Ornge selects HeliMods for stretcher solution

Australian aerospace technology company HeliMods is set to install its enhanced stretcher system into Canadian air ambulance operator Ornge’s fleet of AW139s.

Ornge says that the signing of this deal with HeliMods will end an ‘exhaustive search and competitive procurement process’ to find which system would best suit its needs.

“When our crews arrive for an on-scene response or at a hospital, our patients expect us to be able to perform their transport in a timely, efficient and safe fashion,” said Dr Andrew McCallum, President and CEO of Ornge.

The system provided by HeliMods includes a self-loading power cot with an equipment bridge. Ornge said that this system will enhance its current bariatric transport capabilities without reconfiguring the aircraft as it currently does. The system also features the Power Aero Loader (PAL). This ‘centrepiece’ provides an aero-lift, push-button operated powered stretcher loader system allowing for faster transfer from air ambulance to land ambulance.

“The Powered Aero Loader will enhance our ability to [perform transport in a timely, efficient and safe fashion], while at the same time ensuring our paramedics have the best and safest possible work environment in which to deliver their life-saving care,” added Dr McCallum.

“This agreement represents a great partnership between two organisations who are well respected in their fields and both committed to the highest standards of quality and safety,” said Will Shrapnel, Managing Director of HeliMods. “We’re happy to be providing Ornge this great technology that will benefit not only patients, but also the deserving paramedics who will be using it every day to save lives.”

The installation will take place on an aircraft-by-aircraft basis, with the first expected to go into service by early 2019.