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CareFlight has unveiled its new Gulfstream G150, which it says is Australia’s first medical jet capable of transporting critically ill patients from south-east Asia.
The aeromedical organisation’s acquisition can fly 5,300 kilometres at a speed of 1,000km/h, allowing it to travel from its base in Darwin to Sydney and Melbourne in under four hours.
CareFlight NT’s general manager, Philip Roberts, said, “The interstate aeromedical route across Australia from Darwin is one of the longest regular aeromedical routes flown in the world.
“The jet for this service needs to be extremely fast and efficient to deliver direct non-stop services for critical patients to all major Australian capital cities.”
The G150 can also fly to Adelaide and Perth in three hours, Hong Kong in four hours, Dili in one hour and Bali in one hour and 45 minutes.
Its custom-designed interior with multiple configurations allows it to carry up to two stretchered patients and two seated patients on a diverse mix of missions such as non-stop rapid neonatal services and aeromedical evaluation services for government agencies such as the ADF.
CareFlight NT’s nursing director, Amanda Quinn, said, “The speed, range and efficiency of the G150 mean we are getting patients to their destination faster than ever before and limiting the need to refuel during an interstate transfer. This means we’re in a better position to save lives and speed long-term recovery.
“The custom-designed aeromedical interior provides dual critical care neo cot and stretcher capability with vital critical care equipment fitted to each stretcher.
“A large stand-up cabin allows better patient access and care as well as more room for passengers ensuring patients aren’t separated from their support people during medical emergencies.
“With a custom-designed power loading system and the latest in-flight communication technology, the G150 jet is a multi-patient mobile intensive care unit that will change the game for inter-hospital aeromedical transfers in Australia.”
In February, Australian Aviation reported how CareFlight had taken delivery of Australia’s first emergency medical services (EMS) version of the Airbus H145 light twin helicopter.
VH-HPL can carry three medical crew and a patient on full life support and intensive-care monitoring.
Its aircraft rear doors also open outwards so crews can load and unload patients on wheeled stretchers faster and it can also be airborne within three minutes of activation.
Other features of the helicopter allow it to land on small and uneven landing sites, close to incidents; full night-vision goggle compatible cockpit and an ability to fly at speeds of up to 250km/h.
“The advanced cockpit, autopilot and avionics are state-of-the-art and make this helicopter one of the most advanced aeromedical helicopters operating in Australia,” said current rapid response pilot and CareFlight co-founder John Hoad.
