Victoria (Australia) HEMS Contract

[meanttobe]

Rumour has it CHC are not the preferred choice for the latest Victoria HEM contract.

[QAZWSX]

No Rumour, confirmed. Thats 2 gone within 12 months.
Now where's that sleeping giants thread?

[Kerry Sceneburner]

Who is the preferred choice for the latest Victoria HEMS contract?

[meanttobe]

Possibly Australian Helicopters, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Avincis group. Another sleeping giant !!!!

[rjtjrt]

Let's hope whoever it is who gets the contract doesn't use Bell 412's.
Noisy buggers!

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ....

I would imagine it would be either the trusty B412 :ugh: or the A139 ....

I'm hoping it'll be the 139 ..... :D

[QAZWSX]

5 x AW 139's, contract to start in 2 years.

[yarpa]

Seriously! Conservative govt crying poor, do you think they will introduce whizz bang machines when they can't even resolve the paramedics EBA. Bell gravel trucks for another few years.

[meanttobe]

Maybe that's why CHC are not the preferred bidder, the offered a solution close to the 5 x 139

[mickjoebill]

As someone who enjoys the sound of the bells (gives me ample warning to wander outside to give them a wave) what are the other points of difference in the HEMs role in the Victorian environment between it and the 139?

Mickjoebill

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ...

.... what are the other points of difference in the HEMs role in the Victorian environment between it and the 139? ....

Well I would suggest "capability" would be the biggest ... the B412 is really at the end of its development even though Bell would like not to admit it ...

The 139 has a payload & speed advantage and more potential into the future. It is also a bit more capable (but far from perfect) in the single pilot role with respect to SAR, Rescue & IFR ops.

Yes it may well be more expensive to operate ... but the reliability and capability might outweigh that disadvantage.

:E

[mickjoebill]

Do any hems operators in the world have the capability to accommodate 2 x stretchers?
As a cfa vol i attended a motorcycle prang in Victoria; rider and pillion passenger versus truck.
Two hems arrived, one for each patient.
One headed north the other south so the couple unded up 100 miles apart.
Plenty of mica support on the ground so i wondered if a larger heli could have accomidated both (assuming the two medicos were capable of monitoring both patients).
I realise the long term cost effectivness of doing it either way depends on how the figures stack up. Are there many instances where two patients need transport?


Mickjoebill

[John Eacott]

Mjb

All AAV HEMS have the ability to take two stretcher patients, although the second is put fore and aft in an elevated position on the stbd side and has limited access for inflight care.

It is just as important to get the cas to a trauma centre which has the capacity available. Your example of going in opposite directions indicates that (probably) The Alfred could only take one whilst the second was assessed for an alternative trauma unit.

I've been one of two 412s that went to The Alfred from the same incident with a cas on each; and each one needed intensive work by the team on board all the way. You'd need a very large cabin to manage that with two stretchers and two teams.

[noooby]

STARS AW139's in Canada have a 2 stretcher config. Standard is one, but the second is carried in the baggage bay until needed, then a quick re config in the cabin and in they both go.

[The Juggler]

Queensland's EMQ Helicopter Rescue (or whatever they happen to be called this week), AW139's and B412's are both able to carry two stretcher patients......

[QAZWSX]

The latest, TOLL vs Australian,
TOLL have 4 to 6 AW139's on order and ready to go for contract start.
Decision out soon.

[Turkeyslapper]

What is Australian putting forward ...AW139s or 412s (EPIs?)?

Cheers

[Kerry Sceneburner]

Any news yet, on who is the preferred tender for the Victorian HEMS contract?

[meanttobe]

Not to sure about the Toll 139 order. No sign on the unofficial 139 order book site yet.

AgustaWestland AW139 Production List © by: Damiano GUALDONI (http://www.dgualdo.it/prod-ab139-04.htm)

This contract was due to be awarded by the end of Feb 14. Maybe they cut the list of potential suppliers down too soon.

[yarpa]

Let's just say I was way off the mark with my previous post, I humbly eat my words.

[John Eacott]

Still no official advice of the operator, but it will definitely be a fleet wide change to (probably) AW139s: but they'd have to be the most expensive 139s in history. Maybe an extra zero crept into the media report?

Ambulance Vic upgrades helicopter fleet (http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/ambulance-vic-upgrades-helicopter-fleet/story-e6frfku9-1226896682271)

AMBULANCE Victoria's helicopter fleet will be replaced with a set of faster, larger aircraft that can travel longer distances without refuelling.

Health Minister David Davis said the new helicopters would be quicker to transport patients from rural areas to major trauma centres, bringing time-critical patients more than 250km away into Melbourne in less than an hour.

The five new helicopters will be operational from January 2016.

They will replace the existing aircraft that operate out of Essendon, Bendigo, the La Trobe Valley and Warrnambool.

"This means rural communities will have enhanced access to Ambulance Victoria's highest level of care and rapid transport to major trauma, cardiac and specialist hospitals," Mr Davis said.

The fleet includes a dedicated back-up helicopter to maintain services when heavy maintenance work is needed.

Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella said emergency response helicopters were usually military or transport helicopters that had been modified but Victoria's new fleet would be custom-built.

"They really are designed for emergency medical work," Mr Sassella said.

The new helicopters will be able to transport two stretcher patients at a time.

Their standard fit-out means Ambulance Victoria will be able to streamline their training and operational processes.

The upgrade will cost the Victorian government an estimated $550 million.

[Goggle Up]

A quick look at their website will answer that question John.

Well done Australian Helicopters.

GU.

[pohm1]

link (http://www.austheli.com/news/Australian-Helicopters-awarded-Ambulance-Victoria-contract-22.htm)


Australian Helicopters awarded Ambulance Victoria contract

26 April 2014

Following a competitive tender process, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of mission-critical helicopter services, Australian Helicopters, has been awarded a 10-year contract with the Victorian Government and Ambulance Victoria.

The agreement will see the supply of new state-of-the-art AgustaWestland AW-139 twin engine helicopters and includes a dedicated back-up aircraft to maintain services when heavy aircraft maintenance is required.

Australian Helicopters presently operates two of the five Ambulance Victoria air ambulance helicopters, based in Warrnambool and Melbourne, and has supplied the service for the past five years.

Australian Helicopters Managing Director, John Boag, said the contract was a major business win for the company and recognition that its services to Ambulance Victoria and the people of Victoria were of the highest possible standard.

“We are extremely proud and excited to be awarded this contract by Ambulance Victoria,” said Mr Boag.

“The internal dimensions of the AW-139 makes them the best choice for primary and secondary EMS applications and allows the transport for up to two stretcher patients if required.”

“The aircraft are faster, can travel longer distances without refuelling and utilise state-of-the-art avionic technology.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Government to support the community over the next decade.”

Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella said: “Ambulance Victoria is pleased to have contracted Australian Helicopters for the provision of these excellent helicopters and we look forward to continuing our solid relationship with them.”

Australian Helicopters is part of the Avincis Group, one of the world’s leading providers of aviation services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, firefighting and energy support services. Richard Mintern, CEO Avincis - Northern Europe and Asia Pacific, said: “We are both delighted and honoured to be chosen by Ambulance Victoria to be part of their team for the next 10 years. Australian Helicopters’ highly experienced and locally focussed team, supported by the Avincis Group’s global resources, enables us to provide a high quality mission critical service that is customised to meet our client’s needs.”

The new helicopters will be operational from January 2016 and be located at bases in Essendon, Warrnambool, the Latrobe Valley and Bendigo.

Over the past 12 months Australian Helicopters have been awarded tenders for the National Aerial Firefighting Centre delivered through the South Australian Country Fire Service, the Central Queensland Rescue Service in Mackay and the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service in Rockhampton, both part of the Queensland Government’s Emergency Helicopter Network.


P1

[John Eacott]

Ah yes: as you say, well done Australian Helicopters! (http://www.austheli.com/news/Australian-Helicopters-awarded-Ambulance-Victoria-contract-22.htm) I guess that the $550m must be the cost over ten years?

Australian Helicopters awarded Ambulance Victoria contract

26 April 2014

Following a competitive tender process, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of mission-critical helicopter services, Australian Helicopters, has been awarded a 10-year contract with the Victorian Government and Ambulance Victoria.

The agreement will see the supply of new state-of-the-art AgustaWestland AW-139 twin engine helicopters and includes a dedicated back-up aircraft to maintain services when heavy aircraft maintenance is required.

Australian Helicopters presently operates two of the five Ambulance Victoria air ambulance helicopters, based in Warrnambool and Melbourne, and has supplied the service for the past five years.

Australian Helicopters Managing Director, John Boag, said the contract was a major business win for the company and recognition that its services to Ambulance Victoria and the people of Victoria were of the highest possible standard.

“We are extremely proud and excited to be awarded this contract by Ambulance Victoria,” said Mr Boag.

“The internal dimensions of the AW-139 makes them the best choice for primary and secondary EMS applications and allows the transport for up to two stretcher patients if required.”

“The aircraft are faster, can travel longer distances without refuelling and utilise state-of-the-art avionic technology.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Government to support the community over the next decade.”

Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella said: “Ambulance Victoria is pleased to have contracted Australian Helicopters for the provision of these excellent helicopters and we look forward to continuing our solid relationship with them.”

Australian Helicopters is part of the Avincis Group, one of the world’s leading providers of aviation services for mission-critical operations such as medical emergency, civil protection, search & rescue, coast and city surveillance, firefighting and energy support services. Richard Mintern, CEO Avincis - Northern Europe and Asia Pacific, said: “We are both delighted and honoured to be chosen by Ambulance Victoria to be part of their team for the next 10 years. Australian Helicopters’ highly experienced and locally focussed team, supported by the Avincis Group’s global resources, enables us to provide a high quality mission critical service that is customised to meet our client’s needs.”

The new helicopters will be operational from January 2016 and be located at bases in Essendon, Warrnambool, the Latrobe Valley and Bendigo.

Over the past 12 months Australian Helicopters have been awarded tenders for the National Aerial Firefighting Centre delivered through the South Australian Country Fire Service, the Central Queensland Rescue Service in Mackay and the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service in Rockhampton, both part of the Queensland Government’s Emergency Helicopter Network.

[mickjoebill]

So the new ambos can take "two stretcher patients"

I thought it maddening to witness the response to an RTA in rural Victoria to see two air ambos arrive, taking the two victims (who were partners) one serious the other less so, to hospitals 100 miles apart!


So can the AW cope with two patients and appropriate level of medical staff?


Mickjoebill

[John Eacott]

MJB,

You asked the same question only three months ago, in this very same thread (http://www.pprune.org/8249198-post12.html), too!

[topendtorque]

I have been a sort of an occasional voyeur to this process as it has unfolded and perhaps not surprised as most would not have been I guess at the outcome as to the machinery which will be involved. Not so much congratulations to the company involved, but to the professional tender writer who cast the right dice.

Oh yes - big, beautiful, shiny, new and gullible, here I refer to the pollies - not the aircraft.

However given the state this country is in and Victoria, as it struggles with brown coal and its disastrous alternative energy pseudo failed spend ups for nothing and I know that right around the world we are not Robinson Crusoe, I have been sitting on a quote to raise my glass to which I preserved as it had easily sprung to mind several months ago, as a memento for the occasion.


Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You speech
Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy - January 20th 1961If in a few months the company or its foster department is becoming strapped for operational funding, don't let them come back whingeing and whining to the good old Victorian taxpayer who will be going through a supreme metamorphose at that time. I rest it there.

Anyone want a friendly carton on the side?

cheers tet.

[mickjoebill]

MJB,

You asked the same question only three months ago, in this very same thread, too!


My apologies,

Looks like I need a visit to the type of hospital that doesn't have a helipad!

Mickjoebill

[John Eacott]

I see that the contract is reported as five helicopters. Does that mean the VicPol operated 365 will be replaced too, and if so will they (VicPol) cease to provide crewing?

[hemorrhoid]

MJB,

If there's two crook patients, it's often better to send two helicopters. That way you get two medical teams, two sets of equipment, etc. The additional cost is not high because most of HEMS costs are fixed. The flying cost is not much in the great scheme of things.

As for space in the AW139, it is actually quite cramped with two patients, medical equipment and medical crew trying to get access to the heads of the patients.

As for why partners were sent to different hospitals, it could be a myriad of reasons, eg different injuries went to different specialist units, or perhaps similar injuries meant that it would be better to send the patients to different hospitals to spread the load. Depending on the jurisdiction, hospitals will publish how many trauma patients they are prepared to accept, so perhaps there was no hospital that would accept more than one patient.

I'm not defending the actions, just saying that that they are plausible in some situations.

[Aussiecop]

That was my first question too John. Although not sure on the usage amounts, I know that is a CHC bird and mixed use last time I looked, so if there are adequate resources being provided by the Ambos I would bet on the 365 going back in the paint shop and coming out with the standard blue paint job and just being absorbed back into the police function. Although it would also never hurt to have that extra backup as needed. I met the MAS guys at heli expo this year briefly, I had no idea they may have been checking out the AW139's at the show.

[meanttobe]

A busy couple of months ahead for the Australian EMS market. The NSW hems tender is for up to 9 aircraft . Watch out for some strategic alliances within the bids. Rumour has it CHC and Australia helicopters have been talking to both westpac and Royal flying doctors. This will more than likely be a 139 solution from all bidders.
Western Australia is also looking to expand on its current one base solution with a second base . No word on Queenland going for a private operator , although they did have a look at it .

[Chopper80]

Victoria going backwards. Seriously this is a decision based out of Melbourne, with the principle of "whats good for Melbourne is good for rest of Vic". Im sorry, that principle doesn't work.


How can the AW139s with retractable wheels land in a paddock on a typical wet wintery day to airlift a patient who is trapped under a overturned tractor, it cant, So how is this enhancing our service when the AW139s have to land on a road and the patient transferred to the helicopter, At present the 412's can land onsite, but we already know this.


Same again, middle of winter, Mt feathertop picking up injured skier, can the 139s fly in and land on site. NO. Can the 412's YES.


The 139s are only suited for metropolitan hospital to hospital transfers, that is all, great for Melbourne but useless for rural vic, Our ambulance service is already in crisis here and now they killing of our helos too.


Stupid decision made by incompetent people who think vic ends on the outskirts of Melb.


BRING BACK THE NSCA. Now they shown the world how to organise and run a air ambulance system. They ran technology that still has NOT been matched today.


Surely after the debactles of the 139s going into Sydney is enough to show that they not designed for rural areas, even Queensland sees this, as the only 139 they run is based out of Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns still run the 412s.


I expect this to annoy some of you,

[Mark Six]

Chopper80 - you've obviously never flown an AW139 - at least not in the EMS role. I have, and you're wrong, as simple as that. What debacle in NSW are you referring to? The 139's there have been doing a great job for 6 years or so. If it was such a disaster why would the current EMS tender from the NSW government be based on the 139? Incidentally the EMQ base in Cairns operates a 139 and has done for years. It's true the 139 has a low clearance under the belly, and the main wheels do sink into soft ground to some degree but you'd be surprised how little this actually affects their ability to operate wherever they are required.

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ....

I have to agree with 'Yara ... ' & 'Mark Six' ...

I have had a fair bit of experience flying both types on both HEMS and an Offshore roles and I believe the 139 will be able to do a way better job than the 412.

The 139 is in fact physically much the same size as the 412 so wherever the Bell can go so also can the Agusta.

In terms of speed the 139 will leave the 412 way behind. Fuel burns are close so the sfc with the 139 depending on how its operated should be better.

The 139 at speed is much smoother in flight than the 412 can ever be (having said that the139s approach to land if done too slow might upset some medics ??)

Mark is correct in that soft ground although perceived as an issue by some is really not .. landing close to a primary scene may have downwash issues ... but no more so than with a 412 ... in a lot of cases close to scene landings are not advised so 'not being able to do so' is not a valid argument.

Fact is the 139 is a far more capable platform than the 412 and I doubt that you will find anyone who has experience with both types saying any different .

Cheers

[Peter3127]

So my days of hearing that 412 buzz and without looking into the sky proclaiming to my BBQ guests "that helicopter is white and red. Four blades" and seeing the look of admiration on their faces .... are ... over?

[spinwing]

Mmmm ...

Just tell 'em its got 5 blades ... and the admiring looks will continue ;)

[John Eacott]

Peter,

Even neater if you can ID the 412 as a CHC or an AH machine :cool:

Look for the bear paws and the old nightsun on the CHC machines ;)

[terminus mos]

I heard from an EMS operator who might bid that even WestStar from Malaysia were actively looking for an Australian alliance or partnership to play in NSW in which they would provide the aircraft and some operations and maintenance.

[Arrrj]

Spinwing,

This is not a loaded question…really. I would not had thought so…but I have been wrong before !

I have always been interested in whether a 139 (or 109 (wheeled machine etc) for that matter) can land on a beach in Aus ? Yes, that question means without damage…

Please advise.

Thanks
Arrrj

[Nigel Osborn]

A wheeled helicopter will suffer whatever a skid helicopter suffers.

[Mark Six]

http://i1356.photobucket.com/albums/q732/Rescue88/IMG_0273_zpsfbf27a0b.jpg[/URL]

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ....

Arrrj ...

Mark has answered your question pictorially ( :D ) ... as for me I have operated the 139 in Saudi and the UAE on to unpacked Desert sand .... and the issues is not so much the wheeled u/c surface loading ... more of a consideration is the sandblast, brownout and associated safety issues of the landing area .... and those you can have with any Helicopter you might choose to use.

:)

[Arrrj]

Nice pic. Thanks. A picture tells a thousand words.

That's a pretty hard packed beach…but it is a good demonstration of the capabilities of the aircraft.

For what it is worth, I reckon the 139 sounds great too.

Arrrj

PS - south coast NSW beach ?

[Mark Six]

PS - south coast NSW beach ?

Yep.

[NomadicMechanic]

Slump pads anyone? Seem to work alright for everyone else operating in sand and snow...

[Arrrj]

Got a pic ?

[vaibronco]

http://www.ddd.dgualdo.it/ipaaa/ipaaa-lbr-010.jpg

[Mark Six]

I've never used slump pads or even seen them in use so excuse my ignorance, but what if your next landing is in the scrub - do you have to remove them beforehand?


http://i1356.photobucket.com/albums/q732/Rescue88/AW139/IMG_0344_zpsddc4b73a.jpg[/URL]

[NomadicMechanic]

Been a while since I've had to deal with them but from what I remember they're not really the sort of thing you'd want to be putting on or taking off before a call out, especially if you are trying to provide an emergency response service. Only ever seen them in Europe or the Middle East where the operators are dealing with snow and sand on a daily basis so not too sure how they'd hold up in the scrub.

[Arrrj]

They look like a good idea to me. Cannot imagine that they would be bad in the bush. Handy for soft beaches.

[John Eacott]

One of the first two AW139s at Essendon earlier this week

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7106-2/HEMS+AW139.jpg

[John Eacott]

And a bit more, from HeliOps Magazine

New AW139s for Babcock (http://www.heliopsmag.com/news/new-aw139s-for-babcock)

http://www.heliopsmag.com/images/news/VicAmb.jpg?bc_t=IfxYNw1B1NOVmYMXp43ZQQ

Australian Helicopters, a Babcock International Group company, and a leading company in the Australian aviation emergency service industry has announced an investment in six new AW139s.

Australian Helicopters will purchase the six new helicopters over the next 12 months to support its contract with Ambulance Victoria. Managing Director John Boag, says the investment is the one of the largest they’ve made in equipment to date, with the AW139 an excellent aircraft for primary and secondary emergency medical service (EMS) applications.“The Ambulance Victoria tender Australian Helicopters won last year requires six brand new AW139 helicopters to support the 10 year contract which commences in 2016,” Mr Boag says.

“We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of service and place safety and quality as our highest priorities for our clients. “Our first aircraft has arrived in Australia and will be on display at Avalon Airshow next week before completing its EMS configuration and commencing operations later in the year.” - See more at: New AW139s for Babcock (http://www.heliopsmag.com/news/new-aw139s-for-babcock#sthash.1iXvfWpI.dpuf)

[cboxhot]

Can anybody confirm Toll has is?

[icedriver]

Toll has the NSW contract. Or is it Japan Post Holdings now?

[John Eacott]

Systems installed (I believe) and crew training underway:

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7206-2/AAV+139+ground+run+1.jpg

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7212-2/AAV+139+ground+run+3.jpg

Trakka nitesun on the left, I'm never sure this is ideal for a SP aircraft?

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7209-2/AAV+139+ground+run+2.jpg

I'm also intrigued at the tail number (91), whether it's a fleet number for Australian Helicopters or an AAV reference? I see that the HEMS number is still to be added.

[spinwing]

Mmmmm ...


...Trakka nitesun on the left, I'm never sure this is ideal for a SP aircraft? ...


Have to agree with you John ... whilst it is a brilliant aircraft there ARE some things Agusta got a bit wrong ...

The landing lights in the sponson's are pathetic and the searchlight located behind the nose gear and the way its operates (ie Auto stows when turned off) is a major PIA for night ops.

They will learn the hard way that the Trakka fit on the LHS will have to be changed over to the RHS (but then it might be in the way for winch ops) time will tell ...

I'm sure they will 'sort it' eventually ..

:E

[Turkeyslapper]

Quick Question...why the need for a nitesun/Trakka these days for a HEMS aircraft? I assume that NVGs would be the norm so why the Nitesun (on the left side more so;)


Ref the search light, our steerable search light doesn't auto stow when turned off with the switch on the collective?? Wouldn't be that different would it?


Cheers

[terminus mos]

I wonder why they have moved the rego up higher and made it smaller compared to the earlier pic?

[heli1]

Because on the starboard side it is obscured by the hoist ?

[RVDT]

I see Mr Boags is still on the pie diet!

[John Eacott]

I see Mr Boags is still on the pie diet!

I believe they reduce fuel for these PR shots from Air Ambulance Victoria :p

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7221-2/AAV+AW139+03.jpg

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7224-2/AAV+AW139+04.jpg

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7227-2/AAV+AW139+05.jpg

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7215-2/AAV+AW139+01.jpg

http://www.eacott.com.au/gallery/d/7218-2/AAV+AW139+02+interior.jpg

The interior fit is still WIP, and apparently the HEMS number isn't being applied to the tail to allow rotation of machines around the locations rather than allocating one AW139 specifically to each base. But the base will use the traditional callsign applicable to that base, regardless of the airframe.

[belly tank]

Great shots John :ok:

[John Eacott]

The AW139 is now online from today, with the first job from Essendon to Pakenham to bring in an injured motorcyclist to The Alfred. Well done guys, look forward to seeing the new beast over my place instead of the venerable B412 :ok:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12390980_1246248415402267_7053911400512473794_n.jpg?oh=3d168 52e2e415a9de9713e5938330622&oe=57105F50&__gda__=1461728088_623c17973d62d24e3b49b6192829f514

[Peter3127]

I will miss being able to hear the 412 coming though .... for 20 minutes. :8