NSW Ambulance has trialled renewable energy-powered Remote Piloted Aircraft Clinical Systems (RPACS) drones to support its aeromedical operations.
By reducing reliance on helicopters, the drones offer faster, safer and lower-emission alternatives for tasks such as patient search, supply delivery and situational awareness.
The trial has resulted in:
- the successful integration of drones into aeromedical workflows
- training of 7 specialist paramedics as drone pilots
- proof of emissions reductions.
RPACS enhances staff and patient safety, cuts clinical intervention times and provides resilience in extreme weather. The initiative delivers environmental, clinical and financial benefits while supporting NSW Health’s commitment to a high-quality, low-carbon health system.
Exploring low-carbon alternatives
Aeromedical operations rely heavily on helicopters, which are carbon-intensive and costly to run. NSW Ambulance sought to address this challenge by exploring low-carbon alternatives to support missions without compromising safety or patient outcomes.
Emerging climate-driven disasters such as heatwaves, floods and bushfires also highlighted the need for resilient and flexible response systems. This trial was designed to test whether renewable-energy drones could reduce helicopter use while still performing essential tasks like patient location, supply delivery and live-streaming data to control centres.
The issue was affecting both staff and patients: paramedics faced fatigue and safety risks in extreme conditions, while patients experienced delays in care when helicopter availability was limited.
By trialling the use of drones, the project aimed to improve environmental sustainability, enhance response capacity during disasters, and demonstrate the clinical viability of drones in real-world aeromedical missions.
Trial involved mission rehearsals and live operations
The project was implemented through a three-month operational trial from February to April 2025. 7 paramedics were trained via a three-week advanced RPACS pilot program delivered by Toll Uncrewed Systems. Unlike other agencies training large numbers for basic operations, NSW Ambulance focused on a small, specialised cohort capable of beyond visual line of sight and shielded operations.
During the trial, drones were deployed in mission rehearsals, simulations and live operations. They successfully undertook tasks such as dropping supplies, providing real-time high-definition video, using thermal cameras and communicating with patients.
Modelling suggests the potential for a saving of 50 metric tonnes of CO2 annually
The trial delivered measurable benefits across patient care, staff safety, environmental impact and financial efficiency.
Patient benefits
- Reduced intervention times: RPACS enabled faster patient location and communication, cutting clinical intervention times by 15–22 minutes in operational scenarios.
- Improved access in remote terrain: RPACS located simulated patients in under 5 minutes, even in areas inaccessible to traditional helicopter operations.
- Enhanced care during climate events: RPACS supported emergency response during heatwaves, floods and bushfires, improving service delivery and enabling potential telemedicine applications.
Staff benefits
- Improved safety and reduced fatigue: RPACS reduced manual search efforts and environmental exposure, particularly in extreme conditions.
- Specialist paramedic training: 7 paramedics were trained in advanced RPACS operations, enabling shielded and beyond visual line of sight missions.
- Operational readiness: The lean model ensured 100% mission readiness with minimal training burden compared to other agencies.
Carbon and financial savings
- Emissions reduction potential: RPACS emits approximately 1 kg CO₂ per flight hour, compared to 1.422 metric tonnes from AW139 helicopters.
- Modelled savings: A 10% reduction in helicopter use could save approximately 50 metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Future potential: Additional savings anticipated through solar-powered charging infrastructure and expanded RPACS deployment.
- Cost efficiency: Helicopter missions cost approximately $5,000 per flight hour. RPACS could replace up to 30 flight hours annually, saving approximately $150,000.
- Scalability: Further savings possible as RPACS expands to other mission types beyond remote area operations.
