Helicopter
The current helicopter used is a McDonnell Douglas MD 902 Explorer, registration G-EHMS, which is notable as it does not use a tail-rotor. This was a useful feature, as the helicopter must routinely land in confined inner city areas. It replaced a SA 365N Dauphin, registered G-HEMS, in October 2000.
Although the MD 902 Explorer is a quieter model aircraft than its predecessor, a number of noise complaints are still filed relating to HEMS.
The helicopter usually cruises at 130 knots, at an altitude of 1,500 ft. A regular fuel load, around 400 kg, allows for one hour's flying time.
From 6 March 2012, the helicopter became the UK's first air ambulance to carry emergency blood supplies, allowing transfusions to be administered at the scene of an accident rather than later in hospital. A specialised refrigerator installed in the helicopter allows the transport of four units of the universal O-negative blood type which can be stored in the aircraft for up to 72 hours (unused stocks can be returned to the hospital).
Read more about this topic: London Air Ambulance