May 2012 - Police Aviation News

Police Aviation News May 2012 10
AIR AMBULANCE
CANADA
SASKATCHEWAN: A new helicopter borne air ambulance service has been launched
as a daylight only service in southern Saskatchewan. The service, provided by STARS, the
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society, and subject to a ten-year agreement with the government,
became operational in Regina on April 30 with a view to transitioning to a 24/7 operation
later in the summer.
The service will initially use one Eurocopter BK 117 helicopter operating from offices and a
hangar at the Regina airport, until a helipad is built at the Regina General hospital. Patients
will be moved from the airport to the hospital in a road ambulance. Later it is envisaged that
an AW139 might be available.
Operations will be HEMS with an expectation that they will also undertake both hospital
transfers and a measure of air search and rescue work in cooperation with the RCMP.
Ed: In line with the model recently proposed for the UK charity operations it is noteworthy
that this is a charity based service with significant sponsorship from several corporations.
The service provider, STARS, describes itself as a charitable, non-profit organisation with
existing operations in B.C., Alberta and Manitoba.
CHINA
GUANGDONG: The region is planning a helicopter transfer service. The concept was
recently promoted using a police helicopter flying from the People's Hospital of Guangdong.
Under the glare of high publicity the police Eurocopter EC135 was employed to fetch an infant
diagnosed with a congenital heart disease.
An official with the Provincial Government Emergency Management Office said it was a rehearsal
for the adoption of air ambulances in Guangdong for disadvantaged patients.
The Second Provincial People's Hospital is the first designated emergency treatment hospital
with a helicopter pad, several others are preparing for the establishment of air ambulance
stations.
It will not be a free service, the air ambulance charge is to be paid by the patient is
US$1,587 per hour. [Crienglish]
SHANGHAI: Civilian helicopters are expected to join the medical emergency service in
Shanghai. Beijing Capital Helicopter Co Ltd, which was established by HNA Group, signed
an agreement with Shanghai Gaodong Airport, a helicopter airport in the Pudong area, to
use the company's base for emergency responses. The first two helicopters will arrive at the