Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance volunteers win awards

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance received an impressive four awards at this year’s 2024 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence.

The event recognises the dedicated professionals who tirelessly contribute their specialised life-saving skills and unwavering commitment to the air ambulance community.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides lifesaving, pre-hospital critical care, to patients in need.

Critical Care Doctor Laura Bland, Specialist Practitioner Neil Bizzell, Charity Supporter Tom Budgett and Chair of Trustees Gillian Bryce, were all announced as winners in each of their respective categories.

Showcasing their achievements, Charlotte Hawkins (AAUK Ambassador and host), read out the following:

Laura Bland - Critical Care Doctor of the Year:

Dr Laura Bland - Critical Care Doctor of the Year (Image: DSAA)

“As a Critical Care Doctor and leader of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Training Programme, Laura has made an extraordinary impact on patient care and the development of pre-hospital critical care. Her leadership in regional campaigns and national examinations has helped raise awareness and improve the quality of emergency interventions.”

Neil Bizzell - Critical Care Practitioner of the Year:

Neil Bizzell - Critical Care Practitioner of the Year (Image: DSAA)

“Neil has set an exemplary standard for patient care and clinical expertise. Leading Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Outreach Programme, he has delivered 24 education events this year alone, often in his own time. His impact is undeniable: in one instance, his training and support allowed an ambulance crew to administer life-saving adrenaline to a patient in critical need.

Tom Budgett - Charity Supporter of the Year:

Tom Budgett - Charity Supporter of the Year (Image: DSAA)

“His dedication to helping air ambulances achieve substantial savings has been transformative, allowing more resources to be directed to their vital missions. Tom’s contributions exemplify extraordinary dedication, making him one of the sector's most impactful supporters.”

Gillian Bryce – Lifetime Achievement Award

Gillian Bryce - Lifetime Achievement Award (Image: DSAA)

“Her pioneering work in developing the first paramedic training course and her leadership in merging ambulance services for better patient care are just the beginning. Gillian's advocacy for expanding air ambulance services led to the creation of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in 2000 and her work as medical director helped pave the way for Devon Air Ambulance’s seven-day service in 1997."