Our Impact News Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance shortlisted for five Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has been shortlisted as a finalist in five categories at this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. These annual awards, organised by Air Ambulances UK, celebrate and recognise the specialist life-saving skills and commitments of those who work within the air ambulance sector. The finalists HEMS Desk nominated for ‘Team of the Year’ The amazing team that works on the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) desk, based at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust control centre, have been shortlisted in the ‘Team of the Year’ category. This team of 12 members consistently demonstrate excellence in their service delivery. Communicating across five air ambulances and all domains of the ambulance service, they unite multiple strands together to work effectively as a team. Patients and families benefit hugely from this consistent advocacy. Chloe Riley: finalist for ‘Aftercare Support of the Year’ Chloe Riley is one of DSAA’s patient and family liaison nurses. She sees her nomination reaching the final shortlist for ‘Aftercare Support of the Year’. Chloe is a quiet force of transformation. Her work over the past year has touched on every aspect of aftercare - supporting patients and families, empowering clinicians, fostering regional collaboration and shaping national practice. Her contributions are not defined by a single moment, but by a sustained commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence. Her contributions have made a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of those DSAA serves. Steve Westbrook: finalist for ‘Critical Care Practitioner of the Year’ Specialist Practitioner, Steve Westbrook is a finalist within the ‘Critical Care Practitioner of the Year’ category. Steve is Air Operations Officer for DSAA and a Specialist Practitioner in Critical Care. Despite his leadership responsibilities, he remains clinically active, treating patients on our helicopter borne critical care service, by outreach car, and as a volunteer responder. He demonstrates calm, compassionate care at incident scenes, always placing patients, families and colleagues at the forefront of his advocacy. Steve’s unwavering service commitment, compassion for his team, and inspiring leadership make him an outstanding role model. As a member of DSAA’s Welfare Team, he supports clinicians, aviators and charity professionals with thoughtful listening and insight. He provides wise council and helps guide the service in delivering the best care for patients across the region. Dr Matt Taylor: finalist for ‘Critical Care Doctor of the Year’ Dr Matt Taylor is recognised in the final shortlist for ‘Critical Care Doctor of the Year.’ He has worked for DSAA for the past six years, however in the past 12 months has demonstrated extraordinary impact for the region’s patients and families. Matt inspires everyone to achieve more for society. He consistently provides excellent pre-hospital care within multi-professional teams and communicates empathically and compassionately with patients, relatives and colleagues. Through his exceptional clinical expertise and compassionate leadership, the quality, safety, and consistency of care provided by DSAA has reached new height over the past year. Captain Kev Rutherford: finalist for ‘Pilot of the Year’ Captain Kev Rutherford is an accomplished and highly experienced HEMS pilot who has worked with DSAA for five years. Throughout this time, particularly over the last year, he has gone above and beyond his core role, not only helping reach patients across the region but also taking on a wide range of voluntary responsibilities that demonstrate his dedication to others. These include mentoring new pilots, supporting colleagues’ mental health, assisting clinicians at emergency scenes, volunteering as a Community First Responder in his local town and playing a key role in planning DSAA’s future operational base. He has also extended his support internationally, volunteering with the Ukraine Freedom Company to deliver vital medical supplies to hospital in Ukraine. Through these efforts, Kev has made a significant, lasting impact, creating positive change both today and for the future, locally and globally and is a finalist within the ‘Pilot of the Year’ category. Winners announced this December The Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence will take place on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 in Telford, where the winners will be announced. A full list of all the categories and those who have been shortlisted can be found by clicking the link below. Manage Cookie Preferences