Canberra rescue helicopter?

[kermitthefrog]

Does the Canberra rescue helicopter communicate with the airport tower, or would it use the ambulance frequencies?

Cheers

[geodementia]

All aircraft must communicate with ATC. There are a couple of choppers that frequent Canberra airspace, Southcare 1,2 and 3, and Rescue 1 pops over from time to time. They do also communicate on company channels and when required can access the Ambo and Fire networks using PMR or the ESO GRN talkgroups.

[Vkfour]

Helicopters on the Sunshine Coast, and I would assume the Gold Coast, often do surf patrols and they let other emergency services know that they are on air.

[blacktown]

Southcare 1 is often heard on NSWGRN aeromedical channel 10301, as well as the ACTGRN (Encrypted ambulance channel)
On ATC the Southcare callsign maybe "November Sierra Charlie" (as in VH-NSC)
Also check flightradar24.com as i frequently see it airborne around southern NSW

Blurb from http://www.snowyhydrosouthcare.com.au
"Snowy Hydro SouthCare commenced on 1 October 1998, as the primary provider of aero-medical and rescue helicopter services to people in the ACT and southern NSW. Since that time, the rescue helicopter has completed over 6,700 missions. The service area extends north to Orange, west to Hay, south to the Victorian border, and up the east coast from Eden to Ulladulla."

[kermitthefrog]

Thanks all.

[Air493]

They will use the callsign Southcare 1 (or whatever number) on ATC frequencies. On takeoff they have to contact the appropriate ATC location and advise destination, POB and airways priority (MED 1 if it is an emergency).