Southern New South Wales (NSW) has access to world-class aeromedical care with a brand-new, purpose-built base at Orange as part of the NSW Government’s $151.2 million statewide Helicopter Retrieval Network.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard, NSW ambulance chief executive Dominic Morgan, and general manager at Toll Helicopters, Mark Delany, joined local aircrew and NSW Ambulance helicopter doctors and paramedics at the official opening of the Orange NSW Ambulance & Toll Rescue Helicopter Base on June 4.
The $2.5 million base, which forms part of the Southern Zone along with bases at Bankstown, Wollongong and Canberra, is a major investment for local communities and means a significant improvement in emergency medical care for residents throughout the Central West and beyond.
Over 350 missions have been completed since the 14 May 2017 beginning of operations at Orange NSW Ambulance & Toll Rescue Helicopter Base which houses one AW139 aircraft online 24/7/365.
The NSW Ambulance & Toll Rescue Helicopter fleet is made up of eight new purpose-built best in class Leonardo AW139 helicopters, which deliver the latest in performance, safety and innovation – assisting NSW Ambulance helicopter doctors and paramedics to reach patients in remote areas, further and faster than ever before.
Mark Delany, General Manager Toll Helicopters, said “We are extraordinarily proud to operate this facility with a full and stable crew. Thank you to the people of Orange who welcomed us into their community and to NSW Ambulance, for entrusting us with the responsibility of supporting the delivery of safe world-class aeromedical and rescue services.”
Commissioner Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive of NSW Ambulance praised the new partnership.
“With a team of a NSW Ambulance doctor and paramedic, or a doctor and nurse, available for every flight, the new highly sophisticated fleet of Agusta Westland 139 helicopters will ensure we are even better equipped to care for the community, now and into the future,” Commissioner Morgan said.
The Orange NSW Ambulance & Toll Rescue Helicopter Base features:
- A new hangar to house the AW139 aircraft
- Staff living and sleeping quarters
- Training facilities
- Operational 24 hours a day
