We are delighted to announce that our new AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) helicopter entered into service on Monday 12^th June 2017.

The aircraft was the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK and is the culmination of years of planning and development. Selected following an extensive evaluation process, its outstanding characteristics, superior capabilities and safety standards will ensure unprecedented levels of mission effectiveness and provide an enhanced life-saving service for the people of Dorset and Somerset.

The medical equipment in the AW169 is not hugely different to that which was carried on the Charity’s previous aircraft, however, the biggest difference is the space inside the cabin.  This allows the Critical Care Team to have complete access to a patient, head to toe; a significant benefit if a patient needs further intervention or treatment on-route to hospital.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said:

“It has always been the Charity’s aim and clear vision to pursue clinical excellence; pairing Critical Care Teams with the outstanding capabilities of the AW169 s is a natural development of that vision. Patient benefit remains our top priority and this was the single biggest criteria in selecting the new aircraft. 

“Our ambitions and clinical aspirations determined a particular requirement from whichever aircraft we selected.  The capabilities and flexibility offered by the AW169 made it a clear winner and in our view it was the only aircraft which fully met our criteria. Another major plus in selecting a new mark of aircraft is that you are taking advantage of the latest advances in technology. That means that it is safer and easier to maintain and operate.

“We are most grateful to Specialist Aviation Services who operate the AW169 helicopter on our behalf. They have worked closely with our clinical team to develop a medical interior that will enable them to more fully meet the needs of our patients than ever before.

“Our approach has been truly innovative and as a result the AW169 has had to undergo very intense scrutiny by the European Aviation Safety Agency. This is why it has taken a little longer than we had hoped for the aircraft to become operational, however it has certainly been worth the wait and we are delighted to now have clearance to fly.

“The standard of clinical provision delivered by our Critical Care Team is arguably the best available anywhere. That is a bold claim but one that I make quite confidently. In the past year we have enhanced our team clinically, enhanced the service with the carriage of blood products increased our operational hours and can now ensure that these are all delivered in one of the most advanced helicopters available.

“The AW169’s night flying capabilities mean that we can now move forward into providing full night HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) missions. Our team will have the ability to fly directly to the patient without the need of any fixed or pre-established lighting which is a significant advantage. We are now looking forward to completing night HEMS training and subsequently operating the new aircraft for 19 hours a day.