This announcement comes after an extensive evaluation of the eight-week trial period that occurred last summer where dedicated helicopter air ambulance service was in place for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The BC Ambulance Service’s (BCAS) Critical Care Transport helicopter team was deployed a total of 62 times, transporting patients to hospitals in Kamloops, Kelowna and Vancouver 33 times over the two-month period.

After the trial period ended, emergency air transport in the Interior continued to be provided by the dedicated airplanes already in place and as needed by chartered helicopters from pre-qualified local air operators. Now there will be a dedicated helicopter air ambulance in the region, staffed by trained pilots and Critical Care Transport paramedics for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Current patient demand, as well as weather and terrain in the area, indicate 12-hour service is an appropriate level for the Central Interior.

There are four dedicated helicopter air ambulances in the province: two in Vancouver, one in Prince Rupert and now one in Kamloops. Six fixed-wing air ambulances based in Vancouver, Kelowna and Prince George also support the BCAS Critical Care Transport program. 85 per cent of all patient transports by BCAS air ambulances are done by dedicated service providers and the addition of this new asset will increase efficiencies. In addition to the dedicated aircraft, BCAS also utilizes approximately 40 charter carriers, provincewide (both airplanes and helicopters) for patient care as needed.​

BCAS is responsible for the operation and delivery of the dedicated helicopter air ambulance service. The estimated annual cost for the service is $2.35 million, which will come from within the existing Emergency Health Services Commission’s budget.

For More Information
News Release: Interior Families Benefit From Dedicated Air Ambulance