‘It will be a lifesaver’ – charity air ambulance flies into the future with state-of-the-art helicopter

SCAA operates two helicopter emergency response air ambulances, based at Perth since 2013 and Aberdeen since 2020.

“The decision to strategically focus on introducing a new aircraft at our Aberdeen base was driven by reviewing our operational data across Scotland over the last five years,” added Mr Craig.

“Working closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service and their doctor-led ScotSTAR North Emergency Medical Retrieval Service, this enhanced and more capable 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. 

“This will deliver a robust specialist and extensive multi-disciplinary team to any incident.”

Scotland’s vast, rugged terrain and harsh weather demand a robust response and the H145 D3’s capabilities are designed to meet these needs.

Its three main benefits are:

• it allows an additional 60 minutes of flight time, helping SCAA to reach more remote areas and fly more missions without refuelling, meaning they can travel further and reach patients in time;
• equipped with weather radar and night vision, the H145 D3 will ensure SCAA can navigate harsh weather more efficiently and operate more safely in darkness, increasing their ability to reach patients during Scotland’s challenging winters; and
• when faced with critical and complex injuries, the larger helicopter will enable SCAA to carry an extra clinician and specialist equipment, which is particularly important for major incidents, which means a better chance of survival for the patient.

A new 10-year contract with aviation partner Babcock will also see SCAA crews at Aberdeen and Perth equipped with Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) technology to maximise operational capability. 

Mr Craig said NVIS has recently been introduced at SCAA’s Perth base, enabling the charity to reach more patients during Scotland’s winters.

“SCAA can now deploy to non-surveyed locations anywhere in Scotland during darkness this winter using the latest technology, to the benefit of patients and crew,” he said. 

The operational enhancements will add an extra £2 million a year to SCAA’s current £8 million costs, with a major nationwide ‘Operation Skyward’ fundraising campaign launched to support the upgrades and fly SCAA into the future.

“Other than the initial launch of our service, this new contract represents the single most significant operational investment for the charity,” said Mr Craig. 

“Funded entirely by public donations - without any government contribution - SCAA has responded to more than 6,500 call-outs since launching in 2013, with last year being our busiest.

“In that time, the public has donated more than £65 million – hugely generous support that has allowed us to plan and evolve and grow to meet demand with a sustainable enhanced service.

“To meet the constantly evolving and increasingly high standards of air ambulance crew and equipment, donations will continue to be invested in delivering our charitable purpose and our frontline operation is a priority as that ultimately saves lives.”

He added: “SCAA last upgraded its aircraft in 2015 after two years in service and launched our Aberdeen operation in 2020. The time is right to advance yet again to ensure SCAA remains at the forefront of patient care and service delivery.

“Our patients will benefit hugely from the upgrade and our crews will appreciate the enhancements that a larger airframe with greater capacity and endurance brings to their life-saving work.

“But we can’t do it alone and our appeal goes out to individuals, groups, organisations, businesses, trusts and foundations who share our ambition that no-one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time.

“The Scottish public have proved lifesavers through their amazing support of SCAA to date and the many thousands of lives which will be saved and improved through our latest upgrades will be as a result of their continued generosity.”

Visit www.scaa.org.uk/operation-skyward for more information