Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is set to launch a state-of-the-art helicopter later this year.
The new Airbus H145 D3 is currently in production and will receive a customised aeromedical fit-out, along with some modification, before operational service.
SCAA operates two helicopter emergency response air ambulances, based at Perth (since 2013) and Aberdeen (since 2020) – and has responded to more than 6,500 call outs since its 2013 launch.
The twin-engine, five-rotor, aircraft will replace an existing EC 135 at the charity’s Aberdeen base.
A new 10-year contract with aviation partner Babcock will also see crews at both Aberdeen and Perth equipped with Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) technology to maximise operational capability.
SCAA Chief Executive David Craig said the new aircraft forms part of the most significant operational investment by the charity in its 12-year history.
He said: “The H145 D3 is an aircraft that will help fly SCAA into the next decade.
“When our new H145 D3 takes to the skies, it will be the most capable air ambulance of its kind in the UK, operating in the most challenging environment. It will be a lifesaver.”
“Working closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service and their doctor-led ScotSTAR North EMRS (Emergency Medical Retrieval Service), this enhanced and more capable aircraft will ensure that, when critical care is required anywhere in Scotland, we can provide a team of specialist doctors and two SCAA paramedics to the scene of an emergency.”
NVIS has recently been introduced at SCAA’s Perth base, enabling the charity to respond more safely to emergencies, increasing its ability to reach more patients during Scotland’s winters.
Mr Craig commented: “SCAA is now able to deploy to non-surveyed locations anywhere in Scotland during darkness hours this winter using the very latest technology, to the benefit of both patients and crew.
“This will ensure each duty shift is unimpeded (by aviation restrictions) when the sun sets or skies darken, and SCAA will be available to respond whenever and wherever required by those most seriously ill or injured.”
The operational enhancements will add an extra £2 million a year to SCAA’s current £8 million costs, and the announcement sparks a major nationwide “Operation Skyward” fundraising campaign to support the upgrades and fly SCAA into the future.
Mr Craig added: “Our patients will benefit hugely from the upgrade and our crews will appreciate the enhancements that a larger airframe with greater capacity and endurance brings to their life-saving work.
“But we can’t do it alone and our appeal goes out to individuals, groups, organisations, businesses, trusts and foundations who share our ambition that no one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time.
“The Scottish public have proved lifesavers through their amazing support of SCAA to date and the many thousands of lives which will be saved and improved through our latest upgrades will be as a result of their continued generosity.”