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The Scottish Ambulance Service will operate one of the most advanced publicly funded air ambulance services in the world after taking delivery of two new purpose built helicopters that are due to replace existing aircraft next month.

 

The two new Airbus H145 aircraft will replace the current EC135 helicopters which have been in service since 2006. They are larger, and faster, with a greater range, which reduces the need to stop en route and refuel on longer missions.

 

They have more room for medic teams to deliver complex treatment, as well as specifically designed medical fittings and equipment.

 

The new H145s will be the first air ambulances in Scotland to operate with night vision equipment.

 

The helicopters will work alongside the two King Air 200c fixed wing aircraft, which have been refitted and upgraded to create more room for patient care along with new patient loading systems and satellite communications for improved consultation with referring hospitals during flight.

 

All four of the aircraft are operated as part of a £120 million air ambulance contract awarded to Gama Aviation in 2013 that runs until 2020.

 

Bond Air Services operate the helicopters on Gama’s behalf. The H145 helicopters will be based in Glasgow and Inverness and the King Air 200c aircraft operate from Glasgow and Aberdeen.

 

The Scottish Government has provided an additional £1.9 million this year, and £200,000 for the next two years, to allow the Scottish Ambulance Service to fund the procurement of the larger helicopters.

 

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: "The quality and sophistication of the new technology that the crews will now have access too is impressive, particularly as this is the only publicly funded air ambulance service in the UK.

 

“Not only will the new aircraft improve patient care and experience for those that need an urgent response from the ambulance service, but will also help communities living in remote and rural areas.

 

“This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the Scottish Ambulance Service, it’s staff and of course the patients who rely on the emergency service day in and day out across Scotland.”

New helicopters for air ambulance fleet

 

28 June 2015

Health Secretary Shona Robison with one of the new helicopters