Key Facts
| Current Title: |
| Peninsula Ambulance Service |
| English Title: |
| Peninsula Ambulance Service |
| Abbreviation: |
| PAS |
| First Established: |
| ? |
| ICAO Code: |
| (None) |
| Country: |
| Australia |
| Status: |
| Disbanded |
History
Narrative Summary
The Peninsula Ambulance Service established the first full-time dedicated helicopter air ambulance service in Australia. The Bell 206A JetRanger was brought to Australia in December 1970 by Bill Vowell, the owner of a Tyabb-based helicopter company, and fitted out as an air ambulance, but wasn’t assigned its first medical emergency until March 1971. Manned by local paramedics it operated out of Tyabb Airfield on the Mornington Peninsula, just south of Melbourne. Initial operations were successful and in March 1972 a formal contract for continued operation was agreed. The helicopter soon became known as the Angel of Mercy.
In late 1985 a State Government-commissioned review of Ambulance services recommended that the PAS helicopter service be closed down and that combined Police and Ambulance use of the existing Police helicopter would be more effective. Accordingly, the PAS helicopter was withdrawn in March 1986 and the service closed.
Key Dates
| December 1970 | Helicopter delivered. | |
| March 1971 | First medical mission flown. | |
| March 1972 | Formal lease contract with PAS agreed. | |
| late 1985 | State Government committee recommends closure of PAS helicopter operation. | |
| March 1986 | Operations cease. |
Current Status
The PAS helicopter service ceased operation in March 1986.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
The PAS helicopter originally flew in a white and blue colour scheme, with a red Maltese Cross on the rotor fairing. PENINSULA AMBULANCE SERVICE titles were displayed on the lower fuselage and a Vowell Air Services logo on the rear fuselage. A new mainly white colour scheme, with red ‘dashed’ cheatlines along the fuselage and tail boom was later introduced. The PENINSULA AMBULANCE SERVICE titles were moved to the rear fusealage. ‘Angel of Mercy’ titles and a red Maltese Cross appeared on the rotor fairing.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The PAS helicopter carried an Australian civil aircraft registration, i.e. Bell 206A VH-AAL.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
| Bell 206A JetRanger | 1 | 1971 | 1985 | contractor |
| Bell 206L LongRanger | 1 | 1985 | 1986 | contractor |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Peninsula Ambulance Service, Frankston, VIC.
Organisational Structure
No subordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
No subordinate units.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The PAS helicopter was based at Tyabb Airfield on the Mornington Peninsula, VIC.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
None known.
Websites