A new medical and rescue helicopter has commenced lifesaving operations across the 48,000 square kilometre expanse of the Torres Strait.
The Leonardo AW139 helicopter is one of two aircraft being supplied to Queensland Health by Babcock Australasia (Babcock) to support the safe and timely delivery of emergency services throughout the remote island community.
The eagerly anticipated aircraft, now based at Horn Island following its arrival earlier this month, is fully equipped with specialist medical gear to meet the operational needs and challenging climate of the Torres Strait.
Featuring a unique dragonfly-themed livery, the new aircraft offers faster speeds, extended range, and enhanced capabilities for retrieval, search, and rescue operations, assisting crews to respond more quickly in an emergency.
The dragonfly has significant meaning into the Torres Strait, with the local word ‘Kuyup’ doubling to describe a helicopter. Its inclusion on the aircraft illustrates the positive impact helicopter services have in supporting the Torres Strait community. Together, the two aircraft will form the Lagaw (Island) Kuyup (Helicopter) Rescue Service.
The second helicopter is scheduled to join the roster in April.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the Torres Strait community, Babcock has also recently recruited a local apprentice. Argun and Italgal woman Jemmah Ronsen, joined Babcock in January and will spend the next four years completing a Diploma in Aeroskills (Mechanical). Her local knowledge will be instrumental in supporting Babcock’s aeromedical and search and rescue operations in the region.
Quotes attributable to Babcock Australasia Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services Duncan Milne
“These cutting-edge helicopters will empower our dedicated crews and the highly skilled medical professionals of Queensland Health to conduct critical rescue operations safely in this remote region of Australia.”
“At Babcock, our Purpose is to create a safe and secure world, together and we are proud to be able to enhance equitable access to healthcare for the people of the Torres Strait, where we have served for almost 30 years.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls
“For those Queenslanders living in the Far North region, having access to emergency medical helicopters is critical due to the restricted movement of vehicles across the hundreds of islands within the archipelago.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Ambulance Service, Executive Director, Retrieval Services Queensland, Dr Mark Elcock
“With dedicated clinicians and state of the art equipment, we can now ensure the same level of emergency helicopter capability that is provided to the major centres is also available to Torres Strait and northern Cape York Peninsula communities.”
Background
Babcock has provided 24/7 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services on behalf of Queensland Health since 2007, and last year safely transported close to 450 patients in need of medical assistance.
Aerial services form a critical part of medical operations across the Torres Strait due to the restricted movement of vehicles across the hundreds of islands within the archipelago.
Benefits of the new Leonardo AW139 helicopter include:
- enhanced night search activity through the inclusion of electro-optic and infrared systems
- a significantly greater flight range (up to 1,100km or five hours flying time) allowing for extended search times and a reduction in refuelling stops to reach outer islands in bad weather
- increased patient, crew and paramedic comfort through a climate control system
- smoother patient transfers delivered by a power loader stretcher system
- and increased weight capacity, allowing for the installation of more specialist equipment and additional fuel load.
The dragonfly motif – commissioned by Queensland Health and sponsored by Babcock, Leonardo Helicopters and Lease Corporation International – was designed by renowned indigenous artist Alick Tipoti.
Babcock is one of the country’s leading providers of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) and rescue response, operating services on behalf of Queensland Health in the Torres Strait and northern Queensland, the State Rescue Helicopter Service in South Australia, and Ambulance Victoria in Victoria.
It has also supported Australian Border Force with pilots, surveillance and maintenance on rotary wing aircraft in the Torres Strait for close to 30 years.
In the past 12 months, Babcock has commissioned multiple new and additional helicopters into its HEMS fleet. 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.
Babcock operates 18 helicopters from eight bases across Australia, utilising the expertise of 500-plus aviation staff.
