Rolf Peterson1, Colin GUNN1, Wayne CONDON1, Diane Tremain1
1Toll Helicopters, ,
Abstract:
Since 2017, Toll Helicopters have successfully operated the Aeromedical Rescue Helicopter (Southern Zone) network on behalf of NSW Ambulance and ACT Ambulance. In 2023, the initiative to improve both patient outcomes and the safety of highly specialised paramedics during remote area highly complex rotary-wing aeromedical operations commenced. This initiative seeks to realise the benefits of integrating crewed and uncrewed / remotely-crewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the aeromedical retrieval system, optimising the benefits and complementing the shortfalls of each type.
In June 2023, Toll Helicopters simulated a routine mission in the complex terrain of the Blue Mountains to demonstrate the UAS teaming potential in a remote and challenging environment. Multiple domestic and international vendors were encouraged to attend the simulation to showcase how their products could support the emergency retrieval scenario(s), in which a potential injured party had initiated a distress alert in the mountains, but was as yet not located or accessed.
In this presentation, Toll Helicopters General Manager Colin Gunn, and Chief Pilot |Head of Remote Flight Operations Wayne Condon, will detail the simulated scenario(s) created ad analyse the combined crewed and uncrewed aviation response potential in this environment. Conclusions will also be presented that talks to the value in the normalisation of uncrewed system support to primary rotary-wing aeromedical retrieval, which has not yet been fully integrated as standard in any retrieval system in Australasia or, to our knowledge, globally.
Biographies:
Rolf Petersen is an Aircrew Training Manager with more than 20 years of experience in aeromedical and search and rescue in Australia and overseas.
Originally from the Navy, Rolf has spent the past seven years with Toll Ambulance Rescue and The ACE Training Centre, delivering training programs for aircrew and aviation clinical staff.
Rolf acquired his drone licence earlier this year and has been working to develop capabilities that allow for integrated crewed and uncrewed aeromedical operations, with a vision to improve safety and patient outcomes.