New NSW Ambulance training hub strengthens air medical rescue capability

NSW Ambulance has unveiled a new training facility in New South Wales designed to enhance the skills of helicopter paramedics, doctors, and aircrew supporting complex air medical and rescue missions across Australia.

The Rescue Access Procedural Training Reinforcement (RAPTR) room, based at the Aeromedical Crewing Excellence (ACE) Training Centre at Bankstown Airport, brings together high-fidelity simulation tools aimed at replicating the operational demands faced by air medical teams in the field.

The new facility includes a winch training simulator mounted 8m above ground level within a realistic helicopter cabin, a mixed augmented virtual reality (MAV) training system developed in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, and a multi-level vertical access wall for climbing, abseiling, and confined space scenarios.

The system allows crews to rehearse high-risk procedures in a controlled environment, supporting ongoing preparedness for complex missions including remote area rescues, coastal winch operations, and time-critical medical evacuations.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said: “The work happening inside this center is extraordinary. Our air medical teams train in some of the most advanced rescue environments in the country, ensuring they’re ready to respond when people need them.

“Training like this means our helicopter paramedics, doctors, and aircrew can continue delivering lifesaving care in the toughest and most unpredictable conditions across NSW.”

NSW Ambulance currently conducts more than 5,000 helicopter missions annually, with crews operating across bases including Bankstown, Newcastle, Tamworth, Lismore, Wollongong, Orange, and Sydney.

The RAPTR room adds to the existing simulation infrastructure at the ACE center, which already includes underwater escape training and an aquatic rescue theater used to replicate winch rescues in varying water conditions.

The facility also supports broader collaboration between operational crews, medical staff, and training specialists, with simulation environments designed to improve coordination during multi-agency rescue operations.

ACE Training Centre General Manager Diane Tremain said the project reflected ongoing innovation in air medical preparedness.

“This new simulation technology allows aircrew and medical teams to practice complex scenarios repeatedly, building confidence, and precision,” she added.

“Our collaboration with NSW Ambulance continues to innovate the air medical training capability, and we’re committed to supporting the teams who perform these critical missions every day.”

Image courtesy of NSW Ambulance.