Community invited to help name new air ambulance helicopter

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s second helicopter has touched down at Henstridge Airfield for the first time – and now the charity is inviting the public to help choose its name.

The new aircraft will work alongside the charity’s existing helicopter, Pegasus – affectionately known as ‘Peggy’ – helping crews reach more patients across Dorset and Somerset in life-threatening emergencies.

The additional helicopter represents a major step forward for the service, with the charity estimating it will be able to attend more than 150 extra patients each year during its current 19-hour operating day. The move also creates the potential for extended operating hours in future.

The helicopter has been made possible through the charity’s £1 million Second Heli Appeal, with supporters, local businesses and fundraising groups across the two counties helping raise £670,000 so far.

To recognise that support, the charity will launch a public naming campaign on 30th June, giving local people the chance to help name what it describes as ‘their’ helicopter.

Chief executive Charles Hackett 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.

“We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, whose kindness and belief in our mission have made this milestone possible.

“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.”

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides advanced critical care at the scene of emergencies and during transfer to hospital, particularly in rural and coastal areas where rapid response times can be critical.

People can sign up for updates about the naming campaign at dsairambulance.org.uk/enews.