British Columbia has inaugurated the first of 12 advanced fixed-wing air ambulances, signaling a significant upgrade in its emergency medical services. This move, part of a substantial $673 million fleet renewal, promises enhanced capabilities and broader access to remote locations.
The fleet enhancement involves the introduction of the Beechcraft King Air 360CHW aircraft, procured through Carson Air, which stands as the exclusive provider of ambulance airplane services in the province. Premier David Eby highlighted the importance of rapid and high-quality medical response. “When someone you love is critically ill or injured, they deserve the best and fastest care possible,” he stated.
The new aircraft boasts several improvements over the previous fleet. Notably, it is equipped to land on gravel runways and offers specialized onboard medical support. This includes in-air extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, transport facilities for neonatal patients in biomedical transport incubators, and the capability to transport bariatric patients. Previously, such extensive services were limited, particularly in terms of bariatric patient transport and operational flexibility during night-time.
Another significant feature of the new aircraft is the inclusion of EpiShuttles, mobile medical isolation units for individuals with infectious diseases, expanding the fleet’s capacity to handle diverse medical emergencies.
The enhanced ability to land on gravel runways is expected to dramatically improve healthcare access for Indigenous, northern, rural, and remote communities. Health Minister Adrian Dix noted the importance of the fleet upgrade, stating, “B.C.’s air ambulances make sure that patients, often with the most critical-care needs, can quickly access the health care they need.”
The upgraded King Airs are designed with power stretchers, a uniform layout, and advanced navigation systems including a latest-generation glass cockpit and enhanced vision systems. These features are complemented by a connected cabin with Wi-Fi capabilities and a large, electronically-controlled cabin door, all of which contribute to improved patient comfort and care during transport.
Strategically, nine of the new aircraft will be operational regularly, with stations in Vancouver, Kelowna, Prince George, and Fort St. John. The remaining three will serve as backup. This distribution underscores the strategic placement to optimize response times across diverse regions.
The introduction of these state-of-the-art air ambulances marks a pivotal step in the evolution of emergency healthcare in British Columbia, reflecting a commitment to both technological advancement and patient-centered care. This development is crucial for a province where approximately 70 percent of emergency calls necessitate the use of airplanes, highlighting the vital role of fixed-wing air ambulances in the region’s medical response infrastructure.
BCEHS, renowned as the largest paramedic and ambulance service in Canada, celebrated the first aircraft’s entry into service on May 1, 2024, setting a new standard in emergency medical transportation.