Nova Scotia has lined up two new LifeFlight helicopters.
An agreement has been reached between the province and Canadian Helicopters Ltd. for two new new air ambulance helicopters.
The more capable Sikorsky 76C+ helicopters will replace the single Sikorsky S-76A lifeflight helicopter currently in service.
We’ll have two new LifeFlight helicopters by Aug. 1! NS has signed a deal with CHL to provide two 76C+ helicopters. https://t.co/kooeuKMNR4 pic.twitter.com/BDFDMDzyWP
— Health & Wellness (@nshealth) January 26, 2017
The new aircraft are approved to land on H1 helipads in Halifax and Digby – something the previous model has been unable to do since Transport Canada changed the regulations last April.
The deal is valued at $105 million dollars for 15 years.
Director of EHS Larry Crewson says it will take some time to ready the new helicopters.
“They have to actually build that medical interior, meet all the Transport Canada requirements and it will have to be inspected during the building process so that when it does arrive here, it is ready to go as an air-ambulance, painted up in the Nova Scotia colours.”
Crewson says having two helicopters means LifeFlight operations will be available almost 100% of the time.
“You’re going from about a 70% reliability to a 98% reliability. It’s safer for the crew that’s flying the machine. It’s safer for the patients. It’s a faster response time, greater range – so it’s quite a value.”
Crewson expects the helicopters to be flying in Nova Scotia by August 1.
*Image courtesy of Wikipedia
