Tokyo launches air ambulance service
Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched operations of a new ‘Doctor-Heli’ air ambulance service on 31 March, which will initially primarily serve the Tama region of Tokyo
The service, known as Tokyo Doctor Helicopter, will be provided by Kobe-based operator Hirata Gakuen, will employ a Kawasaki BK117 D-2 helicopter based at the Tokyo Fire Department Air Corps’ base at Tachikawa Airfield.
The BK117 D-2, a variant of the Airbus H145, features twin Arriel 2E engine with FADEC, as well as an Airbus Helionix avionics suite with the four-axis autopilot.
The service will primarily serve the city’s western Tama region at launch, and will employ Kyorin University Hospital as its base hospital. The service will initially operate from 08:45 hrs until sunset.
In addition, medical staff from Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center and Tokyo Metropolitan Tama General Medical Center of Kyorin University Hospital and Cooperation Hospital will be stationed at the Tachikawa base.
The launch of the Tokyo air ambulance service expands the number of dedicated air ambulance aircraft operating across Japan to 55, with services covering 46 prefectures.
The upcoming launch of operations in Kagawa Prefecture later this month (April 2022) will complete the full nationwide rollout across all 47 prefectures.
Sweden’s Svenskt Ambulansflyg completed its own nationwide rollout of services on 21 February with the opening of its final base at Arlanda Airport.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.