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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 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. |
A quick look at their website will answer that question John.
Well done Australian Helicopters. GU. |
link
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 |
Ah yes: as you say, well done Australian Helicopters! 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. |
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 |
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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 1961 Anyone want a friendly carton on the side? cheers tet. |
MJB, You asked the same question only three months ago, in this very same thread, too! Looks like I need a visit to the type of hospital that doesn't have a helipad! Mickjoebill |
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?
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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. |
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.
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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 . |
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, |
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.
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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 |
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?
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Mmmm ...
Just tell 'em its got 5 blades ... and the admiring looks will continue ;) |
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 ;) |
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.
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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 |
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