Australia-based aeromedical not-for-profit CareFlight has teamed up with Helicopter Resources (HeliRes) in a bid to transform emergency helicopter services for Tasmania following an approach to the market from the Tasmanian Government. New and substantially improved helicopter capability could support Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Police and land and maritime based search and rescue services across the state. CareFlight and HeliRes share key values that underpin their success in serving Australians.

"We agreed from the outset on the joint commitment to put Tasmanians and Tasmania first," says Helicopter Resources managing director Bill English.

"If successful in our bid, our commitment to putting Tasmania first will see CareFlight reinvest back into the community, ensuring Tasmania has a world-leading emergency air services capability supported through a local centre of excellence in pre-hospital critical care and rotary wing operations and training, delivering new career pathways for Tasmanians," adds CareFlight CEO Mick Frewen.

CareFlight began operations in Sydney in 1986 with a single helicopter, the first in Australia to operate with doctors on board. Today it delivers services nationally on helicopters, jet aircraft, turboprops and road vehicles. The company performed more than 50 winch rescues last year and, during the November 2022 floods, one CareFlight aircraft and team conducted 17 rescues in a single day, for which the crew were recognised internationally. It has also provided training for hundreds of community members and more than 1,200 emergency service first responders.

Helicopter Resources started Australia's first helicopter air ambulance service in 1971 in Victoria, and has been permanently operating in Tasmania since 1985, including operating the Tasmanian rescue helicopter on behalf of Tasmania Police and Ambulance Tasmania from 1985 to 2000. It has over 30 staff, nine helicopters, plus bases and offices in Cambridge and Launceston. It presently supports Tasmania Parks and Wildlife, Sustainable Timber Tasmania, Tasmania Fire Service, Hydro Tasmania, and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Combining with Helicopter Resources' demonstrated expertise in delivering rotary wing solutions in Tasmania and Antarctica on behalf of government, the CareFlight team will leverage the extensive existing Tasmanian base and logistical capability this partnership brings.