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.
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 a patient as efficiently and quickly as possible.
We have named the helicopters Amy (G-LAAA) and Beth (G-LAAB), after Amy Johnson and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, two inspirational women who were trailblazers in their professions of aviation and medicine.
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
We use nine Volvo XC90s to ensure 24/7 coverage for our HEMS service and the Physician Response Unit. The cars drive under blue lights, reaching the patient as safely and quickly as possible. The paramedic drives whilst the doctor navigates. 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.
Nine Volvo XC90s
Colour: Red
Engine size: 2.0 B6P petrol hybrid
5 door
All Wheel Drive