An Cosantóir

25 This allowed the dispatcher to see and hear the pre- and post-action briefings, fully incorporating them into the advanced CRM system in place. Sometimes, when more specialised assistance is needed — such as for neonatal care, the Air Corps' fixed-wing aircraft will scramble to help. With CASA CN-235 ready at Casement Aerodrome, a young patient can be immediately transferred and transported to an advanced care unit in the United Kingdom. And with full cooperation from all emergency services involved, the Athlone-based HEMS unit has proven itself to be a major addition to the Irish public. With the addition of Pilatus PC-12, and soon Airbus C295, the Air Corps will have even greater capacities to assist the HSE. CASA became a part of Airbus corporation in year 2000, hence a small change of name. The PC-12 is a highly versatile aircraft, that can carry out the most demanding logistics issues, while requiring a minimum crew and handling. It can be prepared for flight in a very short time and carry out missions over 2500 kilometres away. This is going to be complemented by a superb quality of the new C295, which is going to bring more versality, improved avionics and airframe, which provides 5% better fuel consumption. While C235 is an extremely universal medium range transport and patrol aircraft, C295 adds a new quality to a well-tested platform. The final addition to the fleet, capable of carrying support tasks for the HSE is the Learjet 45. Initially designed as a medium range business jet, Learjets have seen military service since the Vietnam War era. Today, with the Air Corps, Learjet is used for Presidential, Ministerial and VIP transport duties. However, it can be quickly converted into a flying ambulance, equipped with Lifeport stretchers and life support systems, with an independent electrical, oxygen, vacuum and air source for the medical personnel taking care of the patient on board. Stretchers can be transported directly from an ambulance to an aircraft care bay thanks to a modified loading ramp. The ability to quickly adapt to a new situation is a paramount in every military operation. It was especially critical during the past two years, when the Air Corps provided a constant aeromedical and logistics support to the State. With operations carried out at all weather conditions and at any time of day, crews are always ready to assist the HSE when needs arise. AIR CORPS IN AID OF THE HSE DURING THE PANDEMIC Air Corps aircraft can be configured as a medical support ship, however the Leonardo AW139 truly stands out. We can call it a real Swiss army knife, capable of undertaking a full spectrum of missions from HEMS, firefighting, troop insertion or patient transport. Floor section of the aircraft is modified for carriage of not only the specialised stretcher unit, but most importantly an advanced neonatal unit. In fact, probably the most vital task of the No. 3 Helicopter Wing is the provision of emergency medical services. In 2011 a 12-month pilot project was launched to test possible advantages of having a helicopter with a full crew on standby to provide daytime HEMS flying under visual flight rules. CRM was a defining element of the program, which Lt Col Bonner helped launch. One of the unique challenges at the beginning of joint operations was integrating two very different operational cultures. Pilots and aircrew were using jargon unfamiliar to medical personnel, while paramedics were using medical terminology previously unheard by the aviators. Again, CRM training was modified to educate military staff on medical phraseology, including having one of the Air Corps crew members trained as a medical technician able to assist with casualty care. The same approach went toward the medical staff, who were introduced to the Air Corps procedures and operations, making them permanent members of the HEMS team. EAS flights were initially performed with an EC135 before the larger, more capable AW139 was brought online. The service significantly reduced transit times for the patients and in 2013 became permanent. Another big step forward was to include the dispatcher's offices, which are located over 100 miles (160 kilometres) away from Athlone, by installing a set of cameras in the HEMS briefing room. Bambi Bucket L139 Pc-12 preparing for take off

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