Wiltshire Air Ambulance commissions Bell 429 helicopter

Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) has successfully commissioned its latest Bell 429 helicopter, which is claimed to be the first of its kind to operate as an air ambulance in the UK, following the approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Claimed to reach anywhere in the Wiltshire county within 11 minutes, the new air ambulance will be deployed to carry out Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance head of operations Kevin Reed was quoted by This is Wiltshire as saying: "We are pleased to be pioneering a brand new helicopter in the UK as this means that the people of Wiltshire will be benefiting from the best available technology and the experience of some of the country’s leading pilots.

"This is a new and exciting era for the charity to operate a dedicated air ambulance with two Critical Care paramedics onboard."

Being leased from Heli Charter, the Bell 429 helicopter will initially operate during daytime hours, with the night time flying set to commence in late spring 2015.

Powered by twin engines, the new helicopter offers a top speed of 156k, in addition to a cruising speed of 150k, while accommodating a pilot, two paramedics, a patient, and a passenger where appropriate.

The aircraft is also equipped with an Aerolite medical interior, which also includes the Zoll X defibrillator, Capno True C02 Indicator, Buddy Lite Fluid Warmer and Lucas CPR Device.