) of £14 million was
distributed to existing air ambulances and to those who
required ‘seed funds’ to start. Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance (DSAA) was one of the latter. We launched
the service in March 2000, operating out of Henstridge
in a BO105 with two paramedics and a pilot as crew.
The aircraft, pilots and engineering support all came
from Bond Air Services and the paramedics were
seconded from the Ambulance Service. On the first day of
operations, we came on line at 08.00am and at 08.52am
we were tasked to our first mission.
Funding
In the first three years of operation, the aircraft costs
were met by the AA grant and medical costs were met by
the Ambulance Service. Charity staff were therefore able
to concentrate their efforts on establishing a fundraising
model that was resilient, rather than be pressed into
short-term gains.
This model still operates today. Our focus remains
on establishing and maintaining the broadest base of
support while supporting those who fundraise on our
behalf. Our lottery is now one of the most successful
society lotteries in the country; what is most gratifying is
that many of our members simply regard it as
regular giving.
The clinical model
Our original model of operation was pretty much the
standard of the time and changed very little for many
years. The principle was to get to the patient as quickly as
possible, carry out immediate assessment, stabilise them
and package them for transportation to hospital.
As years have passed, what was initially a single model
for delivery has developed into a multitude of models.
Variances in aviation and clinical governance, ownership
of aircraft and employment of clinical staff are all now
part of the mix. Over the years, there have been cries for
a more consistent, national approach. Economies of scale
in procurement and ease of understanding for bodies
such as the Department of Health and the Civil Aviation
Authority are but two good arguments for taking that
line. However, it fails to recognise why such variability
exists in the first place.
The way we operate is subject to a number of variable
factors. Geography is an obvious one but the key factor is
that of the NHS environment in which we sit. Funding,
staffing, logistics and priorities for categories of care are
all subject to local influences and shape the environment
that we as an air ambulance operate in.
Our main NHS partner organisation is the South
Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust or
SWASFT. They cover the largest geographic area of any
14 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 14 01/03/2018 10:34

ambulance service in the country and uniquely, now have
five air ambulance charities operating within their area.
Clinical development
In 2011 we started looking for ways to further develop
our clinical capability. Bearing in mind we were still
strategically committed to a twin paramedic model of
delivery, our only course of action was to upskill our
paramedics. We decided that the best way forward
would be for our crew to undertake post-graduate
level education, which would provide them with a
qualification they could take with them anywhere.
We elected to fund a course accredited by the
University of Hertfordshire, which would be delivered
onsite at our Henstridge airbase. A ‘flying faculty’ of
consultants would act as mentors for the paramedics
both on land and in the air. The Service Level Agreements
required to secure the doctors from local hospitals
enabled us to establish close working relationships
with them and has benefited our patients, who
experience a much smoother transition from air
ambulance into hospital.
Having secured approvals from SWASFT and the
University (who had never run the education this way
before) we finally started the course in 2013. From the
outset, we gathered data to examine the effect that
having doctors in the mix had on our clinical delivery.
Within a very short time, it was apparent that the
enthusiasm of the paramedics for the exposure they
were getting to high-grade consultant mentorship in
real-world experience, coupled with the consultant’s
complete buy-in was delivering much more than the sum
of the parts. In 2015, our commitment to this project
was recognised nationally when we won a Health Service
Journal Award for Improving Outcomes through Learning
and Development.
We were, of course, not the first organisation to have
doctors as part of the team. However, terms such as
‘Doctor on Board’ and ‘Doctor Led’ did not sit comfortably
with our team ethos. So in 2015, we embarked on a
restructuring exercise, which saw the formal creation of
a Critical Care Team.
Paul Owen, Greg
Peacock and
Max Hoskins
back in 2007
WHAT WE DO
The aircraft
The development of our service in aviation terms has
been much more straightforward than that of clinical
development. We started our service flying the BO105; a
tried and tested workhorse that served us very well for
seven years. In 2007 we ‘upgraded’ to the EC135. This was
a much more modern aircraft, offering more space, more
payload and improved safety. This aircraft became one of
the most prolific air ambulance platforms and served as a
fantastic development tool for our service. So if the EC135
was so good, why did we change?
In April 2012 the National Trauma Network was
established by the NHS. This pooled expertise and
facilities into Major Trauma Centres (MTC) around the
country and became the preferred destination
for all patients suffering major trauma. Without an
MTC in Dorset or Somerset, our patients, who would
have previously been taken to the County Hospitals,
would now have to be flown to Southampton, Bristol
or Plymouth.
Although the flight-time increase could be measured
in tens of minutes, that is a very long time in the life of
a critically ill or injured patient. We therefore needed
the ability to be able to fully treat a patient en-route to
hospital. Further examination of the requirement also
revealed something quite simple; if the patient was at the
centre of our thinking, and on scene the patient is at the
centre of the ‘treatment zone’, should the patient not be
at the centre of the cabin of the air ambulance?
Once this logic was applied, the choice of a successor
aircraft was quite straightforward. That is not to say that
factors such as cost, safety, potential for night operations
were not considered, but only one platform offered us
the cabin format to meet our fundamental requirement.
During our first 17 years of operations, Bond Air
Services (latterly Babcock Mission Critical Services)
acted magnificently as our air operator with both the
BO105 and the EC135. We are now delighted to be in
partnership with Specialist Aviation Services. Not only
have they demonstrated their significant commitment to
the AW169, they have also introduced us to the MD902
while we waited for the European Aviation Safety Agency
to certify what we consider to be the most advanced air
ambulance helicopter in the country today.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 15
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 15 01/03/2018 10:34

why we do it
“Things could have been
very different”
photo: ANT QUINTIN
Claire Wilson was involved in a serious road traffic incident, which saw
her sustain multiple injuries. Her memory of the incident is very limited,
but with the help of others, she shares her story
had been back to work for about three months
I
after having my first baby. All the details about
my incident are what I have been told, as I
remember very little. My last memory of the day was
putting the cupcakes I’d made for my team’s tea break on
a colleague’s desk at around 10.00am.
I was driving home at around 5.00pm on the A354
at Woodyates, it had been raining and there was a lot
of standing water on the road. A pick-up truck hit a
puddle, the driver lost control and aquaplaned towards
me, hitting me head on. The momentum of the collision
meant that my car was pushed backwards and ended up
hitting a nearby tree.
First on scene were two people who were travelling in
Claire’s car was
pushed backwards
into a tree by an
oncoming truck
whose driver
had lost control
the car behind me. Apparently the driver of the other
vehicle was asking about ‘a girl’ and the pair thought he
might have been confused as there was no woman in his
vehicle. It was then that they spotted steam coming from
a nearby tree.
I was cut from my car by the Fire and Rescue Service
and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance arrived. I was
airlifted to Southampton General Hospital, a move which
I’ve been told either saved my life or at the very least
made the recovery I’ve had possible.
Once in hospital, I was diagnosed with a punctured
lung, fractured jaw, two fractured vertebrae, five
fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, wrist, fibula,
metatarsal and femur. I had dislocated fractures to both
elbows and it was while I was in theatre having them
relocated that I crashed. It was then discovered that I was
bleeding internally from a lacerated liver and spleen.
I was admitted to ICU where I spent eight days. I was
heavily sedated and intubated and have no memory at all
of the first four days. All my injuries resulted in having
both my elbows plated, an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter
fitted and an intramedullary nail inserted in my femur.
Following treatment, the next steps would focus on
getting me back on my feet. With two broken arms this
was not going to be easy and I had to master the use of a
gutter zimmer frame and gutter crutches.
16 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 16 01/03/2018 10:34

why we do it
“You are the greatest”
Susan McKibbin recounts the tale of her
horse riding accident and subsequent
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance airlift
The physio team at Southampton Hospital were
fabulous and kept pushing me; they dangled the carrot
of getting home to my little boy, which was a marvellous
incentive. Before I was allowed to go home, I needed to
be able to wash and dry myself, walk to the end of the
corridor and master the stairs. My family were told that
this could take around three months but thankfully with
stubbornness and a lot of help, I was discharged four
weeks to the day of my incident.
Thereafter, I was referred to the Wessex Rehabilitation
Centre at Salisbury Hospital and what a brilliant place
this is. I was with them for the next four months,
undergoing physio and occupational therapy, but most
of all, learning how to be me again! They helped me in so
many ways, not least to get back to work part-time, less
than six months after the accident. They also encouraged
me to do a sponsored walk and made sure I knew my
limitations and was ready for the challenge. In the
December, I took part in the ‘Santa Stride’ with an aim
of walking one mile but actually achieved over two and a
half and I raised around £2,000 for Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance.
It’s now just over four years since the accident and I
am pretty much back on my feet. There are a few more
creaks and weaknesses than before, but I can still drive,
I can walk (I’m still working on running) and I’ve had
a second baby. I consider myself extremely lucky that
I received such marvellous care from the word go; the
First Responders, the Emergency Services, Dorset and
Somerset Air Ambulance, the care at Southampton
General Hospital, the Wessex Rehabilitation Centre and
of course my very supportive circle of family and friends.
Without them, I know that things could have been so
very different!
The air ambulance crew who attended Claire’s
incident were: Dr Phil Hyde, SP-CC Mark Williams
and Pilot Phil Merritt.
When her horse’s
bridle broke,
Susan lost control
of her horse and
it threw her off
photo: Cat Down Photography
n 19 January, I was involved in a horse riding
O
accident near Upton in Somerset. I remember
the incident very well. The bridle on my horse
broke, which left me with no brakes or control, then the
horse took off and turned sharply, which resulted in me
coming off.
Luckily an ex-surgeon was out with me that day and
stayed with me until the air ambulance arrived. I could
feel my leg crunching when I tried to move so he advised
me to lay still and covered me with coats as I was very
cold. He said the air ambulance was on its way and
as soon as it landed the crew were very quick to start
looking after me.
They cut off my clothes to see what injuries I had and
gave me some ‘happy juice’ as I call it! They continued
to talk to me, which kept me calm as I was a bit nervous
about going into a helicopter. Although I don’t remember
much of the flight to hospital, I do remember the crew
continuously making sure I was ok.
The next thing I really remember is being on the ward
and my husband being there. I had broken my leg in
three places and had to have a rod and six screws put
in my leg. I also smashed my shoulder, which had to
be reconstructed, and I fractured a vertebrae. I was in
hospital for three weeks and my husband nursed me for a
further two months until I could get mobile.
Unfortunately, at the age of 62, there will be no more
horse riding for me as I think that it’s too risky with the
injuries that I had. I want to thank everyone who helped
me that day from the bottom of my heart – you are all
the greatest!
The air ambulance crew who attended Susan’s
incident were: Dr Farhad Islam, SP-CCs Neil
Bizzell, Steve Westbrook and Pilot Max Hoskins.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 17
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 17 01/03/2018 10:34

Why We DO iT
Thank you visit
Nine years after being airlifted to hospital, Darren Way, Manager
of Yeovil Town Football Club, paid DSAA a visit
n 18 December 2008, Darren Way was involved
O
in a serious road traffic incident that ended his
midfield playing career. Darren was a passenger
in a van driving along the outskirts of Yeovil, when a 4x4
crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with
the van that he was travelling in.
After being cut free by the Fire Service, Dorset and
Somerset Air Ambulance treated and airlifted Darren
to the Intensive Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital in
Dorchester. The impact of the accident left him with
serious injuries, including a broken left femur, broken
left kneecap, broken and dislocated right elbow and a
broken and dislocated left hip. As a result, Darren was
bed-bound for nearly eight months and after having
several operations, had to learn how to walk again.
Almost nine years to the day of his incident, Darren
paid us a visit to meet some of the crew and show his
appreciation for their life-saving work. After enjoying a
tour of the airbase, he was shown our AW169 helicopter
and was told about the advancements it brings to the
Charity’s operations, compared to the EC135 helicopter
that airlifted him.
At the end of an emotional visit, Darren kindly
donated signed items of Yeovil Town Football Club’s
merchandise, which he hoped would be auctioned to
raise money for the Charity.
Footballer
Darren’s road
traffic incident
ended his
playing career
Attention all ‘Glovers’
fans!
if you are a yeovil Town fan or know someone
who is, we have a fantastic opportunity for you
to get your hands on a signed yeovil Town Fc
football shirt and ball!
The charity is
holding a silent
auction via our
website where you
can place a bid for
the items. The person
who submits the
highest bid by
the closing
date of Friday
27 April 2018
(5.00pm) will
be the lucky winner!
To place your bid, simply go to:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk/ytfc-bid
GOOD lucK!
18 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 18 01/03/2018 10:35

“The air ambulance
is invaluable”
After being airlifted following a crash,
Jordan Turner plans to help raise funds
for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
n 21 August, I was riding home from work
O
on my motorbike when I was hit by a car.
Paramedics arrived within minutes; soon after,
the air ambulance crew were also on scene.
At first, I was taken to Yeovil District Hospital and
then I was moved to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
I underwent a six-hour operation to put a metal nail
through my broken femur and they tried to put my foot
back together. The day after surgery, I got pneumonia
and blood clots on my lungs, so I spent the next four days
in intensive care. After two long weeks in hospital, I was
finally allowed home.
After being home for nine days, I went back to
Southmead Hospital for an outpatient’s appointment but
had to be re-admitted as the bone in my foot had become
infected. Since then, I have been back in hospital to have
four further operations in preparation for the plastic
surgery that is needed to rebuild my foot.
Everyone who treated and looked after me that day
were absolutely amazing. The air ambulance is invaluable
and none of us know when we might need their help!
My journey is far from over and it has been pretty hard
at times, but I want to take something positive away from
this difficult situation. That’s why I have decided to grow
my hair (it grows pretty fast) while I am recovering and
then when I go back to work (all being well around May),
I am going to shave it all off to raise funds for Dorset
and Somerset Air Ambulance. Hopefully people will be
generous and make a donation if they can, even if it’s a
few pounds!
Jordan is growing
his hair and will
shave it off to raise
money for DSAA
Why We DO iT
A huge thank you
On 16 July, at 4.40pm, i was a passenger in a car
accident near Somerton in Somerset. i would like
to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you
to each of you that attended and for taking care
of me that day. i’m sorry that i don’t remember
your names, but i know that each of you
introduced yourselves and explained what was
happening each step of the way – i always felt
safe and reassured. everybody who attended
that day was amazing: the paramedics, Fire
Service and yourselves!
you airlifted me to Southmead hospital in
bristol with two broken vertebrae in my neck,
two broken lumbar vertebrae in my back, and
bruising to my ribs and lungs, which caused
multiple blood clots on both lungs. i am now at
home recovering, but think that i’m a very lucky
lady. i will never forget what you all did for me
that day.
in my spare time i am a keen walker. i’ve
walked seven marathons and also did a walk
from london to brighton (63 miles) in 25 hours
in aid of charity. needless to say, when i’m fully
recovered next year, i will be planning another
walk with friends and colleagues. This time it will
be for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
to show my appreciation for everything you did
for me.
Thank you again. Mandy bugler.
The air ambulance crew who attended Jordan’s
incident were: Dr James Keegan, Sp-ccs Michelle
Walker, leonie Middle and pilot Max hoskins.
please share your story
Our readers may be unaware that due to patient confidentiality,
we cannot hold patient records. That means that unless the
patients we have helped get in touch with us, we have no way of
knowing the full impact of our service.
capturing the outcome and experiences of our patients helps to
support and improve our clinical service. A secondary benefit is,
with the permission of the patient, we are able to share their story
and experiences with others.
if you have experienced the work of DSAA please contact
our communications Department on: 01823 669604 or email:
communications@dsairambulance.org.uk. Alternatively you can
write to: DSAA, landacre house, castle road, chelston business
park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JQ. Thank you!
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 19
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 19 01/03/2018 10:35

why we do it
“I am so lucky to be alive”
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was called out when
Shena Kozuba-Kozubska suffered multiple injuries after a riding incident
S
hena Kozuba-Kozubska lives in the small village
of Donhead St Andrew near Shaftesbury and
is well known nationwide for her success as an
international horse trials competitor and trainer. On 11
August 2016, she had a serious riding incident while out
exercising a young, but placid, horse.
“I was two minutes out of the gate of my home when I
pulled off the road to let a car pass. I remember turning to
wave the car by but that’s it, no other recollection at all.
“Apparently one of the villagers was on his way to
a funeral and found me lying in the road. No-one saw
what happened and we can only try and guess what
the circumstances were – it may have been a noise,
a dog or the car that frightened him. What is
certain is that my injuries were extremely severe
and possibly caused by the horse falling or
trampling on me. He had no signs of injury and
was not upset by any of the events.
“The first thing I do remember is regaining
consciousness in Salisbury District Hospital
four weeks later. I had been in intensive care in
Southampton Hospital for two weeks and then a
further two weeks in the intensive care high-dependency
unit at Salisbury District Hospital as it was closer to my
home. I spent an additional month in Salisbury District
Having made a
good recovery,
Shena plans to
run the 2020
London Marathon
in aid of DSAA
55%
of the sporting
incidents we attend
are equestrian in
nature
Hospital; a short spell on the Amesbury Ward and the
rest on the Clarendon Ward.
“It was once I was transferred to the Clarendon Ward
that my recovery really began. The staff were amazing
and the ward is right on the edge of the most wonderful
place, ‘Horatio’s Garden’. It’s named after Horatio
Chapple, who was the son of my surgeon and volunteered
at the hospital in his school holidays. Tragically, Horatio
was killed at the age of 17 by a polar bear, while on an
adventure holiday.
“Being able to have access to the garden to help with
my rehabilitation was definitely a key part of my
recovery. It is designed for people in wheelchairs
and has an abundance of flowers that come out at
different times of the year.
“I was determined to get home. However the
hospital wouldn’t let me go until I could walk
up a very steep set of stairs to the spinal unit.
Within two months of having my incident,
I managed to do it with the help of crutches.
Although I think my recovery has taken ages, my
doctors and physios are very pleased and almost
astounded by the improvements I’ve made. Although I
will not ride again, I am so lucky to be alive and still able
to teach.
20 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 20 01/03/2018 10:35

why we do it
View from the crew
Dr Rob Török, SC-PP Claire Baker and Pilot Max Hoskins were
working on the air ambulance that day. With Shena’s kind
permission, Claire provides us with a little more detail…
“I have now seen the list of my injuries, which included
a broken wrist, scapula and clavicle, left renal artery
dissection, a subarachnoid bleed, a break to my left
acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint), many breaks
to my thoracic and lumbar spine and an unstable L3
vertebra. I broke most of my ribs and suffered a bilateral
flail chest (when a segment of the rib cage breaks due to
trauma and becomes detached from the rest of the chest
wall). I also suffered a haemopneumothorax (collapsed
lung caused by air and blood leaking into the chest) and a
pneumomediastinum (air leaking into the space between
the two lungs, around the heart and the large vessels
coming out of the heart). So as you can imagine, I am
very lucky to be alive!
“The work of the Ambulance Service paramedics and
the air ambulance crew who came to my aid on that day
was truly amazing. My aim right now is to hopefully gain
a place in the London Marathon 2020 and run in aid of
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Without them, I
wouldn’t be here!”
Ten months after coming out of hospital, Shena paid us
a visit and how lovely it was to see her looking so well!
When we arrived, our
Ambulance Service colleagues
were already on scene. They
had requested our assistance
as Shena was likely to need
critical care interventions
and enhanced pain relief.
When we got to her side, it
was clear she was critically
unwell with a broken arm and
shoulder, many broken ribs
and a life-threatening chest
injury. She was conscious but
in a lot of pain, therefore we
administered a strong pain
reliever, which also provided
some sedation to help with
her discomfort.
The paramedic who had
arrived on scene before us
had put a needle into Shena’s
injured chest to prevent her
lung collapsing. We now
needed to advance her
treatment, move her to the
aircraft and get her to the
right hospital as quickly as
possible. We quickly gave her
an anaesthetic and inserted
a chest drain, which enabled
us to take control of her
breathing. This would give
us immediate monitoring of
both her lung inflation and
developing chest injury.
Shena was flown to the
regional trauma hospital
in Southampton under
anaesthetic. During our flight
to hospital, she became more
unwell with a drop in her
blood pressure. This gave us
concern as it meant that she
could quite possibly have
internal bleeding. In flight,
we declared a ‘code red’ to
the hospital and on arrival
were met by a large trauma
team who were on standby
with units of blood ready to
administer (we now carry
blood on board the aircraft
and can administer this at
the scene or during the flight
to hospital).
After handing Shena over to
the team in the Emergency
Department, she received an
immediate blood transfusion,
a further assessment and a
fast chest X-ray. The X-ray
showed that a section of her
fractured ribs at the back of
her chest were pressing onto
her heart, causing it not to
beat as effectively. She was
rushed straight to theatre
where she had life-saving
chest and abdominal surgery.
It is amazing that Shena has
made such a good recovery,
able to share her story and
come back and visit us – what
a remarkable lady!
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 21
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 21 01/03/2018 10:35

why we do it
photo: Jonathan Sims
“I knew that I was in safe
hands”
Time was of the essence when Tim Grizzell suffered a heart attack and
needed hospital treatment. Paramedics quickly summoned DSAA
O
n Monday 31 May, I had a slight pain at the
join of my left arm. After ten minutes or so
the pain went away and I thought nothing
else of it. On Tuesday, the same thing happened
again and on Wednesday, while lying in bed, I
had the same pain. However, this time the pain
would not go away.
After panicking, I decided to ring my parents.
They advised me to ring the out-of-hours
doctor or go direct to the hospital if the pain
continued as my family has a bad coronary
history. No matter what medication I took from
the usual home remedies, the pain began to worsen,
so I decided to go to the hospital. After several physical
tests and being prescribed some medication for the pain,
I went home and fell asleep.
1/3
of the patients we
treat have suffered
a cardiac arrest
The following morning, I booked an appointment to
see my GP as the pain was still there. After explaining the
story thus far and mentioning my family’s history of
heart conditions, he gave me an ECG. This showed
a minor Q wave so I was advised to go back to
hospital for further tests. This I did and was then
told to return home and expect a call from my
GP once the results had come back.
The phone rang at 5.05pm. It was my doctor
who explained that I should ring for an
ambulance or get to the hospital as the results
had shown that I was either having or had had
a heart attack. He said he would ring back in ten
minutes to check on me again – there was a definite
urgency in his voice! I rang for an ambulance and
within five minutes a paramedic from the Ambulance
22 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 22 01/03/2018 10:35

why we do it
Service arrived in a car. As soon as he had introduced
himself, my phone went again – it was my GP checking
on me. I passed over the phone so both my GP and the
paramedic could discuss my medical condition. At this
time an ambulance arrived and the paramedics swiftly
performed another ECG.
They realised the urgency of the situation and
requested assistance from the air ambulance. The journey
by road to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton would
have taken approximately 45 minutes from my home in
Sherborne and time was obviously of the essence.
It wasn’t long before I could hear the helicopter
hovering above, looking for a safe place to land. I was
carried carefully to the waiting ambulance outside and
was met by the doctor who had flown in. There was a
The doctor explained
what we would be
doing once on board
before I was driven to
the waiting helicopter,
where I met the crew
The 45-minute
road journey
from Tim’s home
to the hospital
would have been
too long, given
his condition
constant exchange of information between the medics
and a lot of forward planning. The doctor explained what
we would be doing once on board the aircraft before I
was driven to the waiting helicopter where I met all four
members of the crew.
I remember the pilot mentioning that he had flown
RAF Merlins, so I knew that I was in safe hands. The flight
to Musgrove Park Hospital took less than ten minutes,
which is incredible. I went immediately to the Cath
Lab and subsequently had a stent fitted in my left main
coronary artery. I remained in hospital for two further
days, then recovered at my parent’s house for a month.
I have now completed my rehab course at Yeovil
District Hospital and I am back to work at Leonardo
Helicopters in Yeovil. My colleagues keep humouring
me by saying ‘the extremes you will go to, to get a
helicopter ride’. I had never been in one before and would
have preferred different circumstances, but I am truly
very thankful!
The crew who attended Tim’s incident were:
Dr Dave Martin, SC-PPs Claire Baker, Ollie Zorab
and Pilot Craig Webster.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 23
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 23 01/03/2018 10:35

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Why We DO iT
“An emotional journey”
For those of you who read our last edition of Beeline, you may recall
that we featured the story of David Little, who had a cardiac arrest
avid suffered a cardiac arrest and stopped
D
breathing while at his local gym, Gillingham’s
Fitness by Design. Thanks to the quick response
of their staff and the use of a defibrillator located at the
gym, David made a full recovery and was able to share
the events of the day with us.
The staff, together with the help of gym member
Barbara Turnbull, who has 40 years’ Red Cross experience,
sprang into action. Personal Trainer Ben Yorke began
performing CPR while a colleague headed straight for
the defibrillator. Together they worked incredibly hard to
save David’s life. CPR continued and the first defibrillator
shock was given. Within four minutes the team had
managed to restart David’s heart. Owner of the gym Colin
Fricker was on hand with pure oxygen, which helped
David until SWASFT paramedics and the crew from Dorset
and Somerset Air Ambulance arrived.
David has continued to stay in touch with the Charity.
He and his wife Gill raised £1,400 when they asked
guests to make a donation in lieu of giving presents at
their golden anniversary party. These funds were shared
between ourselves and the Stars Appeal at Salisbury
District Hospital.
During the half-term holidays, David and Gill, together
with their grandchildren, came to the airbase to meet
our crew. David wrote to us afterwards to pay thanks and
also explain how his incident has had an effect on so
many people’s lives.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful visit to
Henstridge, which has resulted in you having another
Above: David and
his family visit
henstridge to say
thank you
right: ben yorke,
the personal
Trainer who gave
David cpr, won
a ‘lifesaver of the
year’ award
group of young supporters – our four grandchildren.
Owen (my hero) and the rest of your team were all so
helpful and accommodating. I’ve enclosed a copy of a
drawing that Tilly (then aged 6) did in her school RE class
when they were asked to think of something special. It’s
called ‘Grandad’s Heart’ and says… ‘My object is a symbol
that represents my Grandad when he had a heart attack.
He is very special to me because he is very funny and
makes me laugh a lot. I love him.’
“Finally, a lovely postscript to my cardiac arrest story has
recently arisen in that Ben Yorke, the Personal Trainer at
Fitness by Design who started my CPR immediately after I
collapsed, has been awarded ‘2017 Lifesaver of the Year’ at
the UK Heartsafe Awards. So well deserved! Goodness, my
cardiac arrest has been an emotional journey!”
David’s full story can be viewed by visiting:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk/blogs/patient-stories
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 25
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 25 01/03/2018 10:35

why we do it
“It could have been
a whole lot worse”
On Tuesday 23 May, Jamie Moran was involved in a quad bike incident on a
farm near Beaminster – a remote location with very little vehicle access. The
Ambulance Service crew arrived on scene first and swiftly requested that the
air ambulance be deployed. Jamie explains more…
he accident happened the day before my son
T
Thomas’s sixth birthday, so as you can imagine,
I was extremely upset to have missed it, but
obviously very grateful to still be alive.
Despite being fully trained to ride quads, I somehow
managed to inadvertently reverse down a steep bank. I
don’t actually remember anything about the incident,
due to concussion, but from what my colleagues have
told me and from what I have pieced together, it would
appear that I was doing a slow manoeuvre (a three-point
turn) and I think that I must have pressed the throttle to
move away, thinking I was in a forward gear, but I was
actually in reverse.
I remember riding the quad bike before the accident
and I remember waking up in hospital, but everything
in between is just not there. I have been told by my
colleagues that once I regained consciousness, I was
making jokes with the crew, but I think this must have
been the morphine kicking in. When I came round in
hospital, my colleagues told me that I had been in a
helicopter but I did not believe them!
Apparently due to my location and difficult access
issues, the air ambulance was deployed. Their swift
response and expertise played a key role in ensuring that
I received the best treatment for my injuries as early as
possible. I was airlifted to Dorset County Hospital with a
26 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 26 01/03/2018 10:35

why we do it
While Jamie says
he felt a million
times better when
he got home from
the hospital, he
still had a long
road to recovery
fractured left pelvis and broken right wrist and remained
there for a period of nine days.
The care I received in hospital was also fantastic. My
wrist required an operation, which resulted in it being
pinned, plated and put in plaster and my pelvis was
not operated on but required rest. While there, I was
determined to make small gains and improvements each
day for things that I ordinarily took for granted, like
washing and dressing myself. It was particularly difficult
for my family as we live just outside Portsmouth so there
was lots of travelling for them to visit me.
When I was discharged from hospital, the moment
I walked through the front door at home I felt a
million times better. However, there was still a
long road ahead. I could not put any weight on
my left leg for six weeks and had to use crutches
and a wheelchair to get around, plus my right
wrist was in plaster for seven weeks. I aimed to
get up and down stairs on my own, make my own
lunch and be as active and as helpful around the
house as possible. I often felt useless as I could not do
everything that I used to do, particularly with our six yearold
son. I also felt extremely guilty for the pressure that my
wife was under having to look after our son, myself, the
house and also going to work!
I have always enjoyed going to the gym, running and
doing various other sports so I was desperate to get back
19/365
We are operational
for 19 hours a day,
365 days a year
I wanted to share my
story because I am happy
to still be here. Also, it
has helped me to deal
with the emotional
impact of the accident
to being active. Being able to start physio was a god-send
and it gave me targets and structure for my onward
recovery. My employer was brilliant and enabled me
to make a phased return to work, which was definitely
required.
I still have a few niggles, particularly with my left knee,
which obviously took a whack during the accident,
but I am now running again and I am considering
running the Dorchester Marathon in aid of Dorset
and Somerset Air Ambulance.
I wanted to share my story because I am
happy to still be here and I fully appreciate that
it could have been a whole lot worse. Also, in
some way, it has helped me to deal with the
emotional impact of the accident.
I also wanted to acknowledge the fantastic
work of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
crew who helped me that day. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart.
The air ambulance crew who attended Jamie’s
incident were: Dr Jeremy Reid, SC-PPs Leonie
Middle, Steve Westbrook and Pilot Dan Kitteridge.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 27
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 27 01/03/2018 10:35

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Untitled-1 Untitled-3 35 13 22/08/2017 01/03/2018 09:30 09:33

hOW peOple help
Dorchester Marathon
orset and Somerset Air Ambulance was
D
delighted to be the main beneficiary of the
Dorchester Marathon and Casterbridge Half
Marathon last year. Both events saw almost 1,400 runners
take part with around 160 volunteers giving up their
time to help. In total, more than £13,000 was raised for a
variety of good causes.
John Adams, Chair of the organising committee and
member of Casterbridge Rotary, which masterminded the
Following the highly successful
inaugural event in 2017,
Dorchester Town is hosting its
second Marathon on 27 May
2018, with DSAA once again
the main beneficiary.
nominated for a national
award, both the Dorchester
Marathon and casterbridge
half have been nominated in
the ‘best newcomer’ category
in the 2018 running Awards.
With this year’s event set to be
bigger and better than ever,
why not consider entering
and running in aid of our
les Fry, chairman
of casterbridge
rotary club,
presents a
cheque to leanne
colverson
2018 Dorchester Marathon
and casterbridge half
Sign up and run in aid of DSAA!
charity? The events are
run on closed roads
through parts of historic
Dorchester and the
surrounding villages.
They are officially
measured, certified by
uK Athletics (uKA) and
run under uKA rules.
Race Village: located
at cokers Frome Farm, just
on the edge of town, by kind
permission of Mr John Mayo.
it is the ideal location from
which to explore Dorchester,
the surrounding area and the
event, said: “It was a unique event because it brought the
community together and gave people the chance to come
to a running event over a whole weekend rather than just
a race. We managed to combine a nationally recognised
marathon with an enjoyable weekend in glorious West
Dorset and brought around 4,000 extra people to our
county town.” John also paid special thanks to White Star
Running, who organised the races and provided expert
staff around the course.
2018
Rotary
Dorchester Caterbridge
THE DORCHESTER
MARATHON
Running on closed roads through Historic Dorchester
and picturesque Dorset villages
CokersFromeFarm,Dorchester,27THMAY2018
www.dorchestermarathon.co.uk
Dorset coast over the weekend.
Facilities include: hot showers,
camping, catering with prebookable
meals, market stalls,
live entertainment, toilets,
post-race party and a bar
with local ales and cider.
Best bling: Amazing medals
and t-shirts for all finishers.
Sign up today by visiting:
www.dorchestermarathon.co.uk
Don’t forget! Once signed up,
you can visit our website:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk
and easily set up a DSAA
fundraising page, which you
can share with all your family
and friends. it’s a really simple
process.
More information on how
to do this can be found on
page 48.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 29
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 29 01/03/2018 10:35

how people help
Time to saddle up
Farewell, Jim
Praise and congratulations as Volunteer
Jim Burrows steps down
im Burrows has been a stalwart member of
J
the Charity’s volunteering team for more
than 13 years. During that time, he has been
a key figure in helping to make Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance a household name in the Yeovil area
by developing and maintaining links with many
individuals and groups.
Over the years, Jim has given countless
talks to a wide variety of audiences.
He also took on the responsibility of
servicing more than 100 collection
boxes located in and around
the local community – quite a
physical task that requires great
attention to detail.
Volunteers like Jim do not come
along every day and he will certainly
be missed. Of course, we could not
possibly say goodbye to Jim without also
recognising the huge part that his wife, Wyn,
has played in helping her husband to fulfil his role as
a volunteer.
Jim’s contribution to Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance was further recognised when he was recently
announced ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at the 2017 Believe in
Somerset Awards. Very well deserved and congratulations
from us all!
DSAA CEO Bill
Sivewright says
goodbye to
Volunteer
Jim Burrows
Help make 2018’s Coast to Coast Cycle
Challenge the best yet!
This year’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge
takes place on Sunday 13 May 2018 – and
with only 600 places available, it was no
surprise that it once again sold out so quickly.
Congratulations to all those who managed to
gain a place; we really hope that you will take
the opportunity to promote your challenge
and help raise additional funds by asking for
sponsorship. Fundraising pages can be set up
easily via our website, enabling you to share the
page with your family and friends. Every penny
you raise will make a big difference. Last year’s
event raised in excess of £74,000 (including
Gift Aid), which is amazing.
For those not taking part, it’s a fantastic
day out. The 54-mile route starts at Watchet
Harbour and has a staggered start, with the
stronger cyclists setting off at 11.00am and the
less experienced riders departing at 11.15am.
The shorter 11-mile route starts at the Royal
Oak public house in Drimpton at 2.00pm. Both
routes culminate at West Bay where we hold
the finish line celebrations and medal giving. It
would be fantastic to see as many of you there
as possible.
In addition to any fundraising that the
cyclists may do themselves, you can donate
in support of the event via our website:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk/c2c
This event would not be possible without the
help of our wonderful volunteers. There are a
number of roles such as marshalling or helping
at the relevant pit stops along the route. If you
could donate some time on the day, we would
love to hear from you.
Simply email: c2c@dsairambulance.org.uk
30 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 30 01/03/2018 10:35

Did you know that you can raise money
for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
by donating your unwanted clothing,
shoes and textiles into one of our
recycling banks?
115
CLOTHING
BANKS
107 SITES
Over the last six
months, the banks
saw nearly 30,000
bags donated
which is 0.3kg for
every person across
the two counties.
That’s the weight
of a t-shirt or a pair
of shorts!
hOW peOple help
Margaret raises £1,643
and says thank you
Margaret crabb, Administrator at blueberry
Mortgages in poundbury, was touched
personally when her son suffered lifethreatening
head injuries as a result of a
serious farming accident and was airlifted to
Southmead hospital in bristol. Margaret has
spent the last 12 months fundraising in the
company with raffles, donations and giving her
catering services for free to those who attend
training courses. She has spent hours making
glorious buffets for these attendees and all the
money raised has gone towards supporting the
charity. When asked why she was so generous
with her time, Margaret replied: “My son has
made an excellent recovery, all thanks to the
speedy reactions of Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance. it could have been a very solemn
story without them. They are such a vital
service, i did what i could to help them in return
for what they did for my son, and so many
people we know locally.”
pictured: A cheque for £1,643.63 was presented to DSAA
Fundraising coordinator leanne colverson by blueberry
Mortgages’ paul butterworth and chris Moyse
29,721
BAGS
COLLECTED
256.5
TONNES
FROM 2,643
COLLECTIONS
0.3KG
PER HEAD OF
POPULATION
CHARITY
CONTRIBUTION
TO DATE
£978,378.49
Why not have a spring clear out and encourage your family and friends to
do the same. You can donate all types of textiles including clothes, shoes,
handbags, curtains and bedding to name a few. To find your nearest bank
visit www.biugroup.co.uk and click on the Bank Locator.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 31
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 31 01/03/2018 10:35

FLIGHT FOR LIFE
Lottery
Amazing support for our
grand Christmas Draw
In addition to our weekly lottery, the Charity holds two
grand raffle draws every year. These take place during
the summer and at Christmas. Our 2017 Christmas Draw
took place on Thursday 21 December and an amazing
£102,963 worth of tickets were sold. Our congratulations
go to all the winners and a big thank you goes to
everyone who took part!
Our 2018 Grand Summer Draw takes place on Thursday
5 July and we hope that you will once again support us by
purchasing tickets. These can be acquired by contacting
our Lottery Office on: 01202 849530 or by emailing:
lottery@dsairambulance.org.uk
2017 GrAnD chriSTMAS DrAW
WinnerS
£1,000 Mrs M Slater, Sherborne
(Ticket 553337)
£250 Mr D Fisher, Wareham
(Ticket 560061)
£150 Mr h Goss, bournemouth
(Ticket 402123)
£125 Mrs M Frost, Alderholt
(Ticket 647567)
£100 A leyland, Ashley heath
(Ticket 540015)
i am a winner!
Many thanks for forwarding the 2nd Prize winners
cheque for £250 to me. A very nice surprise, but after
giving the matter some thought, I decided that the air
ambulance has a greater need than I. So, I am afraid that
I am going to return the money as a donation because I
feel that I may waste it on something trivial. It does come
back to you with a little bit of interest added on. I would
also like to congratulate you and your team for raising in
excess of £102,000. Very well done.
Yours sincerely, Dave Fisher
Thank you so much for the cheque for £150 I received this
week – a prize in the lottery, which I had forgotten about.
Thank you to all involved in the air ambulance service for
everything they do – it really is much appreciated.
Mrs Edwards
Weekly draw takes
place every Friday
No rollovers, all prizes
are won every week!
PrizeS
JACkPOT ...£1000
2nd Prize ....£250
3rd Prize .....£150
4th Prize ....£125
5th Prize .....£100
Plus many other consolation prizes
Follow us on Twitter @dsairambulance
Follow us on Facebook
Lottery
FLIGHT FOR LIFE
YOUR DONATIONS kEEP US FLYING
£1
A WEEk
To join, call our Lottery office on:
01202 849530
WE HELP SAVE LIVES, ONE DAY IT COULD BE YOURS
www.dsairambulance.org.uk
Our weekly lottery draw
Our Flight for Life Weekly Lottery provides vital funding
for our service. Promoting the lottery is our canvassing
team, who can often be seen in supermarkets or
visiting homes across the two counties. Our canvassers
should always be wearing branded uniform and carry
photographic identity badges so you can be assured they
are genuine.
how do i join?
The easiest and most cost-effective way of joining is
by Direct Debit. Simply complete the Lottery Direct
Debit form inserted in the centre of this magazine and
return it to us at: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance,
Unit 3, Brook Road Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset,
BH21 2BH.
If you would like to pay by cheque, please contact the
Lottery Office on: 01202 849530
GiFT vOucherS:
Just a quick reminder that you can also purchase our
Lottery Gift Vouchers by phoning: 01202 849530.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance lottery is registered with the Gambling commission www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
registration no. 000-004838-n-100338-012 and is also a member of the lotteries council. players must be 16 or over.
32 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 32 01/03/2018 10:35

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Untitled-1 13 18/03/2014 09:19

how people help
And the winners are…
In our last issue, we announced a competition to find a name for our aircraft,
and entries immediately began flooding in. By the time the closing date arrived,
nearly 1,000 entries had been received
panel of judges, which included the Charity’s
A
patrons: Annie Maw (Lord Lieutenant of
Somerset and former patient), Angus Campbell
(Lord Lieutenant of Dorset), Bill Sivewright (DSAA Chief
Executive Officer), Anna Philipps (DSAA Trustee), Paul
Jelley and Jennifer Molloy (former patients), Paul Owen
(DSAA Operational Lead) and Phil Merritt (Pilot) met on
24 October and spent a number of hours going through
the nominations.
Three entries were shortlisted after receiving the same
number of votes, before a final deliberation saw the name
‘Pegasus’ come out the winner.
Four members of the public submitted ‘Pegasus’ as
their preferred choice: Mrs Fear (Glastonbury), Poppy
Holt (St. Dunstan’s School, Glastonbury), Mark Williams
(Frome) and Angela Andrews (Wincanton). All were
extremely thrilled when they received a call from the
Charity informing them of the decision, together with an
invite to the formal naming ceremony, which was held in
January. More information on the ceremony can be found
on page 9.
Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw said: “It was
my absolute pleasure to be part of the judging panel
that selected the name for our air ambulance. Nearly 16
A panel of judges
declared ‘Pegasus’
the winning name
years ago, I was rescued from a fog-bound Mendip and on
that day the air ambulance team found me by locating
the Cathedral in Wells, then following St Thomas street
out of town and up to the top of the hills, where they
hovered very low in search for me. We were miles away,
in the middle of inaccessible fields. Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance seemed to descend down in a shaft of
sunshine. It was miraculous and something which I will
34 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 34 01/03/2018 10:35

hOW peOple help
This vibrant
drawing saw
rebekah Joy
Fairweather win
the category for
those aged 6-11
never forget. It’s very possible that the team that day
saved my life as I was getting pretty ill. Even if they didn’t
prevent me from actually dying, they certainly protected
me from having a higher level of paralysis by the way
they moved me onto the stretcher and into the helicopter.
If it hadn’t been done by someone as experienced and
capable as they were, more of my spinal cord would have
been damaged and I might have ended up unable to use
my arms and hands. I will always be undyingly grateful
and it is my absolute pleasure to be one of the Charity’s
Patrons. ‘Pegasus’ is a remarkable aircraft, which I know
will help the team to do remarkable things.”
Running alongside the naming competition was an
art competition aimed at the Charity’s younger audience
and entries once again came flooding in. Many local
schools used the opportunity for pupils to be creative
during lessons, while others promoted the initiative and
encouraged youngsters to take part. The judges were
enormously impressed by the quality and detail of the
entries and found it extremely difficult to single out
the winners.
Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Angus Campbell
commented: “I knew that judging both the naming and
art competitions was not going to be easy, but it was even
harder than I anticipated. There were a huge number
of entries for the name of our splendid new helicopter
and a large number of them were excellent. It was such
a difficult and time-consuming task to pick the best of
the best.
“Judging the art competition with its different
categories was also a terrific challenge with such a huge
amount of young talent on display. The artistic quality
was excellent and we had to look long and hard to come
to our decisions. I found it such a privilege to be involved
and to be able to appreciate the work and imagination
that had gone into the entries.”
lola Kwan won
the under-5s
category with this
colourful creation
congratulations to
all the winners and
runners up who were:
Under 5s Winner lola Kwan, (hindhayes infant
School, Street)
Runners Up brandon West, Keira Allen
Ages 6-11 Winner rebekah Joy Fairweather
(bishop henderson School, coleford)
Runners Up clementine Sophie Smith,
roxanna bateman
Ages 12-17 Winner ho him Xu
(St Mary’s c.e Middle School,
puddletown)
Runners Up emily payne,
Olivia elvy
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 35
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 35 01/03/2018 10:35

how people help
Hall & Woodhouse
and some of the
air ambulance
crew celebrate
their partnership
to raise funds
for eight air
ambulance
charities.
From left to right:
Lauren Dyson, Neil
Bizzell, Lucinda
Gray, Debra Reed,
Ollie Zorab and
Dan Tucker
New fundraising partnership
Brewer Hall and Woodhouse announces two-year charity partnership with
local air ambulances
eading independent brewer Hall & Woodhouse
L
is delighted to announce it has chosen eight
local air ambulance charities as charity
partners for the next two years.
Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Dorset and Somerset
Air Ambulance, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity,
Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance, Kent Surrey Sussex
Air Ambulance, London’s Air Ambulance, Thames Valley
Air Ambulance and Wiltshire Air Ambulance are all set to
be equal beneficiaries of the fundraising partnership.
Fifty-one Hall & Woodhouse public houses are taking
part in supporting the life-saving services, with an aim of
raising in the region of £250,000 over the two-year period.
This will be achieved through a number of fundraising
activities organised by each of the local public houses,
such as quiz nights, sponsored events, fun days and
sports tournaments. All monies raised will be equally
split between each charity, enabling them to fund the
cost of missions, to further enhance their operations or
purchase new items of specialist equipment.
Lucinda Gray, sixth-generation of the Woodhouse
family and Hall & Woodhouse Charity Champion,
commented: “As a company that places community at
the heart of our business, supporting worthy causes is
very important to Hall & Woodhouse. These local air
ambulance charities cover the counties where our public
houses are located and each of them work tirelessly
to care for critically ill or injured patients within our
community. We are extremely proud to have so many of
our public houses backing the campaign and being able
to support this wonderful cause.
“Having raised a phenomenal £248,000 for Macmillan
in 2013/14, and then in excess of £210,000 for Together
with Short Lives in 2016/18 (final number yet to be
confirmed), I know our team and guests will do
everything they can to exceed these totals over the next
two years.”
Tracy Bartram, DSAA Communications Manager, said:
“We are so excited that Hall & Woodhouse have chosen us
as their new charity partner. This unusual partnership,
with eight air ambulance charities being supported by
one umbrella organisation, is quite rare. The fact that
Hall & Woodhouse team members voted to support us
means so much and we believe that this relationship will
be very special. Not only is the partnership set to raise
a significant amount of funds, it will also enable us to
engage with so many people in the local community,
raising awareness of the work we do.”
Fundraising for the air ambulances will begin in
February 2018 and in March some of the public houses
will be taking part in ‘The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz’, an
event being led by PubAid.
36 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 36 01/03/2018 10:35

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Westons Cider has been making cider in the Herefordshire
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The Elderly - Other stores seem to have
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A GREAT
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Westons Cider has been making cider in the Herefordshire
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Whatever go behind the your scenes to care discover needs, how your favourite we know cider that it’s to the mature care that lady. counts
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Untitled-4 13 01/03/2018 09:54

In the community
Rachel Mahy presented £300 raised from her
Bike Fresh event to our CEO Bill Sivewright.
Volunteer Terry Small accepted £1,000 on behalf of the
Charity from Chard Bingo Club, which has supported
DSAA for a number of years.
The Brethren of Bourne Lodge No. 37 of the Honourable Fraternity of
Ancient Freemasons raised £670. Pictured are: The Worshipful Master
(Wor. Bro. Jan Bailey) and Lodge Charity Officer
(Wor. Bro. Helen McHugh) handing over the funds.
A cheque for £100 was handed to Fundraising
Coordinator Leanne Colverson by members of the
Pride of Bournemouth Oddfellows.
Scott Gibbons, Finance Director of Adanac Financial
Services in Yeovil, presented Fundraising Coordinator
Debbie Birtwisle with £400, which was raised in lieu of
sending Christmas cards to the company’s clients.
Bournemouth and Poole MG Owners Club raised £1,000
for the Charity during their 2017 season.
38 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 38 01/03/2018 10:36

how people help
Burnham and District Model Railway Club raised £466
from the sale of their Eldridge Pope Brewery Wagons.
Ryalls Farm in Stalbridge organised an Auction of Promises and raised an
incredible £10,207 in aid of DSAA and RP Fighting Blindness. All funds raised
were equally split between the two charities. Event organisers Amy Newbury
and Helen Gould wished to thank everyone who donated promises, food or
their time and to everyone who came on the night and bid so generously.
Left to right: Amy Newberry, DSAA Volunteer Val Dyson and Helen Gould
Cornish Mutual raised £731 from its fundraising activities during 2017.
This is in addition to its previous donation of £1,458.
Helen Woolley raised £1,760 in sponsorship by
cycling from Lands’ End to John O’Groats
Staff at Hinkley Point A held a Charity Golf Day
and raised £4,000 for DSAA!
In loving memory of Bet Sammons
Bet has always been a big supporter of the Charity. On her
90th birthday she decided to have a party in aid of DSAA,
which raised £285. Shortly after the presentation of funds
(pictured), Bet sadly passed away. To honour her love
of the Charity, her husband Mike held a collection at her
funeral, which raised a further £400. Sending our
heartfelt condolences to the whole family.
Volunteer David Elkington attended Chardstock Agricultural Machinery
Club’s Annual Christmas Dinner and was presented with £1,250.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 39
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 39 01/03/2018 10:36

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A GREAT
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Westons Visitor Centre
If you would like to
advertise in the next issue
of Beeline contact our
publishing partners:
Westons Cider has been making cider in the Herefordshire
village of Much Marcle, since 1880. Join a mill tour and
go behind the scenes to discover how your favourite cider
is produced. Sample cider and perry in the shop or enjoy
homemade food in the Scrumpy House Restaurant.
• Cider Mill Tours - 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
• Scrumpy House Restaurant and Bottle Museum Tea Room
• Located on the A449 between Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye
Call 01531 660108 or visit www.westons-cider.co.uk
for further information and to arrange your visit.
01225 331023
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Untitled-4 14 01/03/2018 09:54

In the community
Broadstone Wessex Bowling Club selected us as
their Charity of the Year and raised £1,020 from
various club activities.
Representatives of the Dorset Marshalls presented
£1,000 to Volunteer Doug Wiggins.
Pauline and Brian Garroway held a New Year’s Eve party and raffle
at the Castle Hotel in Porlock and raised more than £760.
Wheathill Golf Club presented £3,365 raised at
its Captain’s Day to Volunteer Helen Jefferis.
The Rotary Club of Langport and Somerton presented
£2,500 to our CEO Bill Sivewright after he gave a talk
about the Charity.
Plastic Reinforcement Fabrics Ltd nominated DSAA to receive a
£200 donation from Rubicon Recruitment’s Charity Draw.
Long Sutton Church of England Primary School presented
£1,000 raised from their Christmas cart to Volunteer
Sue Allwood.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 41
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 41 01/03/2018 10:36

In the community
Members of the Sherborne Classic Car Club raised a
bumper £3,000 at its 2017 Classic and Supercar Show!
Sainsbury’s in Frome selected us as its Charity of the Year and raised £1,850
by holding cake bakes and placing our collection tins at its checkouts.
Purbeck Motocross Club raised £500 at its Weymouth Beach Motocross event.
Volunteer Roy Hardy accepted the funds from Club Chairman Alf Stearn.
Shirley Rogers has supported the Charity for a number
of years and recently raised £903 at her Craft Fair!
Northam Farm in Brean held a Country and Western Festival and
raised £3,344 via bucket collections, an auction and a raffle! Yee-ha!
Stawell Clay Shooting Club raised £955 from its
Charity Shoot, BBQ, auction and raffle, which was
held at the Knowle Inn at Bawdrip.
42 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 42 01/03/2018 10:36

how people help
Volunteers Norma Hadlington and Joy Whittingham
attended a fun-filled coffee morning with the
Stitch 4 Charity group, which raised £800.
Jude and her family raised £400 at her 70th birthday meal!
It looks like you all had a fantastic evening celebrating!
Our thanks go to Debbie and Kevin Francis who
raised £1,197 with their display of Christmas lights!
Volunteers Joy Whittingham and Maria Bizzell attended
a Christmas Tree Festival at Verwood Methodist
Church, where £391 was raised.
Children at Little Montessori House Nursery put their best
foot forward and raised £119 by doing a sponsored walk!
Magna Housing’s Employee Lottery generated £850 in
support of local charities. DSAA received a total of £400
from the initiative, which gives staff a chance to win
money and raise cash for a charity of their choice.
Taunton Vale Polo Club raised £1,220 at its Summer Ball and
presented the funds to Volunteers Paul and Dianne Foulds.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 43
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 43 01/03/2018 10:36

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WS_0341 A6 advert landscape colour.indd 1 15/02/2017 17:38
Registered Charity No. 1014697
Thinking of moving
into a care home – or
just needing a little
extra help at home?
We’re here to help
Whatever your care needs, we know that it’s the care that counts – the quality
care of all our residents and home care customers.
As a leading provider of residential and home care across Dorset, we offer compassionate residential,
nursing, dementia and home care at a realistic cost.
Whether you’re looking for care in your own home, a short respite stay
or a new home, we offer a warm welcome, comfort and peace of mind.
To request a brochure, arrange a visit or find out more, contact
www.care-south.co.uk
01202 712400 | info@care-south.co.uk
CARE SOUTH IS A LEADING PROVIDER OF RESIDENTIAL AND HOME CARE ACROSS THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Untitled-1 1 28/09/2015 09:56
XX_Comp.indd 44 29/08/2017 10:43
45_DSAA_AD_2x1/2.indd Untitled-4 15 45 06/03/2017 01/03/2018 21:54 09:54

how you can help
Ways to make a personal donation
There are a number of ways to support us by
making a personal donation. If you are a UK
taxpayer, the methods below allow us to claim
Gift Aid on your donation. Gift Aid enables us to
claim back 25p in every £1 donated from HMRC
and is one of the easiest ways to make your
donation tax effective. The Charity reclaims the
money and there is no additional cost to you.
Standing order
To donate on a regular basis please complete
the Standing Order Form in the centre of this
magazine
Credit/Debit card
You can do this over the phone by calling:
01823 669604 or via our website:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk/donate
Cash or personal cheque
Please make cheques payable to ‘Dorset
and Somerset Air Ambulance’ and send to:
DSAA, Landacre House, Castle Road, Chelston
Business Park, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9JQ.
Please do not send cash in the post
Payroll giving
Ask your employer if they offer a ‘Give as you
Earn Scheme’, most large employers do
Text giving
Simply text DSAA01 £2/£5/£10 to 70070 (eg.
to donate £5, DSAA01 £5)
Other ways to support us
As you can see from our magazine, there are so
many different ways that you can help us! A small
selection are listed below:
Join our Lottery (simply complete the Lottery
Direct Debit form in the centre of this magazine)
Hold an event in aid of us
Become a collection box holder
Volunteer and donate the ‘gift of time’
Nominate us as your Charity of the Year at work
or your social group
Book a talk from one of our team
Leave a legacy
Recycle your unwanted textiles, mobile phones
and used stamps
More information on these methods, together
with a number of other ways you can get
involved, can be found by visiting our
website: www.dsairambulance.org.uk
Need to get in touch?
CONTACT US:
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Landacre House, Castle Road
Chelston Business Park, Wellington,
Somerset TA21 9JQ
Tel: 01823 669604
E: info@dsairambulance.org.uk
www.dsairambulance.org.uk
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance @dsairambulance 45
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 45 01/03/2018 10:36

how you can help
Help raise funds for DSAA
There are so many ways that you can help to support us with your own
fundraising events or activities
ow! You are keeping our Fundraising Team
W
busy, we’ve already got events and talks in our
diary across this year and next. Thank you to
everyone for their wonderful support and don’t forget to
let us know if you are holding events in aid of us so we
can support you too.
National Air Ambulance Week will be taking place
between Monday 10 and Sunday 16 September 2018 and we
thought we would use this as an opportunity to promote
our textile recycling scheme. We work in partnership with
Bag It Up Ltd, who provide and service the big yellow banks
that are located across the two counties.
Everything you donate is sorted into over 110 different
categories and the quality of the items determine
the part of the world they end up in. Any items that
cannot be sold on are recycled into industrial wipers,
mattress fillings, cloths, insulation and new fibres. More
information on the National Air Ambulance Week
‘Bag It, Bank It, Help To Save Lives’ initiative can be found
on page 49.
If you are more of an adrenalin junkie, then why
not take part in a sponsored parachute jump! We have
four upcoming dates where you can jump in aid of the
Charity, although you can do this at other times too.
Find out more on page 47 or visit our website for
further details.
We also relish the opportunity to work with businesses,
regardless of how large or small. Whether you have a
handful of employees or a whole company who want
to get involved, we would love to work in partnership
with you. Our team pride themselves on giving you all
the support you need, so why not get in touch today by
emailing: fundraising@dsairambulance.org.uk
We would like to take this opportunity to also mention
Gift Aid. If you are a UK taxpayer and have raised money
for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, we can claim an
additional 25% on your donation, that’s 25p in every £1
donated. Simply download a copy of the form from our
website or ask the office to send you one in the post. For
those who are taking part in a sponsored event, please
ensure that all those who tick the Gift Aid box enter their
full name, home address and postcode; we are unable
to process claims if they are not complete or show a
business address.
Finally, a sincere thank you from us all to everyone
who supports us by fundraising or volunteering their
time to the Charity. Patients’ lives depend on us being
there and with your support we can be!
46 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 46 01/03/2018 10:36

DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 47 01/03/2018 10:36

how you can help
The new website
has loads of great
new features,
including
feedback forms
and an online
fundraising
platform
Check out our new website!
e are pleased to confirm that our new website
W
went live at the end of November and has been
really well received. It has so many additional
benefits for both the Charity and our supporters, some of
which we would like to share with you.
More user friendly
We want our supporters to keep up to date with all our
latest news, no matter what device they are using. With
this in mind, the entire design and structure of our
website has been built to be compatible across mobile,
tablet and desktop devices.
We have also made it easier for people to engage with
content by providing the option to leave comments and
to share pages of interest via their email or social media
channels.
Integrated contact/feedback forms
Get in touch with us via the integrated forms on our
Contact Us page. Each office/department is clearly
separated so that your enquiry will be received by the
correct person, first time.
For patients who have been helped by our Clinical
Team and wish to provide feedback or share details
of their incident, there is a more personalised form
that can be completed via the following link:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk/share-your-story-feedback
Improved donation process
Our website has its own integrated payment system,
which allows donations to be made on one seamless
donation page. This improvement ensures that
supporters are not diverted to our payment providers’
websites and also enables people to Gift Aid their
donation with ease.
Online fundraising platform
One of the key functions of the new site is the ability
for our supporters to set up their own fundraising pages
when they want to raise funds online. This new tool
provides a fantastic way for your family, friends and
colleagues to donate easily towards your campaign.
You can easily upload text that explains why you are
fundraising for the Charity, set a target amount that you
want to raise, keep track of your progress and see the
donations you have received. Additionally, you can easily
share your page via email, Facebook or Twitter.
To set up an online fundraising page,
simply follow these steps:
1. Visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/set-up-afundraising-page
and select ‘where you want your
money to go’ from the drop down menu
2. Follow the step by step instructions on how to
set up your fundraising page
3. Submit your page for approval
4. Approved! Visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/
fundraise-online and follow the instructions to log
in to your account using your email address and
password
5. Access your page via the personalised
link that was emailed to you, or visit:
www.dsairambulance.org.uk/fundraise-online
and search for your name/page via the
Fundraisers tab
6. Get sharing! It’s as easy as that!
48 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 48 01/03/2018 10:36

In Support of National Air Ambulance Week
10 – 16 September 2018
BAG IT,
BANK IT,
HELP TO
SAVE LIVES
Would you like to support Dorset
and Somerset Air Ambulance during
National Air Ambulance Week?
Why not use the date to have a clear out of
your unwanted clothes, shoes, handbags and
household textiles!
Simply ‘Bag It’ and then ‘Bank It’ at one of our
yellow textile recycling banks located across the
two counties during the week.
To find your nearest bank and help us raise
funds visit: www.biugroup.co.uk and click on
the Bank Locator.
www.biugroup.co.uk
/biugroupuk
@biu_group
BIU Group UK
General Enquiries: 01422 418 618 or Email: info@biugroup.co.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 49 01/03/2018 10:36

leTTerS
postbag
I have always loved planes and helicopters
and the air ambulance is one of my
favourites. I love to draw pictures of all the
different models and one morning, I was
drawing a picture of the helicopter that
serves Kent, Surrey and Sussex. My mum
and I planned to go for a swim but when
we got there, the pool was closed! On the
way home, I begged my mum to take me to
look at the new helipad at Bournemouth
Hospital. When we drove round, I could not
believe that the helicopter I was drawing
that morning was on the helipad. I even got
to sit inside and have my photo taken with
the pilot, Mario. We watched it take off and
it was the best day ever! Joshua GiIbert
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank
you for the cheque that I received for
winning second prize in your Lottery, it
was a lovely surprise! My children were very
excited to go to Legoland! Thank you for all
the good work you do – an amazing service.
Kerry White (pictured left)
@dsairambulance First ever Night HEMS
mission for our team tonight! Great work
guys! #helimed10
I am enclosing a cheque for £250 towards
the wonderful work that you do and I
would ask that you pass on my thanks to
the team who helped that day. My husband
was a wonderful man and would have been
so grateful for your care, as was I. Bless you
and long may your flights continue. Yours
faithfully, Jenny Domerecki
Thank you to the paramedics and pilot who
came out to my daughter after she had
fallen from her horse. Such professionalism
and care given and an invaluable service.
Thankfully no broken bones! Becki Steer
Please find enclosed £465 given by our
family and friends at our 25th wedding
anniversary celebrations. One of our guests
unfortunately had to use your services
following a fall from her horse earlier
this year, but thankfully is making a good
recovery. Yours faithfully, Anne and Bob
Stoneham
Myself and three friends cycled 900 miles
in six days from John O’ Groats to Land’s
End. We raised £5,823, which we have
shared equally between your charity and
Children’s Hospice South West. We are full
of admiration for the work you do, and
are pleased to have had the opportunity to
support such wonderful charities.
Yours sincerely, Kev Watts
@ParentCreations Love to support local
businesses and charities! Today I signed up
to the @dsairambulance Lottery only
£1 per week!
We’d love to hear from you!
please send your letters to:
DSAA, landacre house,
castle road,
chelston business park,
Wellington TA21 9JQ,
or email: info@dsairambulance.org.uk
50 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk
DSAA_Beeline_1_2018.indb 50 01/03/2018 10:36

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call us the superheroes
of small business IT support,
and is available now as part
of our Priority Premium package.
For more details, call 01225 636000
or visit www.PriorityIT.co.uk/proactive
Priority IT Solutions Ltd, 56 Stallard Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8HH T 01225 636000 E info@PriorityIT.co.uk
www.PriorityIT.co.uk
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