Air ambulance upgrades continue nationwide with a new helicopter now operational in the Waikato region.
The Government has marked another milestone in its upgrade of New Zealand's ageing air ambulance fleet, with the first of nine new helicopters entering service for people across Waikato, Coromandel and the King Country. The brand new Airbus H145 D3, based at Hamilton's Waikato helicopter base, offers improved safety, reliability and capacity to respond in bad weather conditions.
According to Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and ACC Minister Scott Simpson, this upgrade is part of the Government's investment in the Emergency Air Ambulance Helicopter Service (EAAHS), which plays a vital role in responding to injuries and saving lives around New Zealand. With demand for air ambulances increasing by 22 per cent over five years, the new helicopters aim to provide better operational performance and reduce maintenance costs.
An additional $14.7 million is being invested this year, with further upgrades expected throughout 2024/25. The EAAHS enables paramedics, doctors and nurses to provide treatment while patients are transported to an appropriate hospital or healthcare facility, reducing the impacts of delayed care. With more helicopters set to join the fleet, including two second-hand aircraft arriving in New Zealand at the end of May, the upgraded air ambulance services aim to make a significant difference nationwide.