03/01/2019
The Bell 222 is an American twin-engine light helicopter built by Bell Helicopter.
The Netcare 911 Bell 222 UT, Helicopters are permanently configured as mobile intensive care units, and represents a significant step forward for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in South Africa.
The aircraft form an integral part of Netcare 911’s vision of delivering excellent care to the people of South Africa.
The operational capabilities of the Netcare 911 Bell 222 UT Helicopters are impressive.
The Bell 222 incorporated a number of advanced features including dual hydraulic and electrical systems.
The 222B-based Bell 222UT Utility Twin, with skid landing gear ,sponsons housing the auxiliary fuel tanks, and the Noda Matic vibration reduction system developed for the Bell 214ST.
They have an effective range of 550 km from a designated operating base, a cruising speed of 130 knots, and the latest in diagnostic, ventilation and monitoring equipment.
The Bell 222's rotor systems include:
Two-blade, semi-rigid high-kinetic energy main rotor with preconing and underslinging. The rotor head incorporates elastomeric bearings for hub springs, and flapping and pitch change bearings. The system is similar in design to that used by the AH-1 Cobra. Rotor speed at 100% engine speed is 348 RPM.
All series models incorporate a pusher-type two-bladed tail rotor mounted on the left side of the tailboom, turning at 3396 RPM.
Manned by a dedicated team of experienced pilots and emergency care practitioners, Netcare 911 is able to rapidly deliver the highest level of emergency care to patients at the scene of an emergency.
The helicopter is also used for intensive care transfers between hospitals.
Helicopter medical evacuation services are crucial in serving patients in both metropolitan and outlying areas. In cities, for example, traffic is often gridlocked and a well-equipped helicopter can reach a critically injured patient much sooner than a response car or an ambulance to commence life-saving treatment. Once patients are stabilised the helicopter can fly them to the most appropriate hospital very quickly for further specialised care.
The activation of the aircraft is governed by internationally approved medical call-out protocols.
Netcare 911 has an outstanding track record in providing aero-medical services to patients in South Africa and we are passionate about quality care and professional excellence. This is exemplified by the latest development in our long history of pioneering advances and initiatives in the EMS industry.
