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Babcock Australasia has been awarded a five-year contract extension with Ambulance Victoria to provide air ambulance operations, in a deal valued at $370 million.
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The global company has been delivering the capability since 2016, with the recent contract extending the partnership through to the end of 2030.
It is hoped that the recent award will help paramedics deliver the best care to patients across the state.
Acting manager, air operations at Ambulance Victoria Rupert Freeman explained in a recent statement that Babcock provided five AW139 helicopters and a service assurance aircraft to support the medical service.
“AV is in its eighth year working alongside our Babcock colleagues and we’re pleased to continue this partnership, which places a strong focus on serving the Victorian community,” he said.
“Our MICA flight paramedics will continue to provide the best possible care, supported by our Babcock partners, when our patients need it most.”
Victoria’s air ambulance fleet is essential for delivering timely and expert care to residents in dire emergencies as well as in rural areas, AV chief executive Jane Miller said.
“This partnership helps us provide the highest level of care for every patient, no matter where they are located across the state,” Miller said.
“Someone experiencing a medical emergency in a rural location can quickly receive expert care from our ground crews, further clinical support and expertise from our MICA flight paramedics and definitive care from a flight to one of Victoria’s high-quality trauma centres. It’s an impressive service.
“It’s comforting for the community to know that if ever something happens in the remote and far-reaching locations of Victoria – and some parts of NSW, South Australia and Tasmania – AV is equipped to provide the best possible emergency response.
“This agreement will ensure patients who need AV’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) continue to receive best care right across Victoria.”
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service responded to an average of 200 cases per month.
The contract will help support community needs, Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland explained.
“Babcock Australasia is proud to work in partnership with Ambulance Victoria to provide world-class aero-medical response and flight coordination for this critical statewide service.
“We provide this life-saving service 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring more than 6,000 patients annually get the support they need, whenever they need it.
“Babcock’s new five-year contract with Ambulance Victoria is a testament to our hardworking aviation teams who go above and beyond to support the community every day.”
