Scotland's new air ambulance is 'most advanced' in UK

Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has unveiled what it describes as the UK's most advanced medical transport helicopter.

The charity said the hi-tech aircraft will replace its current helicopter based at the SCAA Aberdeen base, which has been operating for several years.

Crews will be equipped with night vision technology, and weather radar capabilities.

"When our new helicopter goes operational next month, it will be the most capable air ambulance of its kind in the UK, operating in the most challenging environment," SCAA chief executive David Craig said.

"No-one in Scotland should die because help can't get there in time," he said.

"This new helicopter will offer greater range, endurance and capacity which significantly enhances our life-saving service and our ability to meet the ever-growing demand on pre-hospital emergency response teams."

Pete Winn is a pilot with Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance

The aircraft, an Airbus H145 D3, is larger than its predecessor with increased fuel capacity, allowing longer flights.

Pilot Pete Winn, 43, said it would help crews assist in remote areas.

"I've been to a road traffic accident on Skye where it was an hour and a quarter each way to get there," he said.

"Our current helicopter doesn't have enough fuel to do that job without refuelling so in that instance we had to refuel twice, once on the way there, once on the way back.

"This new helicopter carries much more fuel so we can do that mission in one go."

SCAA operates two helicopter emergency response air ambulances, based at Perth since 2013 and Aberdeen since 2020.

Air ambulance paramedic Matthew Keenan, 26, said: "We know first-hand that the aircraft we are currently operating is a proven lifesaver.

"This new aircraft is just going to build on that ability to reach these really remote and rural locations quicker and more efficiently without needing to stop for fuel which could prove to be lifesaving for patients."

The charity, which relies wholly on donations from the public, will lease the helicopter from Babcock.

It launched Operation Skyward – a fundraising campaign to raise an additional £2m a year, in addition to the £8m a year currently raised - to sustain the new service.

SCAA hopes to start using the new helicopter in October.