On March 1, 2025 Ascent Helicopters Ltd., with the support of their sub-contractor Babcock Canada, commenced providing helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) on behalf of British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) from a base base in Parksville on Vancouver Island using new Leonardo AW169s. The contract will eventually employ seven AW169s delivered to Canada between Nov 2024 and July 2025. Service commenced from bases in Parksville, Kamloops and Prince George by August 2025 with bases in Vancouver and Prince Rupert to follow. C-GSIO was training paramedics when photographed.

The 3rd AW169 for Ascent Helicopters, seen here being towed into the old Skylink Hangar (which they have taken over) after its first flight on Wednesday afternoon as "ASCENT3".

Operated by Ascent Helicopters for BC Emergency Health Services

This 2024 built Leonardo AW169 started operating the BC Health Services medical flights earlier this year. It is owned by Ascent Helicopters and is based at Parksville on Vancouver Island. The strange looking rear stabilizer is well seen from this angle.

With Parksville, BC based Ascent Helicopters taking over the BC Air Ambulance contract from HeliJet, these new build AW169s have been slowing arriving at YVR. One was out of the hangar the other day for some engine runs, and I managed to get my first look (and photo) of one!

This 2007 Bell 412 was first equipped for off shore work with Bristow Helicopters. After working in the USA, UK and Nigeria, Summit Helicopters acquired the helicopter in November 2016. It flies under contract for BC Emergency Health Services / BC Ambulance.