More than 100 children and youngsters have been helped by the air ambulance service in Dorset and Somerset during the last year. Donations keep the crucial air service running and the service reports a busier year which the service members believe is due to an increased number of children participating in outdoor activities and sports. Road accidents and a variety of illnesses were responsible for other demands on the air service, with a total of 108 kids air lifted to the closest hospital.

The chief executive officer of the air ambulance service, Bill Sivewright said:

“More and more youngsters are taking part in sporting or outdoor activities on a regular basis.”

Taking part in sports and activities has been hailed by medical experts as crucial to helping reduce the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Unfortunately, the increase in physical activity appears to have led to an increase in accidents.

In 2026 one baby who was 11 months old at the time, was airlifted from his home to be speedily transported to the closest hospital, Dorset County Hospital after being taken ill with a suspected case of meningitis. As the infant fully recovered, his parents extended their gratitude to the life saving efforts of the air ambulance service.

The service doesn’t receive any funding from the National Lottery or the government, and so have to raise £1.4 million each year to keep the service going. The cost of an air ambulance, both the purchase and running costs, rely heavily on donations in most cases. The service has released the latest data for 2026 in order to raise the profile of the air ambulance service.