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Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance shortlisted for three Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories at this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. Sponsored by Airbus, these annual awards, organised by Air Ambulances UK, celebrate and recognise the specialist life-saving skills and commitments of those within the air ambulance community.

The Independent Judging Panel, including trauma specialist Professor Karim Brohi, Debra Alcock-Tyler (CEO, Directory of Social Change), Tim Fauchon (British Helicopter Association Chief Executive) and Mark Doherty (West Midlands Ambulance Service Director of Clinical Commissioning and Strategic Development), agreed the award nominations were of an exceptionally high standard and they were faced with some very difficult decisions when deciding on the shortlist.

Dr Ian Mew (pictured main page) has worked with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for nine years and has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Doctor of the Year category. Ian is a talented intensive care and anaesthesia consultant and an inspirational air ambulance doctor, who always goes above and beyond for patients and their families in all his professional domains. Ian has been instrumental in transforming care that is provided to patients across the South West and has hugely contributed to the development of injury prevention campaigns locally, regionally and on a national scale.

Pete Appleby (pictured right) has been recognised in the Critical Care Practitioner of the Year category making the final shortlist. Pete has taken on a multitude of projects over the past year, alongside his expected responsibilities as a specialist practitioner in critical care. He has devoted significant time (often on a voluntary basis) to enhancing operations, whilst acting as Deputy Air Operations Officer; a supportive, unpaid role, which significantly assists the smooth running of the service. Pete is a superb practitioner and an extra-ordinary patient advocate. He has championed the needs of patients and families through his unique mixture of extensive practical experience, analytical reflection and compassion.

Wayne Busby (pictured left) has been Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s aircraft maintenance engineer for eight years and is shortlisted as a finalist in the Operations Support Staff of the Year category. Wayne’s total dedication to the maintenance of the charity’s AW169 helicopter often sees him work unsociable and extended hours. His exceptional contribution has enabled Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to maintain a high level of service availability across the region, enabling many more life-saving missions to be achieved. This is in no small part to the exemplary way that Wayne has dedicated his time and skill set to the task.

Charles Hackett, Chief Executive Officer of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised in three categories at this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence and it really is nothing short of what they deserve. The individuals mentioned are part of a fantastic team that we have at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and they have been nominated by their peers in recognition that each of them have gone over and above. Good luck to Ian, Pete and Wayne – we look forward to finding out the winners in November.”

The Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence will take place on Monday, November 14, 2022 in Birmingham, where the winners will be announced. A list of all the award categories and those who have been shortlisted, can be found by visiting: https://www.airambulancesuk.org/air-ambulances-uk-2022-awards-of-excellence-shortlist-announced.

More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk.

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