Air Ambulance commits charitable reserves to save more lives
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has announced exciting plans to expand and enhance its life-saving service, so that it can reach more patients in the future and save more lives than ever before.
As the busiest air ambulance in the Southwest, DSAA was tasked to nearly 3,000 missions last year, reaching thousands of patients in their hour of need. However, as demand for its critical care service continues to rise, so too do the costs of delivering it, and there are many more patients who need help who are not being reached.
DSAA recognises that approximately 10% more patients require their specialist skills during their 19-hour day operations but are unable to be reached due to the unavailability of their aircraft. Furthermore, between the hours of 02:00 and 07:00, there is no pre-hospital critical care in Dorset and Somerset, leaving some patients without the level of care they need during those times.
The care that DSAA provides is only made possible because of the generosity of the public, as every mission is funded by donations. Without that support, the service would not exist.
With careful stewardship of funds over the years, some very generous legacies and extremely careful control of spending, the charity is now putting those gifts to work, by committing to the future of pre-hospital critical care across Dorset and Somerset, enabling more patients to receive that care whenever they need it.
A total of £30 million from the charity’s reserves has been allocated to fund the purchase and fit-out of a second helicopter, the redevelopment of an operational base and key modernisation projects. These commitments will also ensure the charity is able to retain financial security while preparing for potential 24-hour operations in the future, given the ongoing additional cost that would entail.
The amounts designated from reserves are not expected to cover the full costs needed for all these developments, and public fundraising alongside the investments will need to grow.
With operational costs continuing to rise, the charity is therefore looking to expand and diversify its income streams, whilst engaging with the public on the difference ways their support can make a difference.
Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, and the careful management of the funds entrusted to us, we are now able to make these vital investments in our future. This is a significant commitment; every penny is being spent to help us reach more patients, save more lives, and provide the very best care we can, day and night.
We have the foundations in place, but we can’t complete this journey alone. As we draw on our reserves to make these developments a reality, we will continue to rely on the incredible support of our local community. Every donation, every event, and every act of kindness helps us take the next step towards ensuring that everyone who needs us can be reached, whenever they need us most.”
DSAA recently launched their 2ndHeli Appeal aimed at raising £1 million towards the purchase of the second helicopter which is receiving a really good level of support.
By combining the use of charitable funds with the generosity of public fundraising, the charity will continue providing the people of Dorset and Somerset with the care that they need and deserve; care that is not otherwise available outside of hospital.
For more information on DSAA’s 2ndHeli Appeal and how you can get involved, visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/Appeal/2ndheli
