AIR Ambulance charities across the country are once again coming together to celebrate National Air Ambulance Week (NAAW) which takes place between September 10-16.

Operational every single day, air ambulances are funded by the generosity of the public and treat over 25,000 patients throughout the year. On average, an air ambulance is deployed every 10 minutes; bringing the hospital to the patient and treating the most critically ill or seriously injured in their time of need.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance will be using National Air Ambulance Week to raise awareness of their life-saving work via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@DSAIRAMBULANCE).

Many supporters are already holding events, dressing up, or going to school in mufti to raise funds and it is not too late to get involved.

Tracy Bartram, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Communications Manager said: “Last year, we were mobilised to 1,197 incidents which is an increase of 35% on the previous year. We also provided 21 critical inter-hospital transfers and administered blood products to 72 patients, drastically improving their chances of getting to hospital alive. Since beginning night operations in November 2017, there has been some startling examples of lives saved by the availability delivery and actions of our Clinical Team, with our nocturnal operations accounting for at least a third of the missions we are tasked to.

“We really hope that people will follow us on social media throughout the week. We will be sharing information and videos to give our supporters an insight into our work and show how any funds raised are making such a difference to so many people’s lives. We also hope that it will encourage others to support us in whichever way they can. On behalf of everyone at the Charity, thank you all for your wonderful and continued support!”

If you have been inspired by the work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and wish to support them during National Air Ambulance Week, please donate whatever you can by visiting: https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk/naaw or by phoning: 01823 669604.

More information can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk