The first aviation emergency rescue team in North China's Shanxi province is launched in Changzhi city on March 31. [Photo/sxgov.cn] 

Shanxi Changzhi Aviation Emergency Rescue Team, the first aviation emergency rescue team in North China's Shanxi province, was founded in Changzhi city on March 31, filling a big gap in the province's air rescue capabilities, according to local officials. 

They said the new service involves a comprehensive emergency rescue team formed by the aerial forest protection and firefighting group at Changzhi Victory General Aviation Co. 

There are 47 members, including 16 pilots, in the rescue team. 

Officials said its emergency air fleet includes two large Airbus H225 helicopters, three Thrush fire-fighting aircraft, one DA40 patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, three multifunctional drones and six air freighters. 

The team will be responsible for forest protection patrols and handling forest fires as well as disaster and emergency reconnaissance and command. 

It will be responsible for emergency transport of wounded and sick people, disaster relief materials deliveries, flood relief, air search and rescue, fire suppression of urban high-rise buildings, rescues during mine disasters and riot control, among others.

Officials said that it is expected that the emergency rescue arrival times in Changzhi city and across Shanxi province will be reduced significantly with the aerial rescue team on duty -- due to less restrictions, strong maneuverability and wide coverage -- which will greatly increase efficiency in accident emergency rescues, logistic support of major events and forest fire prevention patrols.