Delta System-Air (DSA) has purchased three EC135s for its helicopter emergency medical service. The company began its air rescue service operations in 1993 and in 2000 became a member of the HEMS association of non-state-owned air rescue services.\rPurchased in December last year, the EC135s began operating in January and are based in Ostrava, Liberec, and Usti nad Labem. Each EC135 is capable of transporting a maximum of two patients and two healthcare providers.\r“I think they are the best choice for HEMS,” said DSA’s flight operations manager. “They are category A certified, which is the first and main condition. It’s a reliable twin engine helicopter and is cost effective.” Using its own helicopters, the air rescue service is DSA’s main business. However it also uses its helicopters and aeroplanes for air taxi operations and for a flight training school, where the company trains its own HEMS co-pilots. \rThe company also specialises in aircraft and helicopter maintenance at its service centre. Founded in 1991, DSA owns a range of helicopters and aeroplanes, including the Piper PA-34 Seneca and AS355 Twin Squirrel. \rThe company is planning to expand further, with the possibilty of adding another Seneca to the fleet. As well as air rescue, DSA performs air taxi, flight training and aerial photography flights.