New air ambulances to arrive in Prince George

The provincial government is replacing its current fleet of air ambulances, two of which are coming to Prince George.

BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) is replacing the nine currently in use with Beechcraft King Air 360CHW air ambulances, plus three backups.

These ambulances will remain stationed in the same locations as before – three in Vancouver, three in Kelowna, two in Prince George, and one in Fort St. John.

“B.C.’s air ambulances make sure that patients, often with the most critical-care needs, can quickly access the health care they need,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Upgrading B.C.’s fleet with next-generation airplanes means patients will have improved comfort and care during transport, while paramedics benefit from consistent features and layout across the fleet.”

Some features the province says the new aircrafts come with include:

• the ability to land on gravel runways;
• expanded capabilities for specialized care;
• improved patient and paramedic safety through power stretcher compatibility; and
• uniform layout and design that will improve patient outcomes and expanded flight crews.

According to the province, 8,290 patient transports were completed via air last year, about 70% of those were in an airplane, the other 30% were by helicopter.

A 10-year provincial investment covered the $637 million cost of replacement.

You can read more about the new fleet here.