Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has introduced helmet technology across its key rescue contracts, with the hope of enhancing crew safety and strengthening situational awareness during high-risk aviation operations.
“Investing in this best-in-class protective gear sets a new benchmark in aviation rescue safety at Babcock. It reinforces our commitment to innovation and operational excellence for our customers while ensuring the welfare and protection of our staff," Babcock Australasia Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services, Duncan Milne, said.
Rescue Crew Officers in the Torres Strait are now using the new 'down-the-wire' helmet systems as part of Babcock’s 12-year Helicopter Emergency Medical Service contract with Queensland Health. They have also been deployed in Rockhampton, in support of CapRescue operations.
“Our rescue crews routinely operate in high-risk environments. This new helmet system provides impact protection and maintains seamless communication throughout winch operations, maximising safety, efficiency, and situational awareness for pilots and crew as they work to protect and save lives," Milne said.
Traditional flight helmets have always been essential for mid-air communication, yet rescuers often need to remove them during a winch operation to interact with patients and clinical staff. To overcome this challenge, Babcock has adopted the compact Team Wendy Exfil LTP 2.0 helmet, created to maintain connectivity while ensuring head protection.
Its design allegedly enables crews to coordinate with Pilots and rescue personnel without removing their helmets—an advantage during complex operations, such as patient transfers from merchant vessels, where situational awareness is critical.
Enhanced connectivity will ensure continuous access to mission-critical updates, including weather conditions, operational timing, and environmental risks, helping rescuers stay informed throughout operations. The helmets also provide additional safety by shielding rescuers from helicopter downwash and airborne debris.
Supplied by Melbourne-based Aquaterro, the helmets feature a headset, ballistic glasses, dust goggles, and a flexible light, delivering a safety solution built for durability, high visibility, and adaptability in dynamic rescue environments. Their ergonomic, ventilated design also allegedly will enhance comfort, making them effective in the tropical conditions of the Torres Strait.
Babcock has trialled several bespoke configurations of the helmet system with Air Ambulance Victoria’s MICA Flight Paramedics. Once a preferred model has been selected, Babcock will fund their introduction.