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Kamloops company snares air-ambulance contract
March 9, 2012 By Kamloops Daily News
March 9, 2012, Kamloops, B.C. - Kamloops-based CC Helicopters Ltd. has been awarded the government contract to operate a dedicated helicopter service in the Central Interior following the request for proposals (RFP) and evaluation process.
“The dedicated ambulance service out of Kamloops will ensure faster service for critically ill or injured Interior patients, leading to better health outcomes,” said Kamloops-South Thompson Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger.
CC Helicopters will provide one dedicated helicopter operating from a base at Kamloops Airport for 12 hours per day, seven days per week.
Between July 23, 2010, and Sept. 17, 2010, the B.C. Ambulance Service (BCAS) ran an eight-week pilot project that showed improved medical outcomes for patients transported by helicopter.
On Aug. 30, 2011, Premier Christy Clark announced the pilot project would become a permanent service.
CC Helicopters has provided the dedicated Kamloops-based rotary wing service on an interim basis while the RFP process was underway.
“Dedicated service means that there is a critical-care paramedic team assigned to the helicopter, which is able to respond to life-threatening calls at a moment’s notice,” said BCAS chief operating officer Les Fisher.
“We are continually evaluating and improving critical-care transport services to keep pace with changing patient-care needs, aviation technologies and training and are pleased to be expanding the program on a permanent basis.”
