THE lifesaving team at the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has been chosen as charity of the year by Purbeck’s Burnbake Forest Lodges.
Burnbake want to raise money for DSAA in the next 12 months as well help to encourage more people to come forward as much-needed community volunteers.
The air ambulance receives no direct Government or National Lottery funding and relies on public donations to fund its operations..
And next year DSAA, based at Henstridge in North Dorset, celebrates its 20th anniversary.
General Manager at Burnbake, Zoe Pattison, said: “The staff here are determined to raise as much money and awareness of the incredible work of DSAA over the next year, starting this month.
“Everyone was united in wanting to nominate DSAA as our charity of the year and we will be encouraging the thousands of guests who stay at our lodges and campsite to support us in our endeavour.
“It is a sobering thought that anyone of us, our family or friends could need the air ambulance at any time and our life could be saved by the DSAA team.”
Zoe added: “Parts of the Purbeck are quite out of the way and it takes time for a land ambulance to get here. So we are always mindful of how important DSAA is to our community in terms of saving lives.”
Although some people think the air ambulance simply transfers casualties to hospital, with its critical care team and equipment, it actually brings the hospital to the patient, saving crucial time.
The fundraising year will feature a number of events at Burnbake.
DSAA communications manager, Tracy Bartram said: “We are absolutely delighted that Burnbake have chosen us as their charity for the coming year and we are really looking forward to supporting them in return.
“Last year, DSAA was tasked to 1,394 incidents and it is with thanks to the generosity of the public and local businesses like Burnbake who support us for a whole year, that we can continue our life-saving work and help those patients who need us.”
