The country received its first sight of the newest generation of emergency response aircraft today (Friday) when Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) unveiled the most advanced helicopter air ambulance of its type in the UK.

The state-of-the art Airbus H145 D3 will replace the charity’s current EC 135 based at SCAA’s Aberdeen International Airport base. And charity bosses are hailing it “a game changer”.

“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,” explained SCAA Chief Executive David Craig. “At SCAA, we believe no one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time. This specially customised aircraft will enable us to realise that ambition.

“This new helicopter offers 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.”

 SCAA operates two charity-funded helicopter air ambulances (from bases at Aberdeen and Perth), with the Aberdeen aircraft providing flight and paramedic support for doctor-led ScotSTAR North EMRS (Emergency Medical Retrieval Service).

“Our enhanced and more capable aircraft will ensure that, when critical care is required anywhere in Scotland, we can provide a team of specialist doctors and two SCAA paramedics to the scene of an emergency. This will deliver a robust specialist and extensive multi-disciplinary team to attend some of the most complex, acute, and traumatic incidents anywhere in Scotland,” said Mr Craig.

The benefits to patients and clinicians were echoed by North of Scotland Trauma Network Clinical Lead and EMRS consultant Dr Donna Paterson, who said the country’s first manufactured H145 D3 in Scotland would undoubtedly result in more lives saved.

“Prompt medical assessment and treatment are essential for both trauma and medical emergencies,” she said. “Rapid response by experts and swift patient transfer to definitive care significantly improve survival rates and long-term recovery prospects.

“This new aircraft is larger, with increased fuel capacity allowing longer flights, additional space for patient stabilization, and accommodation for both SCAA paramedics when emergency retrieval teams collaborate with SCAA crews,” explained Dr Paterson. “Night vision imaging systems will further enhance operational capability, especially during winter months.

“The helicopter enables swift response, immediate initiation of critical care, and expedited transport to specialized facilities, reducing the need for secondary transfers.

“I have supported SCAA personally and professionally, recognizing its pivotal role in pre-hospital care. Numerous trauma patients have benefited directly from its services.

“SCAA’s new aircraft will certainly enhance the coverage in Scotland,” she added. “It represents a major advance for HEMS and will undoubtably save even more lives.”

Public support has been crucial in introducing SCAA’s upgraded life-saving aircraft, with people responding in their thousands to the charity’s ‘Operation Skyward’ – the call to raise an additional £2 million a year (in addition to the £8 million/year currently raised) to sustain the enhanced service.

“We have gone through a long process to identify the right aircraft for our needs and our emerging needs,” said Mr Craig, “and we’re extremely grateful to all the support shown by our service partners Babcock and Scottish Ambulance Service, as well as ScotSTAR North EMRS consultants and Airbus in creating something unique for Scotland and the life-saving service SCAA offers.

“Our new one-of-a-kind helicopter air ambulance is now here and will soon take to the skies in response to the most severe trauma and illness anywhere in the country,” he said. “But the need for the funds that fuel these life-saving flights goes on and we appeal to the people of Scotland to continue to grow their amazing support for SCAA – we know they will be there for us, as they have been since we launched our service in 2013.”

The new aircraft will spend the rest of September on crew training prior to going into operational service in October. It also provides the opportunity for SCAA to reach out to communities that are supporting the charity all across Scotland.

Supported by aviation partner Babcock, the instantly recognisable SCAA branded aircraft will visit schools, key locations and operational destinations such as the rooftop helipad of one of the country’s four Major Trauma Centres visited regularly by crews with patients.

“These ‘show and tell’ flights around the country are primarily to train and familiarise all SCAA crew with the new aircraft but they give the public a chance to see the helicopter their support has made possible, meet and chat with pilots, paramedics and charity staff, as well as giving us the chance to say ‘thank you’ to them.

“It is with a huge sense of pride that everyone involved with SCAA unveils the country’s newest air ambulance – a key milestone in the ongoing development and growth of the charity,” said Mr Craig.

“SCAA provides the best available aircraft, clinicians and equipment to serve the people of Scotland when they need us most.

“But we can’t do it alone and our appeal goes on,” said Mr Craig. “The Scottish public have proved lifesavers through their amazing support of SCAA to date and the many thousands of lives which will be saved and improved through our latest upgrades will be as a result of their continued generosity.”