The Air Ambulance Service has launched its multi-million project to acquire two new helicopters to aid the deliverance of pre-hospital critical care to patients.
The acquisition is a part of the helicopter replacement project of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) as well as the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) to come in fruition by 2021.
The replacement will see the use of AgustaWestland 109SP, “the world’s fastest Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) aircraft.” Director of Operations for DLRAA, Richard Clayton stated, “The HEMS aircraft replacement programme has provided an opportunity to ensure that our future air ambulances allow us to continue delivering the highest quality of critical care and enable us to evolve our operational capabilities with future clinical developments.”
The new rotorcraft is expected to enhance clinical services and allow the charities to extend flight hours. The model will have a quick start-up time which results in reaching patients faster and is suitable for the regions rural areas which commonly requires small landing site capabilities. Additionally, the medical interior is designed to provide easy access to vital functions and the availability for additional medical equipment.
