New air ambulance is a 'Ferrari of the sky'
A new super-speed helicopter has been unveiled by the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, having taken to the county's skies for its maiden flight.
The state-of-the-art aircraft is believed to be the fastest civilian helicopter on the market and replaces the charity's seven-year-old former air ambulance.
It was officially unveiled yesterday morning, at Althorp House, in Northamptonshire, before embarking on its first day of work.
The new air ambulance, which is leased by the charity and is not a one-off capital cost, is capable of top speeds of almost 200mph and will mean stricken patients will be delivered to hospital quicker than ever.
Andy Williamson, chief executive of the WNAA, said the helicopter would also help crews deliver better, safer care to victims of serious accidents.
He said: "It is the fastest civilian helicopter that you can buy and it can take off in under one minute.
"Like any piece of machinery our old helicopter suffered from general wear and tear. This helicopter replaces it and has more up-to-date equipment so we are very excited to have it."
The new aircraft will increase reliability and host a new patient monitoring system, as well as an impressive new stretcher system.
The new generation stretcher, which automatically rotates and glides out of the aircraft door, is aimed at reducing lifting and handling and improving patient comfort.
Steve Porter, clinical supervisor for WNAA, said: "To us this means we can do so much more on the scene.
"We have always been able to deliver front-line medicine to patients but we will really be able to push the boundaries now."
As well as being faster and better equipped, the new helicopter can carry heavier loads, meaning additional casualties or doctors can be carried on board.
The extra space will also mean the staff are able to deliver life-saving operations and even carry out chest surgery on board.
Steve, who has been with WNAA since it was launched in October 2003, said he was delighted to welcome the new helicopter to the team, even if it meant saying a sad goodbye to the old one.
He said: "It is very sad to say goodbye to the old one. It has been with us from day one and it has served us very well.
"A few people shed a few tears but she is an old lady and she is ready for the retirement home now. More than anything the crew are very excited to get the new machine."
Richard Craske, a full-time pilot for WNAA who has flown 2,600 emergency missions, said he was thrilled to get his hands on the new piece of kit, which is described as the "Ferrari of the sky".
He said: "Today is its first flight and I am very honoured to be able to bring it and show it off.
"There have been a lot of people working very hard to raise money for it and there will be a lot of patients extremely grateful we now have it."
For information visit www.wnaa.co.uk
New air ambulance is a ‘Ferrari of the sky'
By John Harrison
Chronicle Reporter
john.harrison@northantsnews.co.uk
n Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance unveils its new lifesaving helicopter, the Agusta 109, at Althorp House (and inset) pilot Richard Craske
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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