Hi VSF
There is a long and complicated history to this sorry tale. The two previous Non Government Organisations (LifeSaver & CareFlight) provided exemplorary service to the people of NSW over two decades. They did this at minimal cost to the taxpayer due to tremendous community spirit - which translated into significant corporate and community financial support. In addition, individuals from both organisations over many many years collectively donated many thousands of unpaid hours - because they were proud of what they did and because they believed in what they did.
In 2006, the ASNSW and the state government announced that all this was to be overturned and that the contract for the next 7 years was awarded to CHC. Without criticising CHC (who are without doubt a professional and competent organisation), this was a mighty kick in the guts to all these professionals from both organisations. To make matters worse, the tender process was not transparent and there are still widespread suspicions that it was designed to produce a pre-determined outcome.
Now, response times are dramatically increaesed compared to previously. I would not have believed that it would have been possible to configure a 412 such that it was too small for one stretcher patient! Flight crew often have limited local knowledge of the Sydney area as they are constantly rotating from other parts of the country.
"Bigger, better, faster" was the simple and arrogant mantra of ASNSW in 2006. Please forgive some of us if we can't help noticing that the reality seems to be "Bigger yes, but more expensive and less capable".