NEWS FEED
Local people will be given the chance to meet the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance crew, staff and volunteers and get an up close view of the helicopter during National Air Ambulance Week (NAAW) which takes place between 19-25 September.
Subject to operational requirements, the yellow helicopter and crew, will land at two accessible locations during the week, in an aim to raise awareness of the work they do in the local community: Saturday 24 September at 12noon at The Victoria Sports & Social Club, Leigh Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0HB and Sunday 25 September 12noon at Hengistbury Head, (main green, near Hiker Café), Broadway, Bournemouth, BH6 4EN Also attending will be the charity’s ever-popular mascot ‘Dasher’ who is sure to bring a smile to the little people who attend.
Tina Viksna, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager said: “National Air Ambulance Week has now become a regular feature on people’s event calendars and there are so many different ways that people can get involved. Some of our supporters hold mufti or dress down days at school or within the workplace, others organise their own event or set themselves a challenge. It’s never too late to get involved.
“Many people see or experience the work of the air ambulance when it is attending an incident, therefore they do not have the opportunity to talk with our team or see the helicopter up close. The scheduled fly-ins are aimed at doing just that and we hope that people will take the time to come and meet our team.
“Our priorities obviously remain to helping those in need. This is why the scheduled fly-ins are subject to any operational commitments that we might have on the day.”
Clive Dickin National Director of the AAA said: “The number of incidents where the skills of an air ambulance team are needed is rapidly increasing, as is the number of serious road traffic incidents which involve multiple casualties. With many air ambulance charities investing funds to expand their operations, increasing operating hours to provide night HEMS missions, upgrading to larger aircrafts, increasing medical capabilities with the carriage of blood products and investing in the advanced education and training of their paramedics and doctors, there is no better time to show your support”
If you would like to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance during National Air Ambulance Week you can donate online via: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/donate or by texting from a mobile phone: DSAA02 £5 to 70070.
Alternatively you can donate by cheque; please make it payable to ‘Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’ and post to: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Landacre House, Castle Road, Chelston Business Park, Wellington, TA21 9JQ and state: ‘NAAW’ on the reverse.
More information about the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk or by calling: 01823 669604.
