The British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) has identified Kamloops-based CC Helicopters (2011) Ltd. as the successful proponent to provide dedicated helicopter service in the Central Interior following a rigorous request for proposals (RFP) and evaluation process.

“Our government is committed to providing the best emergency care for families in rural communities across British Columbia, including the Central Interior,” said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger. “The dedicated ambulance service out of Kamloops will ensure faster service for critically ill or injured Interior patients, leading to better health outcomes.”

CC Helicopters will provide one dedicated helicopter operating from a base at the Kamloops airport for 12 hours per day, seven days per week.

Between July 23 and September 17, 2010, BCAS ran an eight-week pilot project which showed improved medical outcomes for patients transported by helicopter. On August 30, 2011, Premier Christy Clark announced that the pilot would become a permanent service. CC Helicopters has provided the dedicated Kamloops-based rotary wing service on an interim basis while the RFP process was underway.

“Dedicated service means that there is a critical care paramedic team assigned to the helicopter which is able to respond to life-threatening calls at a moment’s notice,” said BCAS Chief Operating Officer Les Fisher. “We are continually evaluating and improving critical care transport services to keep pace with changing patient care needs, aviation technologies and training and are pleased to be expanding the program on a permanent basis.”

“The benefit of the dedicated helicopter service in Kamloops is that it ensures a highly-trained critical care paramedic team can be at the patient’s side as soon as possible,” said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. “This team can provide advanced medical interventions including airway control and uses complex monitoring and ventilation equipment during pre-hospital and inter-facility transport calls.”

The RFP was developed with input from BCAS paramedics and managers, industry representatives, Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board. It was posted on the BC Bid web site on November 23, 2011 and closed on January 11, 2012. Four potential vendors submitted bids which were reviewed by BCAS air ambulance managers, subject matter experts and procurement advisors. The contract will be for three years with an option to extend for two additional years; final financial details are currently being negotiated.