NSW EMS (NGO or Private operator)

[sea breeze]

Some questions to ponder in regards to NGO verses private or total government operated EMS helicopters


NGO’s introduced the concept of Aeromedical transport to the medical fraternity in the 1970’s and in many states still provide this service.

The world has changed since the 1970’s, Government departments such as Police and Health depend upon the concept of air transport to undertake their daily business.

NGO have become a huge charity vacuum cleaner within many parts of Australia sucking the charity dollar out of local communities. As the demand upon the air transport services increase, so has the appetite for more funds to support such services.

I would like to stimulate the debate by asking some basic questions

What benefit will a private rotary operator provide to a government operation?
What benefit will a totally government owned and operated rotary system have?
What is the benefit in staying with the NGO model?

Is there a difference in the pilot training or ability?
Is there a difference in the crew training or ability?
Is there a difference in engineering?

What is the cost to government?
What is the cost to the local communities?
What is the cost to other charities?

Or should governments not be involved in the air medical /rescue scene at all and leave it to anyone who can raise the cash to undertake such a role?