Life Support – Good news stories in the community

Approximately 25% of the missions our crew are tasked to are cardiac arrests. Early CPR and defibrillation can double a patient’s chances of survival, so we want anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest to receive immediate CPR and to have access to a defibrillator, to ensure that vital treatment can be started whilst help from the ambulance service and DSAA’s critical care team can be organised.

Over the past six months or so, our team have been busy working behind the scenes to develop DSAA’s new Life Support initiative, which includes CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Sessions and a Community Defibrillator Package. Life Support enables community groups, businesses and organisations to learn life-saving CPR skills and to purchase a DSAA defibrillator to help save lives in the community.

We’re so pleased Life Support is already having a positive impact and we wanted to share the following good news stories with you.

Orchard Park Farm

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the local community and support from our partner Donate4Defib Weston-Super-Mare, Orchard Park Farm in Hornblotton have purchased and installed our first-ever DSAA defibrillator unit!

The defibrillator is now rescue-ready and available 24/7 to help anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest nearby. Corporate Partnerships Lead Georgia Beard, and Specialist Practitioner in Critical Care Ollie Zorab, went along to thank everyone involved and to see the unit unveiled.

What a fantastic way to kick off our life-saving initiative!

Medivet -Beaminster

As a veterinary practice, Medivet in Beaminster love animals, however the team also care about people in their community and so they wanted to equip themselves with the life-saving skills that would be needed to help someone in the event of a medical emergency; especially as they are in a rural location.

Our Life Support CPR Volunteer, Ashley Davidson, was thrilled to deliver one of our CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Sessions, which has given the team the confidence to perform CPR and how to locate and use a defibrillator in the event of a medical emergency.

Find out more about our Life Support initiative and how to get involved below:

CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Sessions Defibrillator Package

Latest

Coffee Morning in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

A friendly coffee morning in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance on Saturday 4 July 2026, from 10.30am to 12 noon, at Holy Trinity Church, Long Sutton.
DARE to BARE: A topless sponsored swim to raise vital funds and break CPR stigma

Join DSAA’s Dare to Bare, a topless open water swim in Somerset raising vital funds and breaking stigma around CPR for women.
Air Ambulance Memorial Event

Join us for a special evening of remembrance, community and generosity at the Air Ambulance Charity Dinner in Memory of Joe Abbess.
Vobster Quay Summer Party 2026

Get ready for the ultimate Summer celebration for scuba divers, swimmers, freedivers and water lovers alike! Join Vobster Quay for an unforgettable evening of sunshine, live music and fun activities with a jolly laid back atmosphere as they get together for the ultimate Summer Lake Party in aid of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

DARE to BARE: A topless sponsored swim to raise vital funds and break CPR stigma

Join DSAA’s Dare to Bare, a topless open water swim in Somerset raising vital funds and breaking stigma around CPR for women.
Volunteers’ Week 2026: Celebrating the gift of time

Join us this Volunteers’ Week as we celebrate the incredible gift of time given by our dedicated volunteers and the difference they make every day.
The Big Keepy Uppy Challenge begins during 2026 World Cup

Join The Big Keepy-Up Challenge for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Take on 3,000 keepy uppiess, raise vital funds and help keep our helicopter flying this World Cup.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's second helicopter touches down - and you can help name it!

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance welcomes its second helicopter to Henstridge, helping reach more patients and marking a major milestone for the 2ndHeli Appeal.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance launch public consultation on new Yeovil base

Public consultation launched on plans for a new Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance operational base in Yeovil, with opportunities for the community to view proposals and share feedback.
The latest from our clinical training team

Explore the latest clinical training updates from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, strengthening skills to deliver life-saving care across the region.
24 hours of bowls in Frome to raise funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Kathy and Mike take on a 24-hour bowls marathon in Frome this May, raising vital funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance with a weekend full of community activities and support.
Hundreds support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance at Seaside Scramble

Hundreds run, climb and scramble at Poole’s Seaside Scramble, raising funds to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s vital work.
How to create a heart-safe community

Install a public access defibrillator and build a heart-safe community with training, registration support and ongoing care from our team.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance marks 10 years of providing emergency blood transfusions

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance marks 10 years of delivering life‑saving pre‑hospital blood transfusions, thanking partners, clinicians and supporters.