Dorset Air Ambulance saves over 100 children in a year (From Dorset Echo)

Dorset Air Ambulance saves over 100 children in a year

4:16pm Monday 16th January 2012 in News By Miriam Phillips

THE Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance helped save the lives of more than 100 children and young people in the past 12 months.

The vital air service, which is completely reliant on donations, reported a busy year due to more children taking part in regular sport and outdoor activities.

Others were airlifted to hospital in medical emergencies suffering from a range of illnesses and life-threatening injuries sustained in traffic accidents.

In total it collected 108 youngsters in the helicopter to rush them to the nearest hospital.

Bill Sivewright, the air ambulance’s chief executive officer said: “It might be surprising for people to know, but du-ring 2011 alone, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has carried 108 minors to hospital. “More and more youngsters are taking part in sporting or outdoor activities on a regular basis. “This, together with the fact that Dorset and Somerset has some of the most beautiful beaches and countryside in the UK, means that families are visiting them more oft-en.”

Last year, then 11-month old baby Reuben Bowring was saved when he was picked up from his home in Milton on Stour by the air ambulance and transported to Dorset County Hospital after falling extremely ill with suspected meningitis.

Luckily he made a full recovery and his parents Emily and Jonathan have since praised the life-saving work of the air ambulance.

Every year the air ambulance needs to raise £1.4million to keep flying because they receive no direct funding from the government or the National Lottery.

They provide a team of highly skilled paramedics and pilots who are called out to save lives every day.

The service has released statistics relating to young people in a bid to raise awareness.

They are launching a series of initiatives to try to highlight their work – including the competition below.