South Australians now have greater access to life saving emergency care thanks to the arrival of an additional helicopter to the state’s aeromedical fleet.
Babcock Australasia (Babcock) delivered the Bell 412 helicopter to SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) this week as part of its contract with the State Rescue Helicopter Service (SRHS), and its ongoing commitment to emergency medical response.
The aircraft brings the total number of Bell 412 helicopters in the SAAS fleet to three. Importantly, it creates extra flying capability for the team, with at least two ambulance aircraft now able to operate simultaneously.
Additional pilots and engineers have been recruited to support this increased capacity.
The Bell 412’s twin engines enable it to travel at speeds of 220km/h, and with a range of up to 600km, it is ideally suited for medical transport and search and rescue functions.
The handover of the helicopter follows the delivery of a latest generation Airbus H145 to South Australia Police (SAPOL) in July. The successful commissioning of both aircraft was the result of extensive consultation with SRHS to ensure timelines and end user requirements were met.
The helicopter will take to the skies with the same distinctive red, white and green livery as the state’s other SAAS aircraft.
Alongside the aircraft’s delivery, Babcock is investing $1.2m to upgrade its hangar at Adelaide Airport. This includes an extension to its workshop and storage area, establishment of a new SAPOL office and training room, and construction of an additional airside helicopter parking area to assist response times.
Renovations are also underway to enhance aircrew amenities at the base including additional sleeping quarters. The works are expected to be complete by February 2025.
Proudly headquartered in Adelaide, Babcock is one of the country’s leading providers of helicopter emergency medical services, operating on behalf of SRHS in South Australia, Queensland Health in the Torres Strait and Central Queensland, and Ambulance Victoria.
In the last 12 months, Babcock has delivered more than $100 million worth of new and additional aircraft into its fleets. It has also signed contract extensions across commercial aviation for ground support equipment maintenance and with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service to service its appliances and equipment.
Quotes attributable to Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland:
This Bell 412 helicopter is the second of two aircraft provided by Babcock this year, as part of our $150 million contract extension with the SRHS. Its addition to the fleet will enhance aircraft availability during peak periods as well as relieve pressure on existing services.
Babcock is committed to fostering a safe and secure world by implementing innovative aviation solutions and collaborating closely with governments, private enterprise and communities to meet their needs, and we take great pride in knowing that our delivery of this aircraft to schedule will result in prompt assistance to those in need.
Quotes attributable to Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Cregan
Increasing first responders’ ability to get to an incident quickly and render assistance will help save lives.
The additional helicopter delivered in this investment is an important boost for our emergency response capability across the state.
Quotes attributable to SA Ambulance Service, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Paul Lemmer
With the Bell 412 joining our fleet, we are better equipped to meet the growing demand for aeromedical services in South Australia. This boost to our operational capability will make a real difference in the lives of those who need urgent care.
Our dedicated rescue and retrieval clinicians perform around 850 rescue and emergency retrieval taskings each year, providing life-saving care to the critically ill and injured.
