A SECOND Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) helicopter has arrived to help the charity reach even more casualties across the two counties.

The new aircraft is expected to help the air ambulance serve more than 150 extra patients a year, and even more if and when the charity is able to extend its current daily operating limit of 19 hours.

It joins the existing bright yellow helicopter ‘Pegasus’, known as ‘Peggy’, in delivering advanced pre-hospital critical care on scene and en-route to hospital, in time-critical situations.

The charity launched a £1 million ‘2ndHeli’ fund-raising appeal last year to bridge the cost of the new helicopter which to date has brought in about £670,000 from thousands of people and businesses.

Now, in recognition of the community support, it is offering people an opportunity to name the new aircraft in a ‘naming campaign’ which will be launched on Tuesday, June 30.

DSAA chief executive Charles Hackett said: “Seeing the helicopter arrive at Henstridge is a proud and emotional moment and marks a major step forward in our ability to reach even more patients when they need us most.

“We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, whose kindness and belief in our mission have made this milestone possible.

“As we prepare for the aircraft to begin operations, we want to thank everybody who has helped bring it into service.

“This is a helicopter made possible by our community, and it feels only fitting that the community will soon help to give it a name.”

DSAA last year was tasked to 2,738 incidents, with each mission costing approximately £3,500 and funded almost entirely by public donations.

The charity’s patient and family liaison nurses provide support once a casualty reaches hospital as a crucial part of the clinical care provided to patients and their families.