Canadair CL 604 "Challenger"       Technical data   Wing span: 19.61 m Length: 20.86 m Height: 6.40 m Max. take-off weight: 21,863 kg Max. range: 6,500 km / 3,500 nm Max. flying speed: 850 km/h / 528 mph Stretcher patient capacity: 4     Cabin layout       State-of-the-art life-saving equipment on board Rega’s air-ambulances     1. Multifunctional monitoring equipment   Blood pressure monitoring apparatus Special device for measuring the blood pressure and pulse, that can be used despite aircraft noise. Cardiovascular monitoring apparatus The electrocardiogram of the patient is constantly monitored on the screen. If necessary, it can be connected to an external pacemaker. Pulse oximeter/ Capnograph The pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen in the blood, while the capnograph indicates how much carbon dioxide is exhaled from the lungs. Thus the doctor can determine the quality of the ventilation and increase or reduce the amount of oxygen accordingly. Around half of all patients repatriated by Rega require additional oxygen.   2. Respirator Patients in a coma need to be ventilated mechanically. However, patients with abnormal breathing also need to be given oxygen-enriched air. The apparatus adapts itself to the patient’s respiratory rhythm and supports the patient's breathing.   3. Oxygen enrichment apparatus Over 15,000 litres of oxygen are carried on board every flight, 3,000 of which are stored in transportable oxygen cylinders. Most of it is administered to the patient via the aircraft’s own ventilation machine. The amount of oxygen is monitored centrally.   4. Syringe pump/ Infusion pump Intensive-care patients can be administered minimal doses of drugs throughout the flight with the aid of a syringe pump or an infusion pump. The pump dispenses between 0.1 ml und 999 ml per hour in highly precise doses.   5. Defibrillator/ External pacemaker In the event of a patient suffering a cardiac arrest, a controlled electric shock needs to be administered to the heart. The purpose of this electric shock is to make the heart beat regularly again. If the heart is beating too slowly, the physician can make it beat faster and more regularly by applying smaller electric shocks through the skin.   6. Monitor A large monitor displays the current flight route and flight/safety data, as well as the curves and readings of the various medical equipment.   7. Suction pump Mucus and saliva need to be regularly sucked out of the mouths of mechanically ventilated patients to prevent them from suffocating.   Manufacturer and type of the individual items of equipment       Rega's three air-ambulances are equipped with all the necessary drugs and medical equipment required by the doctors and nurses to be able to take the best possible care of their patients.   A wide range of emergency drugs, as well as antibiotics, painkillers, infusion solutions, dressings and instruments are stored away, ready to hand, in the drawer under the patient's stretcher-bed. The medical apparatuses are located at the head end of the bed, so that the medical staff can constantly monitor the patient's condition without having to turn away.     Other equipment If required, the following equipment is also available: a child's kit with special drugs and intubation instruments, a gynaecological set, a tracheotomy set, blood-sugar measuring apparatus, a haemoglobinometer to determine the amount of red corpuscles in the blood, and an arterial blood gas analyser. A transportable incubator for premature babies can also be installed and operated.     Spare equipment Rega's air-ambulances also carry spare equipment in case any of the medical apparatuses fail to function properly. These devices are not permanently installed in the aircraft, and are frequently also used on location when transferring patients to the airport.     Power supply A reliable power supply is of vital importance. Consequently, there are, for example, two completely separate 220V AC sources on board, to which non-Rega equipment can also be connected. Furthermore, 12V and 28V DC sources are permanently installed in the aircraft.