Victoria’s new air ambulance planes set to take off

16 June 2011

Victoria's fleet of fixed wing air ambulances have been upgraded with the arrival of four new planes to respond to medical emergencies and patient transport across the state.

Minister for Health David Davis officially launched the new King Air B-200 planes at the Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police Aviation Facility at Essendon Airport.

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Video transcript

David Davis MLC, Minister for Health

I’m very pleased to be here today to congratulate Ambulance Victoria on these new and wonderful aircraft and there is no question that this will result in better and safer transport of patients from all over Victoria and will help Ambulance Victoria in their critical task of saving lives and providing the very best service for Victorians.

Greg Sassella, CEO, Ambulance Victoria

The engineering that has gone onto this aircraft means that it has improved capabilities internally, it is more efficient and we don’t have to move patients from one stretcher to another, we can move the patient in the stretcher straight into the aircraft. It has more avionics and it means it can land in all sorts of weather. It’s a very highly rated aircraft.  

The four King Air B-200s replace the existing fleet of 16-year-old aircraft and will provide transport for urgent and non-urgent patients.

The new planes will commence from 1 July 2011 and have been custom designed with a modern fit out to maximise patient safety and care. They will assist paramedics and doctors in the treatment of patients in flights across Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales.

Air Ambulance Victoria fixed wing aircraft transported 4,383 patients in 2009-10, with most trips from regional Victoria to Melbourne.

Mr Davis said the new layout on the planes meant the aircraft could now transport two neonatal emergency cots used for the sickest babies.

"The planes have an upgraded stretcher system, which allows them to carry patients weighing up to 240 kilograms, 50 per cent more than the previous set up," Mr Davis said.

"They will also incorporate an improved stretcher-loading system which will mean that the same stretchers will be able to be used on the planes as in a road ambulance for critically ill patients.

The aircraft also have improved communications and avionics equipment.

Mr Davis also acknowledged the long-standing relationship with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, who has provided support for Air Ambulance Victoria since 2000.

Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Greg Sassella, said that the new planes represent an important link in the statewide health plan.

"For our flight paramedics, these planes are their offices. The fact that we can custom fit the aircraft means it suits the way our paramedics work and for what our patients need," Mr Sassella said.

"These planes ensure that we have a comprehensive service to reach all parts of the state and can bring people to specialised care in Melbourne. It's the first time we have ever brand new planes so that is very exciting."