Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has selected an AW169 to perform emergency medical service missions. The aircraft will start operations from its base at Henstridge on the Dorset and Somerset border in south west England in 2016, and will be able to reach any point in the two counties faster than before as it has greater speed than the operator's current EC135.

The AW169 was selected following an extensive evaluation process by the charity and its clinical partners. Says ceo Bill Sivewright: “Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance's vision for the future is one of clinical excellence. The capability and flexibility offered by the AW169 made it a clear winner in our selection process. We are looking forward to the point when we can start operating this fantastic helicopter and offering our patients an even better service that we have been proud to do in the last 14 years.”

The air ambulance service's AW169 will feature a full air medical interior to provide advanced patient care, and will also be equipped with the latest avionics to increase operational safety and reduce pilot workload, together with the possibility to operate under NVG rules if required. The rotorcraft can comfortably accommodate one or two stretchers, either longitudinally or transversally. The large cabin can also accommodate wheeled stretchers and can be configured with a full suite of advanced life support equipment.