New helo brings new era says DSAA
The aircraft is the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK, said DSAA.
The arrival of a new AW169 helicopter marks a new era for patients, says Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA). The medically configured helicopter entered into service on 12 June, said the UK HEMS charity. The aircraft is the first AW169 to enter air ambulance operational service in the UK and is the culmination of years of planning and development, said DSAA.
Bill Sivewright, DSAA CEO, 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 s 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.” He continued: “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 in the AW169 will be similar to the kit that was carried on the service’s previous aircraft. However, a more spacious cabin will afford the critical care team better access to a patient – a significant benefit if a patient needs further intervention or treatment en route to hospital, said DSAA.
Sivewright added: “The AW169’s night flying capabilities mean that we can now move forward into providing full night HEMS 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 completing night HEMS training and subsequently operating the new aircraft for 19 hours a day.”
The AW169 had to undergo ‘intense scrutiny’ by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), said Sivewright.