The region’s air ambulance service has taken the first steps to overhaul its fleet by purchasing a helicopter which will bring further improvements to patient care.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is expecting to welcome the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin N3+ in Spring next year after agreeing a deal for the £5m aircraft.
The charity, based at Urlay Nook, Eaglescliffe, has paid a deposit on the helicopter and will spread the remaining cost over the next ten years. It currently owns three Dauphin N2 aircraft which are each nearly thirty years old.
GNAAS chief executive Grahame Pickering MBE said: “Instead of waiting for the day when the helicopters are no longer fit for purpose, we are moving ahead to safeguard the future of the charity.
“The current fleet have been exceptional servants and owe us nothing, but it’s time to look to the future. We are excited about the enhancements the new aircraft will bring.”
A review was launched in 2017 and found that the next generation of Dauphin aircraft would best suit the demands of the charity’s 8,000sq mile area, which includes the North-East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Jay Steward, chief pilot at GNAAS, said: “This is an area of contrasts, and we need an aircraft that can handle the demands of flying from coast to coast, to the tops of fells and to city centres. Our current aircraft have done an incredible job, but the new model will take us to the next level.”
The new aircraft is currently undergoing an extensive refit which will transform it from executive transport to a ‘flying emergency department’. It is considerably more powerful and can therefore carry more fuel, which in turn gives it a greater range.
This means the team will be able to respond to multiple call-outs without having to stop to refuel, saving vital minutes in the event of an emergency.
It is also equipped with the latest form of digital autopilot and will be fitted in a way that allows for 360 degree patient access in the rear cabin.
“The N3+ would cost upwards of £9m new,” added Mr Steward. “This particular aircraft is only four years old and has flown just 306 hours, so we are delighted with the deal and can’t wait to get her flying in our green and white colours.”
Meanwhile, two of the charity’s current fleet have now been made available for sale, proceeds from which will help pay off the new aircraft and also potentially secure a second upgraded helicopter.
Mr Pickering added: “By moving quickly, we can ensure the region not only receives a seamless transition from one aircraft to the next, but through the upgraded specification of the new aircraft will actually see an improvement in the patient care offered.
“But helicopters are expensive beasts and there can be no cutting corners, especially when there is patient care involved.
“We don’t just have £5m kicking around sadly, so we need the public to continue their support in any way they can. We’ll be paying for this aircraft for the next ten years, but in that time we expect it to rescue thousands of patients, so we think every penny will be worth it.”
Last year, GNAAS responded to 1640 call-outs throughout the North-East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
It cost £5.3m to provide the service, all of which was raised through donations. For more information, please visit www.gnaas.com
