Collaboration extends operating hours
Tuesday, 29 April, 2008
Air ambulance enters the twilight zone
A unique collaboration has begun between Kent Air Ambulance, Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
A police helicopter, kitted out with life saving medical equipment and with an onboard paramedic, is now answering emergency medical alls between the hours of darkness until 1.30 in the morning.
David Philpott, Chief Executive of the Air Ambulance, commented, "This is a big step for the Air Ambulance. Until now we have only been able to fly our helicopters during daylight hours.
It would cost well in excess of £1 million each to equip our own helicopters with lights and night flying vision to allow them to safely fly in the dark.
By utilising the police helicopter which already has this equipment fitted we believe that more lives can be saved."
Hotel 900, the police helicopter, has been flying in Sussex since 1987. It has for some years carried a paramedic who is, and will continue to be funded by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
However this new initiative, which is funded by the Air Ambulance, not only ensures that it will continue to fly at night with a paramedic, but also allows it to also cover its neighbouring counties of Kent and Surrey as well.
If the collaboration is successful, the Air Ambulance will enhance the night flying service further by putting a specialist doctor on board.
The police helicopter is an MD 902 Explorer, the same type of aircraft that is used by the Air Ambulance. Night flying equipment allows the helicopter to navigate safely.
Assistant Chief Constable of Sussex Police, Jeremy Paine, said, "The successful partnership we have enjoyed with South East coast ambulance service over a number of years means that we are happy to extend our involvement in the life saving work that this collaboration supports. As an emergency service we understand too well the difference timely medical help can make to a severely injured person.
This collaboration allows us to invest further in our helicopter so it can support future police operations in Sussex, as well as providing night time air cover in a medical emergency."
