International Women’s Day: Accelerating Action Together

The 8^th of March marks International Women’s Day 2025 and this year’s theme is Accelerating Action. At Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, 52% of our people are women across our clinical and charity teams. Today, we take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our female colleagues; from our employees to our volunteers and supporters, everyone plays a role in making our charity excellent, ensuring we can continue to save lives every day.  

This year holds special significance as we celebrate our 25^th Anniversary, a milestone that not only marks how far we have come, but how much further we can go. Our journey from a small team to a vital life-saving service has been fuelled by the action, determination and commitment of our people, many of whom are women – all with an immeasurable impact at DSAA. 

Accelerating action: The women of DSAA  

Today, we focus on the women at DSAA and their action in accelerating our mission.  

In our clinical team 

Our clinical team is made up of doctors, practitioners, and patient and family liaison nurses. 35% of this team are women. Experts in their field, they deliver clinical excellence, responding to emergencies 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. Beyond this, they support patients and their families, often during the most difficult time of their lives.  

In focus: Laura Bland, Critical Care Doctor

As a critical care doctor and leader of the pre-hospital emergency medicine training programme for DSAA, Laura is a champion of clinical excellence, a leader in training and development and a passionate advocate for patients and their families. Laura’s efforts were recognised at the 2024 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence, where she was the recipient of the Critical Care Doctor of the Year Award. 

Laura’s passion, dedication and innovation drive DSSA’s core values and her positive impact, not only in the clinical field, but also in the wider community, has influenced countless lives.  

In focus: Patient & Family Liaison Nurses

Once patients reach the hospital, our patient and family liaison nurses are swiftly on hand to provide support during the hardest time of their lives.  

At DSAA, our five patient and family liaison nurses are: Jo, Kirsty, Chloe, Sam and Gabi.

These women are integral members of our team and play a crucial part of the clinical care and support we provide. The theme of ‘accelerating action’ is a powerful reminder of the need to break barriers and innovate. This team do just that: acting swiftly, offering unwavering care, and continuously improving patient and family support. 

Meet our Patient and Family Liaison Nurses

Our charity team

From Wellington to Wimborne and everywhere in between, our charity offices keep everything going behind the scenes. Our team consists of professionals across various departments, including Management and Leadership, Fundraising, Communications, Lottery, Airbase Personnel, Administration, and Finance. This dedicated team, made up of approximately 76% women, plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and continued operations of our life-saving service.

In focus: Caroline Guy, Lottery Manager

Caroline is our Lottery Manager and has been an essential part of DSAA for 20 years.

The lottery is the charity’s largest sustainable income stream and plays a significant role in securing our future, enabling us to be there for patients every day.

As the longest serving employee, Caroline, alongside her team, has aided our growth and stability immensely, her actions leaving a lasting impact.

Join our Flight for Life Lottery

The women donating their time

DSAA’s Trustees volunteer their time to governing our charity and ensuring our mission is upheld. Here at DSAA, 50% of trustee positions are held by women, each with unique knowledge and skillsets.  

In focus: Gillian Bryce, Chair of Trustees

Gillian has been a member of DSAA’s Board of Trustees since 2014 and has served as Chair since 2019.

With over 30 years of service in Emergency Medicine, she has made a lasting impact on pre-hospital care in the South West - such as her pioneering work developing the first paramedic training course and leadership in merging ambulance services for better patient care. Gillian's advocacy for expanding air ambulance services also supported the creation of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in 2000.

Gillian will retire from this position in 2025, but her story will always be part of DSAA’s legacy. 

In the community

Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting our charity. They attend events, deliver CPR training and educational talks, manage collection boxes, and much more. Approximately 64% of our volunteers are women, with their efforts representing well over 6,400 hours of vital support.   

In focus: Pauline Lucas, Somerset volunteer

Pauline became a motor biker in her 50’s. Initially she rode as pillion on her husband Mark’s Harley Davidson, before passing her own test at 58 and getting her own Harley called Elsie. As keen bikers, Pauline and Mark decided to support DSAA when they moved to Somerset. Pauline dedicates her time to delivering talks and CPR training, servicing collection boxes and much more.  

Pauline states that joining DSAA as a volunteer is: 

‘A decision we have never regretted. We are delighted to be able to be of help to such a wonderful charity and support its amazing work’.  

Through her efforts she has helped raise vital funds, spread awareness of our charity’s mission, and provided life-saving CPR skills to her community.   

In focus: Susan Dredge, Dorset volunteer

Susan is one of our long-standing volunteers. Since moving to Dorset in 2002 she has dedicated 23 years and countless hours to supporting DSAA. Reflecting on her journey, she notes:  

‘It has been a privilege and pleasure to represent DSAA, wear the uniform and help where I can.  Being part of DSAA is so rewarding, and it really does feel like I am part of a second and much wider family. I would encourage anyone, whatever time you have to give, to consider volunteering for such a worthwhile charity.’ 

Susan’s dedication exemplifies the commitment of our volunteers and showcases the power of action within our charity. 

Fantastic fundraisers

Through community events, sports challenges and personal initiatives, the action of our inspiring fundraisers plays a crucial role in keeping our service running and ready to respond.

In focus: The Hive Cafe

Our female supporters continue to push boundaries in extraordinary ways. Sandra Witcombe, Dianna Wheeler and Kim Gait raised around £4,000 for DSAA from their 'Nudey Knits’ display at The Hive Cafe in Shepton Mallet. Sandra also knitted a figure of Coldplay’s Chris Martin, which made the rounds at Glastonbury Festival and joined the band on tour – what a way to spread awareness! 

The ladies at The Hive Cafe show their unstoppable skills and humour, proving that creativity can make a real impact.

Looking forward: The next 25 years

As we reflect on the past 25 years and thank all who have helped us along the way, we also look ahead to the future. At DSAA we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where women in all roles can continue to thrive, innovate, and lead. 

On this International Women’s Day, we invite everyone to take a moment to celebrate the achievements of the incredible women who make DSAA what it is. Their dedication, collaboration, and leadership continue to shape the future of our charity, the wider community, and the lives we save.

Here’s to 25 years of action - and to many more ahead.