The UK Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has officially taken delivery of their second AW169 at their Henstridge Airfield base.

The new helicopter will join the charity’s existing aircraft, which is already well recognised across the two counties for helping deliver advanced pre-hospital critical care on scene and en-route to hospital, in time-critical situations.  

With two helicopters, the charity expects to reach over 150 more patients each year during its current 19-hour day of operations, with the potential of reaching even more patients through extended operating hours in the future.

Thousands of people and businesses in the local community have helped make the arrival of the second helicopter a reality, raising £670,000 so far towards the charity’s £1 million 2ndHeli Appeal.  

Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “Seeing the helicopter arrive at Henstridge is a proud and emotional moment and marks a major step forward in our ability to reach even more patients when they need us most. We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, whose kindness and belief in our mission have made this milestone possible.  As we prepare for the aircraft to begin operations, we want to thank everyone who has helped bring it into service. This is a helicopter made possible by our community, and it feels only fitting that the community will soon help to give it a name.”