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.
H135 HELICOPTERS
We have two H135 helicopters, G-LAAA and G-LAAB. These state of the art brand new aircraft were brought into service on 1 October 2024. The model was selected for its suitability in the built up urban environment we operate in. They are small, so are able to land in tight spaces - our pilots require an area of around 80 feet by 80 feet to land (about the size of a small tennis court) and have advanced navigation systems.
They are specially adapted to be able to provide treatment at the standard of an intensive care unit on board. The bespoke interior was designed by our clinical team to ensure that when the medics arrive at scene, they are ready and equipped to treat their patient.
The helicopters are emblazoned with our charity’s iconic red livery, keeping them easily recognisable in the London skyline.
Reg: G-LAAA, G-LAAB
Length: 12.26m
Width: 10.40m
Height: 3.90m
Fuel capacity: 560Kg (700l)
Top speed: 252 km/h
Max all up weight: 2,980kg
Engines: 2x SAFRAN (TURBOMECA) ARRIUS 2B2
Mission ready endurance: Approximately 1hr 30mins endurance
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.