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On behalf of Dorset and Somerset and of Devon Air Ambulance Services
Firstly, we would like to say a big thank you to the 
Devon and Somerset Law Society for the support shown to both ourselves and our colleagues at Devon Air Ambulance over the past year.
As we move into the very busy summer months both operationally and from an event and fundraising point of view, we wanted to give you a little insight into some of latest news. Our vision is “To provide the maximum patient benefit by delivering a highly effective, clinically excellent and financially secure air ambulance service in the South West Region". It is deliberately broad and challenges the whole organisation to meet its demands today and into the future.
Our team continue to provide a 19-hour day coverage with two shifts per day, seven days a week. This exceptional level of reliability has meant that clinicians from the South Western Ambulance Service (SWASFT) know that they can request a Critical Care Team (consisting of at least a Doctor and Critical Care Practitioner) every day between 7.00am and 2.00am. This contributes substantially to the increase in patients that our team are able to reach.
Last year we were tasked to nearly 1,200 incidents. Many of our patients are so severely injured or ill that they do not recall the events after their incident. As a result of their injuries or illness, some also endure enormous physical and mental challenges and at times they do not feel that they have sufficient information about their care or access to help. Sadly, we also attend incidents in which patients do not survive and their remaining families often have important questions about the care that was provided to their loved one in the pre-hospital environment. These are some of the reasons why we began to look at ways of improving patient care more widely than the emergency care we provide at incident scenes, on route and between hospitals.
With our patients spread widely across the two counties and limited road networks in place, we have created two part-time Patient and Family Liaison Clinician roles; one who is based in the north and one in the south. Their aims are to build and enhance relationships with the respective hospitals, provide support to patients who have been treated by our team to help make sense of their life experiences, answer questions about their pre-hospital care, provide links with patient support services and other charities that are aligned with the patients’ condition and encourage peer support links with other similarly injured patients.
This innovative approach is a new development within the South West region and is already making a significant difference to so many lives.
MESSAGE OF THANKS
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I was involved in a very nasty road traffic accident. I was hit head on by a large vehicle around Ilminster, Somerset. I was airlifted by your team to Southmead Hospital in Bristol and was not in a very good way. After spending four months in hospital and undergoing brain injury rehabilitation, I was released home last Friday. I have a long way to go, but I am so thankful to your team for looking after me at the scene and so grateful that I am here to say it! I cannot remember anything about the incident and what happened afterwards, but I know that it was touch and go whether I would survive! Please pass on my thank, hugs and kisses! SIAN BRAMMER |
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Finally, once again, on behalf of ourselves and the patients that both Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance attend to, thank you!
DASLS Immediate Past President Sue Aggett is walking 210 miles (a third) of the South West Coast Path by the April AGM in support of the Devon Air Ambulance and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. She says:
“I’m hoping I have successfully convinced my husband, Neil, to walk with me but would very much welcome any guest walkers to join me in any stage of this challenge. I will keep you updated of forthcoming walks through DASLS Twitter and Buzz.” Both Air Ambulance services rely entirely on the generosity of communities, businesses and friends of their respective counties and your support really does help to save lives. If you would like to support Sue by making a donation you can do so online at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/sueaggett1
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