Aviators to provide air ambulance services

Indian national operator Aviators Air Rescue Ltd will provide air ambulance services across the country using Airbus helicopters, in partnership with the US-based Air Medical Group Holdings Inc.

"We have recently signed a tripartite agreement with Airbus Helicopters and Air Medical Group to offer helicopter emergency medical services in the country using three Airbus-built EC 135 T3/P3 choppers from last quarter of 2015," a statement from the Aviators said.

The agreement envisages training pilots and medical personnel for the services to State governments, rescue groups, private hospitals, clinics, and State-run and private firms through an annual subscription. "Our objective is to provide top-notch air medical services on par with similar operations in Europe and the US, with the support of Airbus and Air Medical Group, which are leaders in their respective fields," Arun Sharma, managing director of Aviators, said.

The twin-engine EC 135 chopper is well suited for deployment in a tropical country like India to provide air ambulance services owing to its high performance, maximum take-off weight and extended range capabilities.

"The copter's unobstructed cabin, oversized sliding side doors and the rear clamshell doors enable rescue teams to rapidly load or unload patients and equipment," Sharma said.

In a safety aspect, the chopper's high-set main rotor and shrouded tail rotor facilitate ground movement of rescue personnel even when they are turning and allow take-off and land in confined areas.

"We are ready to assist Aviators with our global emergency medical helicopter expertise and our India-based support and services team, which will be reinforced by the hands-on operational experience of Air Medical Group," Airbus Helicopters India’s managing director Xavier Hay said.

Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, delivered 1,200 EC135 family aircraft worldwide, with a combined three million recorded flight hours.

The Texas-based Air Medical Group Holdings provides air ambulance services across the US, with an array of customised air and ground medical programmes.