Story ID: 
RFDS Takes Delivery of First Medevac-equipped PC-24
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia's medevac-outfitted Pilatus PC-24 will allow it to transport patients longer distances.
Word Count: 218
The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS Western Operations) took delivery of the first Pilatus PC-24 equipped with a medevac interior yesterday. Configured for patient transport, this twinjet includes beds for three patients and additional seats for medical personnel, as well as oxygen, vacuum, and power systems to ensure multi-parameter patient monitoring and support.

According to Pilatus, the interior was installed under an STC developed in partnership with Aerolite AG, a Swiss company specializing in aircraft medical interiors. The installation also includes an electric stretcher loading device, which eases loading and unloading of patients via the PC-24’s large rear cargo door.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations is proud to be introducing with Pilatus the first Rio Tinto Lifeflight PC-24 into service in Australia,” said RFDS CEO Rebecca Tomkinson. “The innovative aeromedical interior is…a game changer for patient outcomes and improving health care to regional and remote Australians.”

The RFDS, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, currently has a fleet of more than 35 PC-12 turboprop singles to provide “comprehensive basic medical assistance across Australia.” Its PC-24 will be used to transport patients over longer distances in conjunction with the existing PC-12 fleet. RFDS Central Operations will take delivery of a medevac-equipped PC-24 next year, Pilatus said.