CareFlight receives funds for new aircraft

The Australian government has awarded funds of A$19.95 million to CareFlight to support the purchase of two new emergency medical services (EMS) aircraft for the Northern Territory: a second air ambulance helicopter, and a new air medical jet.

The exact model of the second helicopter is currently unconfirmed, though CareFlight’s existing rotorcraft is a Leonardo AW139.

This second helicopter will allow CareFlight to maintain year-round emergency coverage across the Northern Territory – at present, maintenance requirements mean that the service is not always available.

The new jet has been confirmed to be a Gulfstream G150 jet, which will be used to offer a rapid response to medical emergencies and ‘provide support to other crisis events across the region and the country’.

The new jet will also support the rapid deployment of Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) through the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre.

“CareFlight saves lives and this support from the Australian government will ensure there is more lifesaving care available in some of the most remote parts of the country,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Senator for the Northern Territory. “The additions to CareFlight’s fleet in the Top End will make a real difference in remote communities and beyond with lifesaving medical care available throughout the year.”

The state of Western Australia received a new five-bladed Airbus H145 police helicopter in July of this year.