Second air ambulance to aid 150 more patients a year

An air ambulance charity's second helicopter is expected to reach over 150 more patients each year.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's second helicopter began service after touching down at its base at Henstridge Airfield for the first time on Tuesday.

It will now join the charity's existing aircraft - known as Peggy - which the charity says marks a major step forward in the charity's mission to reach more patients and save more lives.

Thousands of people and businesses in the local community have helped make the arrival of the second helicopter a reality, raising £670,000 so far towards the charity's £1 million 2ndHeli Appeal, according to the charity.

In recognition of that support, the charity will give the community the opportunity to name "their" helicopter when it launches a "Naming Campaign" on 30 June.

The charity added that the two helicopters have the potential of reaching even more patients through extended operating hours in the future. It currently operates for 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The aircraft will be operated by existing pilots and crew members.

It comes as the charity is planning to move from its current site to the Leonardo helicopters airfield in Yeovil as demand for its emergency work has tripled in the last 10 years.

Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: "Seeing the helicopter arrive at Henstridge is a proud and emotional moment and marks a major step forward in our ability to reach even more patients when they need us most.

"As we prepare for the aircraft to begin operations, we want to thank everyone who has helped bring it into service.

"This is a helicopter made possible by our community, and it feels only fitting that the community will soon help to give it a name."