The newest helicopter in the STARS Air Ambulance fleet is making its way around the province, and it recently stopped in Yorkton in order to train local emergency services.
The big difference with the new AW139 over the existing helicopters in the fleet is range. According to Tara Oliver, flight paramedic, this means that they can reach anywhere in the province in the new aircraft.
"It allows us to fly further, faster, so we can actually have access to anywhere in the province in this new aircraft. For us, the ability to have that extra distance is a huge bonus."
From the paramedic side of the equation, Oliver says that they also appreciate the extra space that the larger AW139 offers over the BK117s currently in service in the province. She says it gives them the space to have a 360 degree access to the patient, making it easier to care for them during transit.
The AW139 is also easier to fly, with a more extensive auto pilot system and more computer controls for functions.
The trip around the province is also training for the pilots, so they can get comfortable with the different design over the existing BK117.
Oliver describes the aircraft as a portable ICU, with critical care paramedics and nurses given all the tools that are available in intensive care.
The purpose of the outreach events was to get local emergency services around the province familiar with the aircraft, especially how to load and unload patients which takes a few extra hands.
Given that by definition the helicopter will be used during emergencies, Oliver says they want EMS in the province to be comfortable with the craft.
The Yorkton area will likely still mostly be served by the BK117 that is based out of Regina, as this will remain the fastest way to move patients given proximity and speed. Oliver says that helicopters dispatched on any given call are assigned based on speed, and the AW139 will be in the city when that aircraft would be the fastest alternative. Examples would be cases where a patient needs to be transferred to Saskatoon, or if the Regina helicopter is on a call already.
