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It looks like Kamloops residents may be seeing the BC Emergency Health Services air ambulance helicopter in the sky a little more often.
BC EHS announced today the River City's chopper would be newly equipped with night vision technology. The pilots have been training with night vision goggles and, as of Wednesday, are approved to use the "Aviation Night Vision Imaging System" on flights transporting patients in central BC.
Traditionally used in the military for search and rescue missions, the technology will benefit critically ill or injured patients who require care and transport. Until now, helicopter flights out of Kamloops, before sunrise and after sunset, were restricted by night visual flight rules.
“This equipment is a big change in how paramedics can respond to patients in central BC," said Tammy Schiere, BC EHS Director of Aviation. "We are excited about our ability to provide enhanced safety when responding to medical emergencies at night.”
BCEHS’ critical care paramedic team currently responds to about 25 medical emergencies a month using the Kamloops-based air ambulance helicopter. That number is expected to increase with the added capacity to respond later in the day.
So far this year, the critical care paramedic crew has responded by air to more than 280 patient events.