In preparation for the start of a new contract, Bristow’s Australia Business Unit (AUSBU) search and rescue (SAR) employees and CareFlight have been working together to become familiarized with the new equipment that will be used on Bristow aircraft.

The training focuses on a variety of topics, and ensures that everyone involved will work as a team when they are called to action. CareFlight will be responsible for providing medical support to the client via a Bristow helicopter in the event of an emergency offshore, so it is important that the teams work together effectively with the new equipment.

Bristow Aircrew Training Instructor Jack Rowland recently hosted the team from CareFlight, and provided them with training and familiarization exercises on a Bristow aircraft with SAR configuration.

“I believe joint training exercises are invaluable when two different companies are working together,” said Jack. “Such exercises provide personnel with a greater understanding of each other’s standard operating procedures, ensuring everything runs efficiently in the event of a call out.”

Part of the training focused on the stretcher system being used, a newly-implemented Aeronautical Engineers Australia system, which will greatly improve the process of medevacs. The stretcher can be fitted securely into all Bristow helicopter types, as well as fixed wing transportation and ambulances. These new stretchers will be stored on offshore platforms, which enables injured workers to be transported from an offshore facility to an onshore hospital on the same stretcher, with no need to be transferred to another stretcher.

“Many thanks to the Bristow guys for arranging this training,” said Darren Nelson, CareFlight Operations Manager. “Jack conducted an excellent training session, which was much appreciated.”

Over the coming weeks, Bristow will continue to provide training to CareFlight staff.