The team who run Somerset’s air ambulance have been recognised nationally at this week’s Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence where they were shortlisted as finalists in four categories.
The awards took place on Thursday (30th November) to celebrate and recognise the dedicated professionals who tirelessly contribute their specialised life-saving skills and unwavering commitment to the air ambulance community.
Several of the team from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance also received recognition.
Matt Sawyer, pictured, take the accolade of Critical Care Practitioner of the Year after he was assessed to have demonstrated excellent clinical standards in delivering the highest possible quality of medical care to patients.
The awards team sid: “Through his leadership and role modelling, he has trained, educated, inspired and supported the whole team to extend the content of patient advocacy to new levels.”
“Matt has taken on a multitude of projects, devoting significant time (often on a voluntary basis) to enhancing the charity’s operations. He is a wonderful patient advocate and clinical innovator, who inspires others to achieve more for patients every day.”
On receiving this very special award, Matt said: “Being shortlisted for these awards, let alone winning, was a surprise for me.”
“Especially as I work alongside colleagues and friends at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and beyond who do truly amazing things for patients day in and day out.”
“I am incredibly grateful and completely honoured to receive this award and really proud to be part of such a great team. Thank you to everyone who has supported me – this is an award for our incredible team.”
Captain Mario Carretta (Unit Chief Pilot), Caroline Guy (Lottery Manager) and Matt Sawyer (Advanced Practitioner) were all individually shortlisted as finalists within the Pilot of the Year, Charity Staff Member of the Year and Critical Care Practitioner of the Year categories.
Further recognition saw the team which delivered an inspiring initiative called ‘Saving Lives at Glastonbury’ make the final shortlist in the Campaign of the Year category. The independent panel of judges deliberated long and hard due to the outstanding quality of the nominations.
Charles Hackett, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, praised his team on their achievements and said: “We are extremely proud of our team and the people that were shortlisted for one of this year’s national Awards of Excellence.”
“No one is more deserving of recognition than Matt Sawyer, winning Critical Care Practitioner of the Year. He is a great example to all of us who work in the air ambulance and critical care sector and we are very lucky to have him with us at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.”
More information about Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found here.
