A historic tribute to the Angel of Mercy: Celebrating the evolution of air ambulance
January 20, 2025in News
On Saturday 18 January, a historic moment was commemorated at Peninsula Aero Club with the the unveiling of a restored Bell 206 helicopter – a replica of the iconic Angel of Mercy, marking the birth of the world’s first civilian helicopter ambulance service. Hosted by the Peninsula Aero Club and supported by Ambulance Victoria and EastLink, the event was a fitting tribute to the visionaries who revolutionised emergency medical care in Victoria.
The Angel of Mercy, which first began operations in 1970, symbolised a groundbreaking step in pre-hospital care. Today, Ambulance Victoria continues to honour this legacy with cutting-edge aeromedical technology and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.
HEMS02, one of Ambulance Victoria’s modern, state-of-the-art helicopters touched down at Tyabb Airport just after the unveiling ceremony. The contrast between the old and the new underscored the incredible advancements made in air ambulance services over the past five decades.
Retired paramedics and ambulance officers who worked on the original Angel of Mercy along with Andrew Keenan, Ambulance Victoria Director of Complex Care, beneath the restored replica of the iconic Angel of Mercy. (L-R: Phil Brake, Doug Dawson, Doug Quilliam, Jeff Allen, Erik Schanssema, Clive Butler, Alf Greaves, David Cooper, Ray Trinham, Andrew Keenan, Ralph Casey, Maureen Watson, John Clancy)
Ambulance Victoria Director of Complex Care Andrew Keenan spoke about the significance of the event and the ongoing impact of the Angel of Mercy:
“The Angel of Mercy was not just a helicopter; it was a symbol of innovation, saving lives, and transforming emergency medical care in Victoria,” said Andrew.
“Today, Ambulance Victoria honours its legacy with cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to delivering world-class aeromedical services.
“The introduction of services like the Angel of Mercy was pivotal in shaping our modern fleet, which now responds to thousands of critical care requests across Victoria every year.”
The Angel of Mercy’s service was born out of necessity. In the 1970s, long and difficult road transport from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne posed significant risks to patients.
The visionary work of Peninsula Aero Club members, Dr. Tom Ready and Bill Vowell, addressed these challenges by pioneering the first civilian helicopter ambulance service.
The service’s impact was felt far beyond the local area, inspiring similar initiatives globally.
Family members of Dr. Ready and Mr. Vowell, as well as former pilots, paramedics and even patients were present to share their personal stories, offering a unique insight into the service’s history and impact.
Ambulance Victoria’s current air ambulance fleet includes six AW139 helicopters and four King Air fixed-wing aircraft, providing statewide 24/7 coverage.
With an operating range of up to 650 kilometers, Ambulance Victoria’s helicopters respond to nearly 2,000 requests each year, bringing critical care to those in remote or inaccessible locations.
As Andrew explained, “Ambulance Victoria operates the longest-serving aeromedical helicopter service in Australia and one of the longest in the world.
“We remain committed to delivering rapid, life-saving care across Victoria, just as the Angel of Mercy did when it first took flight more than 50 years ago.”
The unveiling of the Angel of Mercy marks more than just a celebration of the past; it’s a reminder of how far air ambulance services have come – and how far they will continue to go.
As Ambulance Victoria builds on its pioneering legacy, it remains dedicated to providing exceptional care and advancing medical transport to save lives across the state.
The event was a fitting tribute to the dedicated individuals who shaped the future of air ambulance services, and it reaffirmed Ambulance Victoria’s ongoing commitment to innovation, compassion, and excellence in emergency care.