The team at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) were recognised at this year’s Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence, coming out winners in two categories and earning high commendations in two others.
The awards which took place on 3rd December celebrate the exceptional achievements, commitment, and expertise of those who bring specialist lifesaving skills and support to the air ambulance sector.
WINNERS
Specialist Practitioner in Critical Care, Steve Westbrook, came out winner in the ‘Practitioner of the Year’ category. His outstanding leadership, exemplary patient care, support for colleagues at incident scenes, contribution to major incident planning and the creation of a voluntary responder scheme were all key factors in securing this prestigious award.
Speaking of his achievement, Steve said: “I am very honoured and humbled to receive this award and it was a big shock to have won. I would like to thank the amazing team at DSAA I work with and of course my wonderful wife and family for their unwavering support for the job I do.”
Captain Kev Rutherford came out winner of this year’s ‘Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year’ after going above and beyond his core role as a pilot for DSAA. He was recognised for his technical skill, calm leadership, compassion, and the wide range of voluntary responsibilities that demonstrate his dedication to others. These include mentoring new pilots, supporting colleagues’ mental health, assisting clinicians at emergency scenes and volunteering as a Community First Responder in his local town. Kev has also extended his support internationally, volunteering to deliver vital medical supplies to hospital in Ukraine. Kev’s dedication, humility, and professionalism embody the highest standards of air ambulance aviation.
Kev said: “I was humbled and honoured to be nominated for this award by DSAA. To go on to win is special but is really a recognition of the exceptional standards that the entire aviation team at DSAA demonstrates every single day. It is a privilege to be part of such a professional and committed team. Having that acknowledged by Air Ambulances UK is fantastic.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Chloe Riley, Patient and Family Liaison Nurse at DSAA was highly commended in the ‘Aftercare Supporter of the Year’ category. Her work over the past year has touched on every aspect of aftercare – supporting patients and families, empowering clinicians, fostering regional collaboration, and shaping national practice. Her contributions are not defined by a single moment, but by a sustained commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence.
Chloe said: “It was an honour to be nominated by my colleagues for this award. To be further recognised by wider teams and be highly recommended in this category is equally very special. With patients and families at the heart of everything we do, I am proud to work in a role dedicated to supporting all those who have been treated, affected, or touched by such a wonderful air ambulance charity.”
Dr Matt Taylor has worked for DSAA for the past six years and was highly commended in the ‘Critical Care Doctor of the Year’ category. Matt demonstrates extraordinary impact for the region’s patients and their families. He inspires everyone to achieve more for society and through his exceptional clinical expertise and compassionate leadership, the quality, safety, and consistency of care provided by DSAA has reached new heights over the past year.
Matt said: “I was delighted to be highly commended for this year’s Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year. The award recognised the work of all of us at DSAA, who provide the best possible care to patients who are critically ill or injured across Dorset and Somerset. Every day I am inspired and humbled by the patients I meet working on the helicopter – it’s a great privilege to be part of this team.”
This national recognition is a testament to the exemplar and inspirational work of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team in support of patients across the region. Congratulations to them all!
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