This year marks the 10th anniversary of aeromedical operator CareFlight's AW139 rescue helicopter in Australia's Northern Territory. Over the decade, the helicopter has proven an indispensable asset, providing emergency medical services to remote and isolated communities, saving many lives and making a profound impact on community health in the 'Top End'.

CareFlight, the leading aeromedical helicopter service in the NT and a nationally recognised emergency medical helicopter since 1986, identified the urgent need for a reliable emergency response helicopter service. Before CareFlight's presence in the NT, the region faced significant challenges in providing timely medical care to remote and isolated communities. Fixed-wing aeromedical services were often disrupted due to wildlife on runways at night, limiting emergency response capabilities.

CareFlight began helicopter operations in the NT in 2007, providing services on a case-by-case basis by request. Over the next two years, CareFlight flew dozens of medical evacuations and search and rescue operations, supporting the NT Government and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The service operated the highly capable BK117 helicopter, an aircraft proven in CareFlight's New South Wales operations and trusted by many aeromedical operations worldwide. The BK117s were customised and equipped to operate in northern Australia's remote and rugged terrain environments.

By 2013, CareFlight was providing the Top End Medical Retrieval Service on behalf of the NT Government. Demand for the organisation's helicopter services had steadily increased, its lifesaving role becoming well-established as indispensable for the region. It had also become clear that the unique operational challenges and demands in NT meant a bigger helicopter with the ability to travel vast ranges and carry more people and equipment would have greater lifesaving capabilities.

In response, with the community's backing, in 2014 CareFlight launched the AW139 rescue helicopter in the NT. This aircraft was specifically designed for aeromedical missions in remote and challenging environments.

Key benefits of the AW139 helicopter included its vastly increased range, allowing it to conquer the unique distances of the NT. A larger cabin provided better patient access and capacity. Importantly, the helicopter allowed CareFlight's medical teams to save previous time in reaching and transporting patients. The AW139 could carry both rescue equipment and inter-hospital equipment without having to reconfigure for each mission, saving significant time.

Since 2014, the helicopter has completed more than 1,500 missions.

A former chief pilot for CareFlight, Richard Sandford initially flew the AW139 NT rescue helicopter and today continues to fly fixed-wing aircraft for the service.

“CareFlight's staff underwent extensive training both in Australia and internationally to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” says Sandford. “The introduction of the AW139 has been a game-changer for our operations. Its advanced capabilities have allowed us to reach more patients in need, faster and more efficiently.”

He goes on to say that the aircraft has excelled over 10 years to overcome the challenges of extreme weather, vast distances and the complexities of remote rescues. “Every mission presents unique challenges,” he notes, “requiring strategic thinking and innovative solutions to ensure timely and effective responses.”

CareFlight general manager, northern operations, Jodie Mills states that the helicopter exemplifies CareFlight's approach to continuously finding ways to reach its patients wherever they may be, providing the best possible care, in the timeliest manner.

“At Careflight we are proud of our reputation of clinical excellence and patient focused vision,” she said. “Many patients' lives have been saved by this helicopter over its 10 years in service. As we look ahead to our next 10 years, CareFlight's crews remain dedicated to continuously finding ways to save more lives and achieve better patient outcomes.”