Our Impact News Crew training focus: Delivering life-saving care in 2025-26 Behind every life-saving air ambulance mission is an ongoing commitment to training, learning and collaboration. Since last Autumn, our training team has continued to deliver an extensive programme to strengthen knowledge and clinical skills to 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. Training Lead and Critical Care Practitioner, Amy, shares an update on some of the highlights from the past few months. November: advanced surgical skills and shared learning November's training focused on our annual surgical skills day, designed to improve patient outcomes during the most serious emergencies. We were joined by colleagues from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) for an external case review, supporting shared learning across UK air ambulance charities. The day included practical stations and simulations covering rare but critical emergency procedures, helping our crew remain confident and effective in high-pressure situations. Using specialist training materials, including donated human umbilical cords, our team practiced skills such as gaining emergency vascular access in newborn babies, a skill that can be vital in saving lives. We’re grateful to Dr Hannah Carden from Musgrove Park Hospital, along with Claire, Matt and Phil from our own team for making this brilliant training opportunity possible. Meet our crew December: evidence-based training and clinical reflection December’s training centred on evidence-based practice and debriefing . The team explored the latest medical research and evidence during Dave’s journal club, reviewing recently published articles in the medical literature, followed by insight from our research team on how conducting our own research and writing for publication contributes to the future of pre-hospital care. Our new consultant, Sarah, led a brilliant session on effective debriefing after challenging cases, before the team reviewed national resuscitation guideline updates. As the year came to a close, training ended on a positive note with a festive medical and aviation quiz, led by Lauren. January: airway management and clinical innovation We began 2026 with an airway focused training day, recognising airway management as one of the most important aspects of critical care delivered by our air ambulance crew. The team heard from Sydney HEMS about their airway registry before reviewing and learning from our own recent intubation footage. Thanks to Operational Support Officer, Struan, for his hard work building an airway video library that will continue to support training and improvement across the service. We'd also like to thank Eden from Glidescope, who provided additional screens for the day’s skill stations, and Sandra from Well Medical, who supplied a manikin. Working together to save lives across Dorset and Somerset We’re extremely grateful to everyone who contributes to our training programme. Collaboration between Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, other air ambulance charities and our emergency service colleagues plays a vital role in improving outcomes for people who are seriously ill or injured, wherever they are. As a charity-funded air ambulance service, this vital training is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Ongoing investment in training ensures our crews are ready to deliver the very best life-saving emergency medical care, now and into the future. Support our life-saving work Manage Cookie Preferences