Babcock Scandinavian AirAmbulance (BSAA) is pleased to announce that it has launched the very first state-of-the-art AW169 helicopter in active Emergency Medical Service (EMS) duty in the Nordics. The helicopter is operated on behalf of Region Jämtland Härjedalen and it replaces the AS365N2 “Dauphin” that the company has operated in the region since 2006.

Shortly after 10:00 on Saturday, January 13, the new helicopter took off on its first mission assignment ever – a long-distance patient transport southwards. Later that afternoon, a very satisfied crew returned to Östersund after more than four hours in the air.

“It’s a big and historic event for us and for the region to finally get airborne – in active duty – with the AW169,” says company Production Manager Thure Waplan. “The launch has been preceded by a long period of customization and training to ensure the highest quality and safety right from the start, which means that we are very delighted to start our operations with such a capable helicopter.”

The medical environment is greatly improved in this brand-new helicopter, while providing a host of customized solutions that are optimized for EMS. The list of advantages is long, but the most important ones include enhanced performance and improved safety. The sophisticated cockpit delivers better situational awareness while allowing more advanced flight automation.

The base in Östersund is the first of four Swedish EMS helicopter bases that will replace its existing helicopters with the Leonardo AW169s in 2018. Next in line are, Gällivare, Lycksele and the newly awarded base in Gothenburg. Simultaneously, work is also underway to replace the current helicopters at the company’s base in Stockholm with two new Airbus H145 this spring.

“Overall, we are currently embarked on the most extensive upgrade of Sweden’s EMS helicopter inventory ever”, says Waplan. ” We manage this task with great confidence and
respect, and we are also very grateful for the trust we are given.”