Our helicopters and rapid response vehicles
London’s Air Ambulance reaches critically injured patients via helicopter from 08:00 to sunset, and rapid response cars at night or in adverse weather conditions. Via our vehicles we are able to deliver care at the standard of the hospital emergency department; bringing the hospital to the patient.
London is one of the world’s busiest, most complicated airspaces. We have unique privileges in London’s airspace, with priority over all other air traffic when on an emergency medical call. We only airlift a small number of our patients back to hospital; our aim is to get to the scene as quickly as possible to provide treatment there and then.
MD902 Explorer Twin Engine Helicopters
We have two MD902 Explorer helicopters, G-EHMS and G-LNDN. This model was specially selected for its suitability in an urban environment; they are small, with no tail rotor, which allows us to operate safely in an area as complicated as London. Our pilots require an area of around 80 feet by 80 feet to land (about the size of a small tennis court).
The helicopters are emblazoned with our charity’s livery, keeping them easily recognisable in the London skyline. They are specially adapted to be able to provide treatment at the standard of an intensive care unit on board.
Reg: G-EHMS, G-LNDN
Length: 10.36m
Width: 2.2 m
Height: 3.6m
Fuel capacity: 600 L (G-EHMS) 710 L (G-LNDN)
Top speed: 140kts/160mph
Hull No: 68 (G-EHMS) 125 (G-LNDN)
Max all up weight: 6250lbs (G-EHMS) 6500lbs (G-LNDN)
Engines: Two Pratt and Whitney 207e
Mission ready endurance: One hour from the helipad (G-EHMS), One hour 20 mins from the helipad (G-LNDN)
Rapid Response Vehicles
Our charity utilises three ŠKODA Octavia Estate vRS cars and two ŠKODA Kodiaq Estates to ensure 24/7 coverage for our service and deliver our Physician Response Unit. The cars drive under blue lights, reaching the patient as safely and quickly as possible. The rapid response cars deliver the same advanced trauma team, with the same equipment and drugs to a critically injured patient’s side, where they can be treated on scene.
Three Skoda Octavia Estate VRS 245
Colour: Corrida Red
Engine size: 2.0 TSI PS 6 Manual
Two: Skoda Kodiaq Estate
Colour: Corrida Red
Engine size: 2.0 TDI 190 edition 4x4 DSG.
