Medical Aviation Services will operate the MD902 duo. Rick Ingham Photo
Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has launched two new MD902 Explorers into service, supplying emergency medical services to residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in England.
The NOTAR-equipped MD902s feature an air medical interior and a number of upgrades, including a night vision imaging system (NVIS), Trakkabeam searchlight, mapping system and built-in liferaft, which is essential for operations in the Isles of Scilly.
Medical Aviation Services (MAS), a subsidiary of Specialist Aviation Services, will operate the MD902s under an agreement with Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.
The MD902s can carry another 325 kg (about 715 pounds) of weight versus the charity’s previous Airbus Helicopters EC135, translating to additional room for medical equipment, specialist doctors or extra fuel. The EC135 was transferred back to Bond Air Services, the former operator for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust prior to the MAS agreement.
The addition of a night vision imaging system will increase Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust missions by 50 per year. Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust Photo
With the NVIS upgrade, the charity is able to fly at night for the first time. As a result, the output will increase from eight hours to 12 hours per day year-round, leading to an estimated 50 additional missions each year. One of the helicopters will carry out daily operations, while the other will serve as a backup. Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has flown more than 25,000 operations since 1987, with a current annual mission count of around 700.
Lyricist Tim Rice and Victoria Milligan, who raised more than £270,000 (around C$491,500) for the charity in memory of her late husband Nick and daughter Emily, were among the guests, trustees, staff and volunteers in attendance during a Jan. 12 ceremony to mark the entry into service.
“To be able to fly for longer hours, and for longer distances, with the provision of two helicopters based here in Cornwall is a great achievement for the Trust,” said Mary Holborow, chairman of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.
“We look forward to working alongside the charity and develop the service even further over the next few years,” added Henk Schaeken, managing director of Medical Aviation Services.
The charity is hosting a public open day on Feb. 21 at the airbase near Newquay from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visitors to the event will have the chance to view the helicopters and meet the pilots and crewmembers.
The MD902s feature a medical interior and a number of equipment upgrades. Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust Photo
