Wed, Nov 21, 2012
Regulations On Single Engine Helos Factor Into The Decision
New Zealand's MidCentral Health has awarded its air ambulance services contract for patient transfers to HeliPro. The contract had previously been held by Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter operated by Philips Search and Rescue Trust.
In a news release, MidCentral Health Hospital Services operations director Lyn Horgan said: “To ensure improved efficiency, patient and staff safety and the availability of quality helicopters and fix wing aircraft and equipment, MidCentral chose to go to the market, requesting proposals from organizations with extensive experience in commercial and patient transfer service sector.
“There were two strong contenders for the contract which was decided by a panel of experts including clinicians. The decision to award the air ambulance patient transfers contract to HeliPro was a combination of many factors including: equipment, service, and reducing the time taken for patients going by road transport to waiting air services.”
HeliPro will be responsible for the transfer of patients from Palmerston North Hospital to other hospitals.
New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority regulations which prevent single engine helicopters from flying over populated areas except in an emergency were also cited as a factor in the decision. Palerston North Rescue Helicopters flies single engine aircraft, which meant that, in most cases, an ambulance was required to transport patients to the company's base in Milson, where they were loaded onto the aircraft.
Helipro, by contrast, operates two BK117 twin engine helicopters. Those aircraft can land at the hospital at any time, not just in the case of an emergency.
An official for Philips Search and Rescue Trust, which operates Palmerston North Rescue Helicopters, told the New Zealand newspaper The Dominion Post that while disappointing, the move would not affect the company's ability to respond to emergencies such as highway and farm accidents in the central and lower portions of North Island. The new contract will become effective at the first of the year.
(BK117 line drawing from file)
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]