The Bell 429 is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed, with the very latest in-flight technology and trauma care equipment.
Matt Baskerville, who has been a critical care paramedic with WAA for three years, said: “It’s faster, has a bigger cabin and better night-flying capabilities.”
Paramedic Louise Cox said: “Depending on conditions, we’ll get from Chippenham to the major trauma centre at Southmead in Bristol in 10 to 11 minutes.”
Pilot Gary Slater said: “There are very few switches, so the pilot workload is drastically reduced, as is maintenance.”
WAA chief executive David Philpott said: “I am not a helicopter person but I am passionate about saving lives, and this will make a vital difference if it means a little girl still has her daddy.
“The experts tell me that this is the best.”
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