I think the point is to have a more capable machine than the now aged BH412EP ... as well as having a machine that for the say next 10 yrs will have the potential to keep up with and possibly even lead with future rescue technology and development (eg NVG and synthetic vision etc).
Anyone who has flown any of the current crop of smaller machines has to have recognised those machines flaws be they cabin size, endurance, vibration levels or OEI performance capability.
The reality is that nowdays agencies involved in the business of Rescue or Medical Evacuations and suchlike as well as the Governments that are responsible for them HAVE A DUTY OF CARE to provide to the crews AND the public the best tools to do their jobs. In this case they are trying to update the equipment to the best possible to suit the needs of Queensland as they see it.
Having over the past few years seen some of the EMS disasters that have happened in Queensland because of underfunded community organisations trying to make "strawberry Jam outa goatdroppings" (try as hard as you like it will never quite taste right!) this is a responsible way to go.
Thanks
