Much needed by our Troops

If it wasn't for global warming costs, Australia could buy one of these.

ADF won't buy medivac chopper

July 30, 2008

THE Australian Defence Force has ruled out buying a dedicated medical evacuation helicopter, despite Kevin Rudd's warning of the likelihood of more casualties in Afghanistan.

The decision follows claims by a Dutch military doctor that critically wounded SAS trooper Sean McCarthy bled to death earlier this month because of delays in reaching hospital.

The ADF has said it took almost two hours for McCarthy to reach hospital on July 8, but insisted this was within the timeframe set out in military protocols.

In a response to questions from The Australian, Defence said it would continue to rely on coalition partners in Afghanistan for medivac air services. The army has deployed two CH-47 Chinooks in Afghanistan but these are used for troop and cargo transport.

The US Army's UH-60Q medivac helicopter can fly into a frontline area and evacuate six wounded. The aircraft is equipped with cardiac monitoring systems, oxygen generators and defibrillators.

A Defence spokesman said: "It is important to recognise that Australia is part of the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) mission and draws heavily on the helicopter support provided by our allies."

The ADF has more than 700 soldiers in Oruzgan province under a Dutch-led mission. A further 300 are based in Kandahar. The Dutch are expected to pull out their 1600-strong combat force in July 2010.

Yesterday the federal Opposition demanded the Government ensure the ADF was properly equipped to deal with any withdrawal.

Mark Dodd

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24099475-31477,00.html