Yorkshire Air Ambulance reveals arrival of second H145 helicopter
Yorkshire Air Ambulance has revealed the arrival of its second Airbus H145 D3 helicopter to join the service’s first H145 delivered in March.
The first of their kind to operate in the UK, the new helicopters were bought with £15m of public donations. Each H145 is equipped with five rotor blades, enabling it can carry more weight and fuel, while providing a smoother ride and easing maintenance, according to the service. An integrated camera system is said to improve safety during take-offs and enables patients to board the aircraft when the rotors are turning. On-board Wi-Fi enables real-time patient record updates, while a secure communications system sends data to destination hospitals before the ambulance arrives.
The two H145 helicopters will be based in Wakefield and Thirsk alongside the two existing aircraft. The older aircraft, which began operations in 2016, will be retired from service over the next 12 months.
“Since the end of March, G-YAAA, has been instrumental in saving countless lives, rapidly responding to critical incidents and delivering crucial medical support in the most challenging situations,” according to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA). “The arrival of G-YORX [the new helicopter] amplifies the YAA’s operational capabilities, allowing for even greater efficiency in delivering vital emergency services across the region.”
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance was established in 2000 with one helicopter and commissioning a second air ambulance in 2007. The service is funded by public donations and needs to raise £19,000 a day to keep operating, according to the charity. Operational seven days a week, 365 days a year, the Airbus helicopters can transfer trauma patients to the nearest hospital at speeds of up to 160 mph.
Meawhile, the service’s new chairman, Mike Harrop, will take up the role from July 1st.
Above and top: Yorkshire Air Ambulance is now operating two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters in the county.
