WATCH the skies – lifesavers have a new look.

And the new Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance aircraft – one of the most advanced helicopters available – will be seen a lot more at night due to its enhanced capabilities.

The air ambulance says its new AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) helicopter entered into service yesterday. It is the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK and is set to provide a major boost for patient care.

The charity says the aircraft's 'outstanding characteristics, superior capabilities and safety standards will ensure unprecedented levels of mission effectiveness and provide an enhanced lifesaving service for the people of Dorset'.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said: “It has always been the charity’s aim and clear vision to pursue clinical excellence; pairing Critical Care Teams with the outstanding capabilities of the AW169 is a natural development of that vision. Patient benefit remains our top priority and this was the single biggest criteria in selecting the new aircraft.

“Our ambitions and clinical aspirations determined a particular requirement from whichever aircraft we selected. The capabilities and flexibility offered by the AW169 made it a clear winner and in our view it was the only aircraft which fully met our criteria. Another major plus in selecting a new mark of aircraft is that you are taking advantage of the latest advances in technology. That means that it is safer and easier to maintain and operate."

The medical equipment carried in the aircraft will not be hugely different to before. but the biggest difference is the space inside the cabin. This allows the Critical Care Team to have complete access to a patient, head to toe which helps if a patient needs further treatment on the way to hospital.

Over the past few months, the life-saving service has increased its operating hours from 12 to 19 hours a day (7am-2am) but during darkness the team have been deployed in a Critical Care Car. With the new aircraft they can now fly through the night.

Mr Sivewright said: “The AW169’s night flying capabilities mean that we can now move forward into providing full night Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions. Our team will have the ability to fly directly to the patient without the need of any fixed or pre-established lighting which is a significant advantage. We are now looking forward to operating the new aircraft for 19 hours a day."

He added: “Our approach has been truly innovative and as a result the AW169 has had to undergo very intense scrutiny by the European Aviation Safety Agency. This is why it has taken a little longer than we had hoped for the aircraft to become operational, however it has certainly been worth the wait and we are delighted to now have clearance to fly.

“The standard of clinical provision delivered by our Critical Care Team is arguably the best available anywhere."

Mr Sivewright said crews can meet the challenges which face them thanks to the 'incredible support' of the people of Dorset and Somerset.

"Through their support, as members of our Flight for Life Lottery, individual or group donations from events and even by remembering us in their wills, they enable us to be everything that they want from their air ambulance,” he added.