History
Narrative Summary
In land area, Australia is comparable to the United States, but has a population of only 23 million. This low population density, and the large distances between hospitals, means Air Ambulance and helicopter rescue services have become a vital amenity.
From the late 1950s fixed-wing aircraft were being used to transport critically ill patients in remote aereas to larger hospitals. In 1962 a formal Victoria Air Ambulance service was created, chartering aircraft as required to transport patients to hospitals in Melbourne.
In 1971 the first rescue helicopter service was launched in Victoria. This pioneering programme was soon imitated in other parts of the country. The high profile Westpac Life Saver helicopter service started in NSW in 1973. By the late 1970s there were several rescue helicopter services operating and the State Governments started to regulate the service and establish their own units.
One of the largest aeromedical operators in Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is described on another page.
Key Dates
| 1962 | First fixed-wing ambulance service. | |
| 1971 | First rescue helicopter service launched, in Victoria. | |
| 1980 | First State-funded service, in South Australia. |
Current Status
There are today numerous rescue helicopters located around Australia, providing public aeromedical services. They are funded by state governments, charities or corporate sponsorship.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
Special Markings
Australian Air Ambulances and rescue aircraft and helicopters operate in a wide variety of markings. The helicopters normally display coporate logos from their commercial sponosrs. There are no standard service titles.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Aircraft and helicopters carry standard Australian civil registrations.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
See individual operators.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
See individual operators.
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
To be added.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
There is no central headquarters. The service is provided by individual operators tasked through the 000 emergency phone number system.
Organisational Structure
To be added.
Current Unit Assignments
Table of Current Unit Assignments
Historical Unit Assignments
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
See unit assignments.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
None known
Magazines
To be added
Websites
Emergency Medical Services in Australia
Helis.com: Australia Air Ambulances