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Calgary, Alta.-based STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Air Ambulance has selected Skytrac push-to-talk with real-time, in-flight data-transfer capability for its Airbus H145 fleet renewal program.
The lightweight Skytrac hardware kit will enable fast and reliable group talk, simultaneous uninterrupted flight tracking, and onboard satellite and cellular data-transfer capabilities.
The package supports real-time, in-flight data streaming from any connected device in the cabin or cockpit, including mobile devices and tablets. The system also streamlines the download process for flight data monitoring and other flight logs to save time and reduce manual labour post-flight.
“Our H145 fleet renewal program is about selecting the latest technology to deliver the most advanced life-saving care,” said Scott Young, vice-president of Operational and Strategic Initiatives for STARS. “We were looking for a system that would help us communicate detailed flight and patient information from air to ground reliably and efficiently. It was also important for us to have a system that could act as a seamless extension of our existing IT [information technology] network.”
“Skytrac offers a flexible and reliable next-generation technology that enables our flight crew, ground crew and partner care providers to have easy access to the information they need to perform safely and efficiently at all times throughout a mission,” added Young.
“STARS has been a valued Skytrac client since 2003,” said Jan van der Heul, vice-president of Sales for Skytrac. “We are proud to have been chosen by them and to work with Airbus on implementing our full air medical communications suite on the H145.”
In 2018, STARS selected Airbus’ H145 helicopter as the fleet replacement aircraft for its aging air ambulance fleet, becoming the first Canadian operator to select the H145 in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) configuration.
The data-transfer capability provided by Skytrac has been ordered as part of the initial STARS configuration. The first helicopters are scheduled for delivery in 2019.
