British Columbia Emergency Health Services has announced that the air ambulances they manage will be fitted with night vision technology. The organization, which manages paramedic and ambulance services throughout British Columbia, will be installing the technology on three of the air ambulance helicopters under their service.
Safer Flights for Air Ambulances
According to the B.C. Emergency Health Services, having night vision technology will help their pilots to fly safely in the dark or in low light. As a result, their critical care paramedics will be able to reach more patients who are in need of emergency medical care and transport. Patients located in northern and coastal British Columbia will mainly benefit from this new technology.
While night vision technology has been mainly used in search and rescue operations and by law enforcement organizations, this new implementation in healthcare will surely help save many more lives.
Helijet International Helicopters Set for Night Vision Installations
Helijet International is one of the two contractors who are providing helicopters to the B.C. Emergency Health Services. And they’ve announced that their helicopters are ready for night vision installations. All three of their Sikorsky S-76C+s will be fitted with night-vision imaging systems, which will enable better and safer flights for the air ambulances.
According to Brendan McCormick, Helijet’s Director of Flight Operations, these installations will help them in providing service where they couldn’t before. It will also dramatically increase the level of safety in regions where they were able to provide service before.
Heliject International will be financing the installation cost of $1.6 million based on an agreement they have with the B.C. Emergency Health Services. The company has partnered with Night Flight Concepts, VIH Aerospace, and Rebtech Technologies to complete the installation. They aim to complete crew training on the technology by next year.
