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In a collaborative effort with Air Ambulance Victoria, Babcock Australasia hosted members from the Australian Defence Force for medical evacuation training at Essendon Air Base.
The partnership between Air Ambulance Victoria and Babcock saw members from the 3rd Health Battalion (3HB) being given advanced, practical training for the event of recovery missions.
The 3HB contingent, made up of Army medical professionals and Reservists, were trained in using an AW139 helicopter and static winch trainer to simulate a real-life winch recovery operation.
“This training session highlighted and reinforced the value of collaboration in improving aeromedical readiness across diverse operational environments,” said Essendon Senior Base Air Crew Officer Don Riddle.
“Myself and Air Crew Officer Steve Laycock, who was also involved in the training, are both ex-ADF Air Crew Officers, so we were able to offer unique perspectives on the differences between peacetime patient care and warlike operations and between military and non-military aeromedical equipment.”
Throughout the exercise, Babcock and Air Ambulance Victoria crews worked closely with 3HB personnel to prompt discussion and provide practical insights into ensuring that recovery operations are safe, successful and efficient.
“We also highlighted the advantages of Air Ambulance Victoria’s operating procedures,” Riddle said.
“The session created a valuable platform for professional dialogue and for building networks that support ongoing knowledge sharing.”
The training additionally saw theoretical and historical practices of Air Ambulance Victoria, such as their fixed-wing and rotary capabilities and the missions conducted within their Helicopter Emergency Medical Service fleet.
Babcock said this “inter-agency initiative” is a reflection of the company’s dedication to ensure civilian and military preparedness and readiness.
Air Ambulance Victoria operates a fleet of five helicopters and four planes that are used to transport medical patients from regional and rural areas who have poor accessibility to critical services.