Haynes Publishing : lands new Air Ambulance Operations Manual

3rd September 2019: Wherever you live in the UK, the chances are that you have spotted an air ambulance helicopter in the skies, or seen one attending an incident. Now, Haynes is offering a fascinating insight into the running of these helicopters and the vital role they play in delivering life-saving care with its new Air Ambulance Operations Manual.

Although air ambulances are now a familiar sight in the skies, they have only been operating in the UK since 1987. When the air ambulance was first introduced, its main advantage was the speed at which it could reach a patient and airlift them to hospital. Now, most air ambulances carry a team of highly trained clinicians who can begin treatment at the scene - effectively bringing the hospital to the patient.

This new manual from Haynes explores the history of the UK air ambulance services and looks into the development of the network and the funding of each service. Readers can read first-hand accounts from air ambulance crew, along with case studies from some of the patients the crew have treated. In true Haynes style, the manual features technical diagrams of the Leonardo AW169 helicopter used by a number of air ambulance services, and photographs of each of helicopters used by the various services throughout the country.

The book is written by author Claire Robinson and is produced with the full co-operation of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA). The manual features an extended case study which takes an in-depth look at the workings of DSAA and lifts the lid on the equipment and systems used. It also takes a look at the operation of the AW169 air ambulance helicopter used by DSAA (affectionately known as Peggy). This is further brought to life with a range of illustrations and photographs showing the helicopter in use.

Claire, who has worked closely with DSAA since 2011 and helped them to produce their in-house magazine, explores how DSAA service was set up in 2000, the clinical and technological innovations it has implemented since, and interviews members of its crew.

Speaking about the manual, Claire said: 'Most people in the UK will think they have some concept of what an air ambulance is, however, in reality there is much more to it than the uninitiated would expect. Probably the most common misconception is that the service is not, in fact, part of the NHS.

'While the typical reaction to this is surprise, or even outrage, I hope this book reassures people that the charity funding model has fostered innovation and enabled the air ambulance service to develop in ways that wouldn't have been possible within the public sector.

'Another feature of the charity set-up is that each air ambulance organisation operates in its own individual way, using different types of helicopters, crew arrangements and ways of working with the NHS. This variety has the added benefit that all services can observe and gain from each other's experience as they attempt to tackle new situations and deploy new techniques and technologies.'

Haynes will donate 75p to Air Ambulances UK for every book sold. The charity supports the life-saving work of the nation's 21 air ambulance services.

The book also features a foreword from DSAA patron Jenson Button.

Title details

The Air Ambulance Operations Manual is available from www.haynes.com priced at £22.99. The book number is H6206. The ISBN is 978 1 785212062. It is published in September 2019.

About the author

Claire Robinson has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years, during which time she has edited and contributed to a range of motorsport, aerospace and defence publications. Claire has worked closely with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance since 2011, helping them to produce their in-house magazine.

About Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a registered charity, established to provide relief from sickness and injury for the people of Dorset and Somerset, by the provision of an air ambulance. We receive no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and rely on the generosity of the public for support. Our operational costs are over £4 million a year and the approximate cost per mission is £3,000. Our airbase is situated at Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset/Somerset border. From there, we can be at any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. More importantly, the helicopter can, if required, then take a patient to the nearest Major Trauma Centre in the South West within a further 20 minutes. Our cohort of clinicians include a mixture of Senior Emergency Physicians, Intensive Care Consultants and Anaesthetists and Specialist Practitioners in Critical Care. We provide a Critical Care Team, consisting of at least a Doctor and Specialist Practitioner, for each mission. We operate 19 hours a day (07.00am - 02.00am) using two vital resources which include our AW169 helicopter and Critical Care Car.