Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is poised to launch the UK’s most advanced helicopter air ambulance, marking a major milestone in the charity’s 12-year history. The new Airbus H145 D3, currently under production, will be customized with an aeromedical fit-out and modifications before entering operational service later this year.
A Leap Forward in Air Ambulance Technology
The H145 D3 will replace the existing EC 135 at SCAA’s Aberdeen base. With its twin engines and five-rotor configuration, the new aircraft is designed to offer enhanced range, endurance, and capacity, which will significantly improve the charity’s ability to respond to emergencies across Scotland.
SCAA Chief Executive David Craig emphasized the importance of the new helicopter, stating that it represents a critical investment for the charity’s future. “The H145 D3 is an aircraft that will help fly SCAA into the next decade. No one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time,” he said. “This new helicopter will offer greater range, endurance, and capacity which significantly enhances our life-saving service.”
Meeting Growing Demand
SCAA operates two helicopter emergency response air ambulances, one in Perth and one in Aberdeen, and has responded to more than 6,500 callouts since its inception in 2013. The new H145 D3 will allow the charity to meet the increasing demand for pre-hospital emergency medical services, particularly in remote or challenging locations.
The decision to introduce the new helicopter at the Aberdeen base was made after a thorough review of operational data from the past five years. Working closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service and the ScotSTAR North Emergency Medical Retrieval Service, SCAA aims to provide a specialist team that can respond to critical emergencies anywhere in Scotland.
“We will be able to deliver a robust specialist and extensive multi-disciplinary team to any incident,” Craig explained. “This new aircraft will ensure that, when critical care is required anywhere in Scotland, we can provide a team of specialist doctors and two SCAA paramedics to the scene of an emergency.”
Night Vision Technology for Enhanced Operational Capacity
As part of the operational upgrades, SCAA has entered into a new 10-year contract with its aviation partner, Babcock. This agreement will see the addition of Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) at both the Perth and Aberdeen bases, enabling crews to operate more safely in low-light conditions. The technology has already been introduced at SCAA’s Perth base and has significantly increased the charity’s ability to reach patients during Scotland’s harsh winters.
“This will ensure each duty shift is unimpeded when the sun sets or skies darken,” said Craig. “SCAA will be available to respond whenever and wherever required by those most seriously ill or injured.”
A Major Fundraising Campaign
The operational enhancements brought by the new helicopter and NVIS technology will add an extra £2 million to SCAA’s current annual costs, which total around £8 million. To support these upgrades, the charity has launched the “Operation Skyward” fundraising campaign, aimed at securing the necessary funds to maintain and expand its life-saving service.
“This is the single most significant operational investment for the charity, other than the initial launch of our service,” Craig added. “Funded entirely by public donation – without any Government contribution – SCAA has been able to grow and evolve, responding to the needs of Scotland’s communities.”
The public’s generosity has been crucial in supporting the charity’s efforts. Since launching in 2013, SCAA has raised more than £65 million in donations, allowing the charity to continuously improve its services and respond to over 6,500 emergency callouts.
Looking Ahead
With the introduction of the H145 D3 and continued operational enhancements, SCAA is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for emergency air ambulance services in Scotland. The charity’s commitment to maintaining a high level of service, even in the most challenging conditions, reflects its unwavering dedication to saving lives across the country.
The launch of “Operation Skyward” marks a significant step forward in securing the future of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, ensuring that it can continue to provide vital services to those in need.
