As one of Africa’s leading specialist helicopter operators, and the region’s only operator of the Airbus AS365 N3+, BAC Helicopters was honoured to participate, contributing operational insight and supporting. an initiative aligned with our commitment to high-reliability SAR and medevac operations.
A Symposium Dedicated to Advancing Helicopter Emergency Care
Held on 26 – 27 November 2025, the symposium explored the key elements shaping modern HEMS operations in South Africa and internationally. Discussions focused on:
● Patient management in confined helicopter environments
● Clinical decision-making during complex or prolonged missions
● Environmental and operational challenges in remote, maritime and mountainous terrain
● The growing need for integrated systems and specialised training platforms
The Airbus Foundation’s sponsorship highlights the critical link between training, capability development and advanced technology platforms, such as BAC’s hoist-equipped AS365 N3+, that support demanding rescue and medevac missions.
BAC SAR Crews Participate in Dedicated Helicopter Rescue Training
Following the symposium, on 4 December, BAC Helicopters’ Search and Rescue (SAR) team attended an intensive training session at the new UJ Rescue Centre. This engagement focused specifically on helicopter-related rescue environments, reflecting the operational realities of offshore, mountainous and remote-area missions.
Training elements included:
- Hoist and winch rescue principles in realistic, controlled conditions
- Coordination and communication between aircrew and ground teams
- Patient packaging and transfer techniques suitable for helicopter evacuation
- Scenario-based decision-making that mirrors the pressures of live SAR operations
These sessions complement the capabilities of our AS365 N3+ SAR crew, reinforcing safe, structured and efficient rescue execution in environments where precision is essential.
Preparing for Live Aircraft Simulations
The training completed at the Rescue Centre marks the first phase in an ongoing collaboration that will soon progress to live aircraft simulations. This next phase will allow BAC crews to integrate the centre’s specialised rescue environments with actual helicopter operations, strengthening proficiency, situational awareness and the teamwork required for hoist-enabled evacuations.
A Shared Commitment to Building Regional SAR Readiness
The partnership between BAC Helicopters and the UJ Rescue Centre represents a significant investment in strengthening South Africa’s emergency response ecosystem. The centre provides a unique opportunity to advance SAR preparedness through realistic scenario training, technical refinement and multi-disciplinary coordination.
“As an operator committed to mission-critical work, we welcome initiatives that elevate the standard of
SAR training and operational readiness,” says BAC Helicopters. “The UJ Rescue Centre is a world-class
facility, and we look forward to continued engagement.”
Through this collaboration, BAC Helicopters reaffirms its commitment to building regional Search and Rescue readiness, ensuring communities and industries across Africa have access to professional, reliable and mission-ready helicopter support when it is needed most.