The Kit We Carry

When responding to life-threatening emergencies, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) crew must be ready for anything. Whether arriving by helicopter or car, they carry advanced medical equipment to deliver life-saving care on the spot.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we keep this vital equipment mission-ready, ensuring help is always available when and where it’s needed.

Explore the kit below to see how it’s used and how your support helps us save lives across Dorset and Somerset.

 

Essential Equipment We Carry

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Red and Blue Kit Bags

Red and Blue Kit Bags

At every emergency, our crew arrives with two essential kit bags, each packed with life-saving tools.

  • The red bag contains everything needed for blood circulation and patient monitoring, including tools  to control severe bleeding, equipment for administering fluids, and blood products to treat patients.
  • The blue bag is dedicated to airway and breathing support, carrying advanced devices to manage a patient’s respiratory function. This includes oxygen delivery systems, ventilator support  systems, and specialist airway management tools that help our team treat people in urgent need of intervention.
Zoll X Series – Advanced Patient Monitor Air Ambulance Kit

Zoll X Series – Advanced Patient Monitor

One of the most vital pieces of equipment we carry is the ZOLL X Series. This device provides real-time data on a patient’s condition, allowing our clinicians to make rapid, life-saving decisions. It records and monitors heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature.

It also functions as a defibrillator, pacemaker, and ECG monitor, helping us treat patients experiencing cardiac arrest or life-threatening heart irregularities. The ability to track critical information at the scene means our team can provide the most effective care possible before reaching the hospital.

Each ZOLL monitor costs £26,000. Without the support of our donors, we simply wouldn’t have access to this vital technology.

Read how the Zoll helped to save Jonathan’s Life 

LUCAS – Automated CPR Machine Air Ambulance Kit

LUCAS – Automated CPR Machine

In cases of cardiac arrest, immediate and effective chest compressions can mean the difference between life and death. The LUCAS machine delivers high-quality, consistent chest compressions, ensuring blood continues to circulate when a patient’s heart has stopped.

This device not only reduces the risk of fatigue and human error  from manual CPR but also allows our clinicians to focus on other essential life-saving procedures. It remains effective even during patient transport, maintaining steady compressions while our team prepares for advanced care.

Each LUCAS machine costs £10,400, and its availability on every mission is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters

credo cubes blood transport system air ambulance kit

Credo Cubes – Blood Transport System

For patients experiencing severe blood loss, an immediate transfusion can be life-saving. The Credo Cube is a specialised container that keeps blood products at the correct temperature during transport, ensuring they are ready for use at the scene of an emergency.

Our blood supplies are restocked every 48 hours by the blood lab at Dorchester Hospital, allowing us to carry and administer life-saving transfusions whenever they are needed.

Find out more about Blood on Board our service LINK

 

Ultrasound Device

The VScan Portable Ultrasound Device is a crucial diagnostic tool, allowing our team to assess patients quickly and accurately. It provides imaging of the heart, lungs, and internal organs, helping us detect internal bleeding, collapsed lungs, or heart complications.

The device connects to an iPad for a clear picture of what’s happening inside a patient’s body. This can be critical in deciding whether urgent interventions are needed before a patient reaches hospital.

Thermal Management Devices

Keeping patients warm is an essential part of emergency care, particularly for those who have suffered major blood loss or shock. Our crew carries a range of thermal management devices designed to prevent hypothermia, including heated blankets, active heat pads, and wraps that provide insulation.

For trauma patients, even a small drop in body temperature can have serious consequences. These simple but effective tools help to stabilise patients and improve their chances of survival.

Specialist Equipment for Babies and Children

Medical emergencies can affect people of all ages, including newborns and young children. Our team carries a full range of specialist paediatric equipment to ensure we can provide the best care for our youngest patients.

The BabyPod II Infant Transport System, designed by Ferno, allows us to transport babies safely in a secure and temperature-controlled environment. Unlike traditional incubators, the BabyPod is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for air and road transport. We also carry a range of equiptment to treat children of all ages.

 

How You Can Help

Almost every  piece of equipment we carry is funded by donations from people like you. Without this support, we wouldn’t have access to the technology needed to provide life-saving care.

Your contributions help keep our critical care team equipped and ready to respond, no matter the emergency.

Become a regular donor today and help us save lives

Manage Cookie Preferences