Australia’s CareFlight has become the country’s first operator of the EMS version of the Airbus H145 helicopter. The aircraft will be used by the aeromedical services provider for missions in the Greater Sydney area.
CareFlight’s H145, was unveiled at a ceremony on 19 February outside the Sydney Opera House, and will provide advanced patient care including medical interventions such as intubation, ultrasounds, as well as blood and plasma transfusions. The H145 can carry a medical crew of three and a patient on full life support with intensive-care monitoring.
The helicopter’s rear doors open outwards so that EMS crews are able to load and unload patients on wheeled stretchers so reducing transfer time.
“The H145 is internationally recognised to be the most advanced aeromedical helicopter in the world. We are very happy to be the first in the country to launch the H145 EMS, which will be immediately operative to save lives and deliver the best possible aeromedical service,” said CareFlight Chief Executive Officer, Mick Frewen.
“It is an honour to welcome CareFlight as a new H145 operator, with EMS being a growing area of need in Australia. The H145 is a tried and tested platform with advanced operational capabilities and we are confident that it will not only fully meet CareFlight’s requirements but excel in its missions to save lives,” added Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director, Andrew Mathewson.
