|
We currently have two BK 117s, code name Anglia One and Anglia Two. Both have been adapted as an ambulance providing an air ambulance service for the people of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Anglia One flies seven days a week, covering Norfolk and Suffolk, while Anglia Two flies five days a week (Sunday to Thursday), covering Bedfordshire and Cambridge. We hope to launch a seven day a week service in 2008.
The facts
There is only one other BK117 in service in the UK. This is with the Cornish police force.
The BK117 is the de-facto helicopter used as an air ambulance internationally. Over 500 BK117s are in service world-wide. 80% of these are used for air ambulance or search and resue operations.
Top speed is 150 knots (172mph)
Cruises at 130 knots (150mph)
Fuel consumption is 4kg per minute (300 litres per hour)
Fuel capacity is 558kg (697 litres).
Two hours endurance (one full tank of fuel)
Burns 312 litres of fuel per hour
The BK177 is equipped for night-time flying in cloud - this is referred to as Single pilot IFR
At night-time the helicopter could not, as such, be used as an air ambulance in the same manner as it is used during the day. This is because the crew would not be able to see where they are landing as cables, ditches, fences and other obstacles could not be seen. Instead, it is capable of taking off and landing at approved sites, lit airports and helipads. In this way, it could transfer critically ill patients from one helipad to another.
The helicopter reaches patients quickly, delivering high-level clinical care to patients in the field. It can then transport them to hospital within minutes, making it an extra life-saving resource in our region.
Crew
The crew consists of a pilot and two highly-skilled paramedics, or a doctor and a paramedic.
Equipment
The helicopters are equipped with a special stretcher, defibrillator/multi-oxygen in the blood, twelve lead ECG and Respiratory ventilator.
Running costs
76.8% of all money raised by the charity is spent on helicopter operations and medical equipment.
It costs £2.4m just to keep two helicopters flying. When we add in the purchase of suits, helmets, helipads, fundraising and admin costs, this figure rises to £3m - a frightening sum to have to raise but it equates to less than £1 per person per year.
| 
