Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
 Euro 135 |
New Life-Saving Helicopter takes to the Skies
To comply with current EU regulations the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has brought into service a new life-saving helicopter. Bigger and faster than the older Bolkow 105 it replaces, the Eurocopter EC135 ensures that our patients receive the best possible flight to hospital.
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The new helicopter was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal on 15 February, and went into service on 1 March 2007, seven years after the Service first started in March 2000.
To accommodate the new helicopter it has been necessary to move the operating base from Henstridge Airfield to AgustaWestland in Yeovil.
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance serves the towns and local communities throughout the two counties (including Bath and North East Somerset). So far the Air Ambulance has flown over 4,500 missions, many of them life-saving.
The helicopter is crewed by a pilot and two paramedics and is capable of carrying two stretcher patients, plus a third sitting passenger. It flies comfortably at 140 mph and can be anywhere in the two counties within 19 minutes of the emergency call, making it ideal when time is critical in life-threatening situations. A key element of the Air Ambulance is that it can take patients direct to an appropriate specialist hospital that will meet their primary needs.
As the Service receives no funding from the NHS or the National Lottery it operates as a registered charity, totally dependent upon public support. The operational costs of the EC 135 are £100,000 per month (£3,500 per day). Unlike an appeal to repair a church roof or to provide a specific item of hospital equipment, fundraising to cover these costs has to be continuous, as the service never stops.
Any one, at any time, could require the services of the Air Ambulance: no one is immune!
A local Service - provided for local people - supported by local people
Support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
You can join our weekly lottery draw. This costs £1 per week (£4.34 per month by Direst Debit). Each week there is a £1,000 jackpot and four other cash prizes.
You can make a regular donation.
Hold a Fund Raising event such as a coffee morning.
Become a Volunteer and help at Summer Fetes and Collections etc.
Shops and Pubs can help by having a Collection Box on the counter.
A donation to the Air Ambulance instead of birthday or anniversary presents is becoming more popular.
Companies can promote their business by supporting the Air Ambulance.
Suggest a suitable location for one of our Clothes Banks or recycle your old mobile phone.
Local groups can learn more about the air ambulance by having a guest speaker.
For Further Information:
Call Chris James (Business Development Manager) on 07768 778169
or see, www.dorsetandsomersetairambulance.co.uk
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09/01/07 As most people will know, the Methodist Hall in Radstock runs a tea and coffee bar every morning except Sunday. |
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Recycling
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