The Philippine Army launches air ambulance

The Philippine Army has launched its first air ambulance, a reconfigured Bolkow-Blohm Bo-105 helicopter, as part of plans to expand its medevac capacity.

The helicopter will be operated by a mixed team of military doctors, nurses, pilots, and other crew, with the potential for further helicopters to enter operation in the near future.

The aircraft was showcased at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on 21 March, when the helicopter performed a simulated round-trip operation between the Army Support Command and the Hunters-ROTC Parade Grounds.

“Caring for our soldiers, from difficult and austere environments to higher levels of care, is now possible due to the continued advancements in military medicine and dedication of the Philippine Army to turn the Aeromedical Evacuation Capability into reality,” Army Chief Nurse Colonel Maria Victoria Juan said.

Juan also added that aerial medical evacuation is the fastest way to transport a combat casualty to a hospital – which is crucial, because typically 90 per cent of combat fatalities occur before the patient has reached the hospital.

The Philippine Air Force also placed an order for 32 more Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawks in February 2022.