Ambulance Victoria and Babcock helicopter crews hone water winching skills

Water rescues and winch retrievals formed part of a series of high-pressure aerial tests during the seven-day skills assessment, which took place last month in Port Phillip Bay and off the coast of Port Fairy in the Australian state of Victoria.

More than 14 Babcock pilots, 20 aircrew officers (ACOs) and five ACO instructors from four bases across the state supported the training of mobile intensive care ambulance (MICA) flight paramedics, as the crews practiced water-based rescue techniques under simulated conditions.

The annual training, led by Air Ambulance Victoria, is designed to ensure the highest level of preparedness for recues in the physically and technically demanding ocean environment. Over 40 MICA flight paramedics re-validated their water winching qualifications during the activity.

Babcock supplied the aircraft, training equipment, and flight crews for the multi-day exercise. Also supporting the activity were community partners Australian Volunteer Coast Guard St Kilda, Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad, Port Fairy Marine Rescue and Sandringham Yacht Club, who donated their time and resources to enhance Victoria’s maritime rescue capability.

Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland commented: “By supporting this specialized training in remote or hard-to-reach locations where a traditional landing may not be feasible, we are helping to ensure Ambulance Victoria paramedics can respond effectively and safely in a real-life emergency situation.”

Air Ambulance Victoria’s Manager of Air Operations, Brad Martin, added: “Babcock plays an integral part in ensuring our MICA flight paramedics can conduct rescues in open-water environments. Open-water rescue is an essential part of the job for Air Ambulance Victoria, and our success relies on each member of the crew performing their role to the highest level. The annual winch training activity is critical to maintaining both individual and team skills.”

Last year Ambulance Victoria awarded Babcock Australasia a five-year extension for the provision of air ambulance services.