Our Impact News Give to Gain: Celebrating collaboration on International Women’s Day International Women's Day takes place on March 8th and is a global day celebrating achievements of women. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, champions the power of generosity, collaboration and mutual support - values at the heart of everything we do. We would like to take this opportunity to celebrate all the incredible women across DSAA, whose dedication and teamwork make a difference every day. Reflecting this year’s theme, we hear from Amy White, Training Lead and Critical Care Practitioner, whose commitment to training, shared learning, and collaboration helps strengthen support for patients across Dorset and Somerset. Training at DSAA Led by Amy White and Dr Dave Martin, our training team deliver a comprehensive programme to strengthen knowledge and clinical skills. From simulation-based learning to specialist skill development, they ensure Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s crew can continue to provide hospital-level care to patients across Dorset and Somerset in the most challenging pre-hospital environments. Collaboration between DSAA, other air ambulance charities, and our emergency service colleagues plays a vital role in improving outcomes for our patients. Read the latest training updates How shared learning helps save more lives Amy’s leadership, planning and passion keep DSAA’s training programme thriving. Through collaboration within DSAA and with external partners, she shows how sharing knowledge strengthens patient care across the region. Read on as Amy reflects on her role and how Give to Gain comes to life through shared learning and teamwork. Can you tell us about your role as Training Lead and Critical Care Practitioner? "My role includes clinical shifts with both the critical care team and solo on the outreach cars. I’ve always had an interest in education, and started by supporting training days behind the scenes, which eventually grew into my current role as Training Lead alongside Dr Dave Martin. We work with a team to build our annual programme, recruit guest speakers, plan simulations and deliver monthly training days. As a typical Type A planner, I enjoy creating engaging experiences and seeing all that organisation come to life." Why is training and collaboration across the clinical team so important in a pre-hospital environment? "The pre-hospital environment is unpredictable and challenging, making regular training essential. We work as a small team and integrate with other emergency services to bring together a wide range of skills and capabilities to support our patients. Training together builds trust, improves communication and helps us to work effectively under pressure to provide the best possible care for our patients and their families." How does shared learning, both within DSAA and with external partners, help strengthen patient care? "We work in partnership with the NHS, other emergency services, and air ambulance charities to share knowledge, resources, and learning. By opening our training days to external colleagues, we create opportunities to build relationships, strengthen patient pathways, and promote shared learning - ultimately improving patient care across the region." What has been your favourite training topic to work on, and why? "One of my favourites was working with the Musgrove Park maternity team to deliver training on obstetric emergencies. Rehearsing pregnancy-related emergencies with this specialist team improved practical skills, as well as the pathway for mothers and their babies from prehospital care into the hospital." What advice would you give to women who are interested in a career in emergency or pre-hospital medicine? "Go for it! It is a rewarding career offering variety, teamwork, problem-solving and the privilege of supporting your community. It can be challenging but each experience helps you grow and keep learning. No two days are the same and it is a career that brings fulfilment and a real sense of purpose." Thank you This International Women’s Day, we thank every woman across DSAA for their dedication, expertise, and collaboration. Your contributions embody the spirit of “Give to Gain”, showing how generosity, shared learning, and teamwork strengthen the care we deliver to patients across Dorset and Somerset. Manage Cookie Preferences