New fleet of helicopters has begun service for the Ambulance Service of NSW.
The new Helicopter Retrieval Network will expand their NSW ambulance aeromedical coverage to improve services in rural, regional and remote NSW. 

It will include a doctor and paramedic in every flight.

Health Minister Jillian Skinner launched the Southern Zone contract with Toll Group for NSW Ambulance, expanding their services and operating 24/7 for faster emergency care. The Southern Zone has two aeromedical retrieval zones which include coverage from Bankstown and Wollongong to Orange. 

“The new Helicopter Retrieval Network will improve coverage for rural, regional and remote NSW and deliver a world-class modern helicopter fleet for NSW patients, no matter where they live,” Mrs Skinner said. 

Eight new Agusta Westland 139 (AW139) helicopters are part of the contract. They are also larger than the previous NSW Ambulance helicopters. 

The Northern Zone will be in operation later this year and include coverage in areas such as Newcastle, Tamworth and Lismore. 

“Our aeromedical doctors and paramedics provide an exemplary service to patients in all corners of the state, completing around 3000 patient missions each year,” NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan said. 

“I am confident that this partnership will enable our highly-qualified NSW Ambulance helicopter doctors and paramedics to continue to deliver exceptional out-of-hospital critical care to patients across the state,” he added. 

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