‘Dasher’ joins Air Ambulance team

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced that their new ‘cartoon’ helicopter will be called ‘Dasher’.

The cheeky little character was designed and created by Dave Hindson, a paramedic and friend of the charity and the naming competition was launched in the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance ‘Beeline’ magazine last November.

Entries were received by phone, post, email and via the charity’s facebook page and the competition closed at lunchtime yesterday..

The winner of the competition was Katie Dymott aged 10 from Poole, Dorset.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said, “We are delighted that so many people took part in this fun initiative. 

“We had so many names suggested, our selection panel had a tough time picking the winner, but in the end we selected ‘DASHER’ (Dorset and Somerset Helicopter Emergency Rescue).

“We are very grateful to Katie and will be inviting her to our airbase where she can see the real helicopter and meet the crew.  I’m sure you can expect to see more of Dasher in the near future,” he concluded.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has attended more than 8,570 emergencies since its’ launch 11 years ago, saving many lives and aiding recovery with the speed at which casualties have been taken to hospital. 

The charity has organised two major fundraising events this year - a Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge takes place on Sunday, 20 May and the Trickey Warren Trek running event takes place on Sunday, 23 September.

More information about the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk or by calling: 01823 669604.