In what started as a request for assistance from The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) to maintain their fleet headsets has escalated to a massive donation of thirty Bose A20 headsets, valued at approximately R20000,00 each.
The AMS approached Colin Blanchard of Wings n Things, a Bose agent based at Lanseria Airport, to see if it was possible to reduce the price on service items on the Bose Headsets. Colin in turn approached Bose and was astounded by their response. Rather than offer AMS reduced rates on the repairs they offered to replace all the AMS’s current headsets with brand new “top of the range” Bose A20 Aviation Headsets.
The AMS is a non-profit aero-medical rescue organization working in partnership with the various Provincial Departments of Health to ensure that the National Health System is strengthened through the provision of rescue, air ambulance and rural health outreach services. The purpose of the AMS is to facilitate pluriverse access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable by geographical, social or economic inequity and in so doing, reduce vulnerability of at-risk communities and judiciously improving the quality of life.
The AMS is a non-profit organization with bases in the Western Cape (Cape Town & Oudtshoorn) and KwaZulu-Natal (Durban & Richards Bay) that provides an air ambulance network, outreach and emergency rescue services. It is the mission of the AMS to support state-run programmes, innovatively rendering rural outreach programmes, clinical training and development for stakeholders and emergency aero-medical/rescue services. The currently operate a fleet consisting of AgustaWestland helicopters and Pilatus PC 12 fixed wing aircraft.
“We are pleased to welcome Bose Aviation and Wings ‘n Things (authorized Bose dealer) as supporters of the AMS. The ongoing support will ensure that we can focus on the task at hand to continue to provide an innovative, quality and rapid aero-medical service to all communities.” said Dr. Philip Erasmus, AMS CEO. The aero-medical environment is a challenging environment where providing care for critically ill and injured patients in the confined space of an aircraft is crucial. Communication between pilots and paramedics during all phases of flight and patient care in the cabin is vital to ensure safety during every mission. The greater noise reduction feature of the Bose headsets assists with decreasing crew fatigue and improves the quality of the communication through the headsets between the crew members.
Dr. Philip Erasmus
“Bose is honoured and proud to be able to support the terrific work done by the amazing people of The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service. Keep up the excellent lifesaving and outreach work you do so well.” Patrick Schutterop, Category Business Manager - Aviation EMEA & India from Bose Aviation.
"Wings ‘n Things are truly excited to have been given the opportunity to play a part in facilitating this great initiative between Bose Aviation and the AMS to have been able to arrange something that will ease the financial burden at an operational level and allow them to invest these resources into their services to the communities that they serve. With the Bose A20 headsets we are also ensuring the health of the pilot’s hearing to enable them to function at the high level which is expected of them. We are grateful to our long-term partner, Bose, for their generous assistance that enabled us to contribute to this opportunity.” Colin Blanchard, Owner & CEO Wings ‘n Things.
Colin Blanchard
Bose Aviation
Bose Aviation is driven by its founding principles, investing in long-term research with one fundamental goal: to develop new technologies with real customer benefits. Bose has a simple mission: think of better solutions, create better products, and help people enjoy the things they truly love. Everything we do supports this mission and points us forward. Bose aviation headsets are certified to FAA TSO and EASA ETSO standards. No matter why you fly, Bose aviation headsets are engineered to improve the experience.
Bose Aviation is privately held. The company’s spirit of invention, passion for excellence, and commitment to extraordinary experiences can be found around the world - everywhere Bose does business.
Wings ‘n Things
Wings ‘n Things is a specialist pilot supplies shop based at Lanseria and Grand Central Airports, started in 1990 it caters for all levels of aviation enthusiasts and is the preferred supplier to many aspiring and professional pilots.
Wings ‘n Things are authorised dealers of some of the world’s premium aviation brands, including Jeppesen, David Clark, Bose, and ASA. We are also resellers of Pooley’s, Garmin, Icom, RAM Mounts and many more local and international aviation brands.
So, whether you are a professional or recreational pilot, student pilot, aviation enthusiast, looking for a gift for that someone special or just looking to spoil yourself, visit one of Wings ‘n Things shops at Lanseria or Grand Central, or shop online, for the widest range of aviation related products and gifts.
The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service
The AMS is a non-profit organisation with bases in the Western Cape (Cape Town & Oudtshoorn) and KwaZulu-Natal (Durban & Richards Bay) that provides an air ambulance network, outreach and emergency rescue services. It is the mission of the AMS to support state-run programmes, innovatively rendering rural outreach programmes, clinical training and development for stakeholders and emergency aero-medical/rescue services.
The AMS has grown into a comprehensive aero-medical service with a unique service delivery model, utilising volunteers, professionals, strong partnerships with the Departments of Health, not-for-profit organisations and the private sector to facilitate access to appropriate healthcare services for both the critically ill and injured patients and those requiring specialist medical expertise, especially from remote rural communities.
The AMS is the only aero-medical operator in Southern Africa which offers a complete package of air-ambulance, health outreach and rescue services, using a mix of fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft and ground vehicles.
AMS works closely with Provincial Departments of Health and healthcare workers in communities to assess healthcare needs in target hospitals and peripheral communities to facilitate the implementation of appropriate healthcare programmes. The AMS is committed to saving and changing lives. The organisational values are based on humanitarian principles that is achieved by compassion, integrity and professionalism.
