Vancouver benefits from air ambulance fleet additions

The BC EHS has previously had to rely on Vancouver-based aircraft, or those operated by Island-based contractors, but with the new aircraft, the rural, remote and indigenous communities on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast will all see an improved air medical service. “Although we replace aircraft in our fleet regularly, this is the largest increase in the size of our fleet in many years,” said Shannon Miller, Communications Officer for the service. “While we may have utilized aircraft on a contract basis in past years, these are the first dedicated air ambulances stationed on Vancouver Island.”

The new helicopter will be an MD 902 with night vision capability, operated by Ascent Helicopters, while Alkan Air has been contracted to provide the turbo-prop plane.

In addition to the two new aircraft serving island communities, five aircraft have been added to the BC EHS mainland fleet, bringing the fleet number up to 16 – six helicopters and 10 planes.