Hamilton-T1 Ventilators

With a generous grant from Air Rescue & Community Services, the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust has purchased three Hamilton-T1 Ventilators for its two Christchurch-based Westpac Rescue Helicopters and the West Coast ROA Mining Rescue Helicopter. The introduction of the Hamilton-T1 transport ventilators represents a significant upgrade from the Meduvent and Medumat model ventilators previously in use and means that our rescue helicopter flight crews can provide ICU-level mechanical ventilation for enhanced patient airway management. For patients who are unable to breathe on their own due to trauma or sedation, mechanical ventilation and a controlled airway will likely be the difference between life and death. Emergency ventilation carries a significant risk of complications, so it is vital that our Critical Care Paramedics have access to specialised equipment that is appropriate for the rescue helicopter environment and enables them to deliver a higher standard of patient care. Thank you to Air Rescue & Community Services for enabling the Trust to make this investment in improving patient outcomes.