Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has announced a series of updates and developments which aim to strengthen their ability to meet rising demand and ensure every patient across the region has access to the level of pre-hospital critical care that they need, particularly when it is a matter of life or death.
Demand for DSAA’s life-saving service continues to grow year on year. By air and by road, their missions have more than tripled in the last ten years. 
Thanks to sustained innovation, investment, and the unwavering support of local communities, DSAA now provides one of the most advanced levels of care available outside a hospital setting. However, the charity remains acutely aware that there are still patients it cannot yet reach and it is determined to close that gap.
DSAA has confirmed its long-term intention to develop a new operational base at the Leonardo site in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters. An agreement for a 35-year lease in Yeovil has now been signed with generous support from Leonardo who will not be charging the charity rent.
Operational analysis shows that Yeovil’s location provides excellent aircraft coverage across the entire Dorset and Somerset region, whilst immediate access to major roads, enhance deployment for rapid response vehicles.
The development and construction of a new base will be subject to several important steps. This includes a public consultation in mid-2026 to seek the community’s views and backing, followed by securing planning permission and raising the necessary funds.
In the meantime, DSAA will continue operating from Henstridge Airfield thanks to the ongoing support of Geoff Jarvis and the local Henstridge community, whose contribution over many years has been fundamental to the charity and its life-saving work.
Last September, DSAA launched a 2ndHeli Appeal to help fund the purchase and equipping of a second helicopter for the people of Dorset and Somerset.
This supported DSAA’s plan to expand capacity and reach more patients than ever before. The aircraft has undergone test flights and is now getting ready for its flight to Gloucestershire Airport, where Gama Aviation will customise it for Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) missions. The second helicopter is expected to be operational in Summer 2026.
Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “We want to assure the people of Yeovil and our wider community that we are committed to working transparently and collaboratively with all stakeholders throughout the process.
“To this end, DSAA will be launching a public consultation in mid-2026, giving residents and stakeholders the chance to view the emerging proposals, ask questions, and share their views. We hope the consultation will help shape our plans and build backing for the new facility, designed to support our life-saving service for years to come.
“As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain dedicated to providing critical care and rapid response to those in need. In the meantime, we are deeply grateful to be able to continue operating from Henstridge thanks to the incredible support of Geoff Jarvis and all those who support our life-saving work.”
Back in October 2025, DSAA announced it would allocate £30 million from its reserves to fund the purchase and fit-out of a second helicopter, to redevelop its operational base, and to support key modernisation projects.
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