EC135s Enter Service with Carolinas Medical Center
Source: American Eurocopter, 11 Mar, 10
American Eurocopter is pleased to announce that three new EC135s have entered service with the MedCenter Air Program at Carolinas Medical Center. The aircraft, which were purchased in late 2009, were completed by Metro Aviation and include state-of-the-art cockpit technology as well as the latest medical equipment. In addition to accommodating one or two litters, [...]
Northampton General Hospital helipad scheme now gaining support
Source: Northampton Chronicle & Echo, 11 Mar, 10
Dr John Trenfield, a consultant in emergency medicine at NGH, and Richard Craske, the chief pilot at Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, said land they had identified near the entrance to the A&E department, would be ideal for a landng site and would be a major boost to the hospital.
New helipad set to open at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital
Source: Rossland Telegraph, 5 Mar, 10
The Health and Hospital Committee (HHC) of the Lower Columbia Community Development Team are planning a groundbreaking ceremony for the new heliport at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
CALSTAR appoints new CFO
Source: CALSTAR, 5 Mar, 10
McClellan, Calif. – California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), a nonprofit air ambulance service, has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer. Mark A. Vincenzini was formerly the CFO for International Business Systems in Folsom, CA. Vincenzini assumed his new duties March 1st.
He replaces current CFO Lynn Malmstrom, who was recently promoted to CEO following the [...]
North West Air Ambulance opens another charity shop
Source: North West Air Ambulance, 5 Mar, 10
The shop was opened by ITV Granada’s Paul Crone who said “It is a privilege to open this shop as it allows the charity to increase not only its takings through sales but the number of donated items they can accept.”
“The money made by the charity shop helps saves people’s lives on a daily basis [...]
Air Methods to Report Q4 and FY2009 Financial Results on March 11th
Source: Air Methods, 3 Mar, 10
Air Methods Corporation (AIRM 27.40, +0.76, +2.85%) will report financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 after the close of the market on Thursday, March 11, 2010. The Company has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. Eastern to discuss these results.
Interested parties can access the call by dialing (877) 883-0656 [...]
Medical Center of Central Georgia’s heliport officially opened
Source: Macon Telegraph, 3 Mar, 10
Within four hours of The Medical Center of Central Georgia’s heliport officially opened Monday at noon, the hospital received its first patient on the roof of the hospital’s surgery center.
Scottish Ambulance Service adds doctors to flights
Source: Scotsman, 3 Mar, 10
A pilot scheme in the West of Scotland has seen emergency medicine consultants being sent out on air missions with the Scottish Ambulance Service. It will now be rolled out across the whole of the country, costing about £2 million a year, after being deemed a huge success
Lawsuit against Onondaga County Sheriff ‘Air One’ dismissed by federal court
Source: WSYR, 2 Mar, 10
Mercy Flight Central, Inc. filed the suit in Federal Court two years ago, alleging that Air-1 was providing competing services without proper certification.
Careflight takes over Northern Territories medical flights from Pearl Aviation
Source: NT News, 2 Mar, 10
Careflight will take over the services from Pearl Aviation from July 2010 while the NT Government puts the service out to tender
NQ Rescue joins Queensland EMS network
1 Mar, 10
NQ Rescue has secured approval from the Queensland government to be included in the state’s aeromedical retrieval network to provide medical and rescue services to the state’s greater northwest.
Omniflight appoints into new National Sales Director post
Source: Omniflight, 1 Mar, 10
Omniflight Helicopters, Inc., a leading national provider of air medical services, announced today that it named Geoffrey Coy to the newly created position of national sales director, effective immediately.
In this position, Coy will be responsible for managing sales efforts across the company and working closely with each of Omniflight’s regional business development directors throughout the [...]
Concerns raised over UK air ambulance chief’s £120k salary
Source: Northampton Chronicle, 26 Feb, 10
Bosses at the region’s air ambulance service have defended the salary paid to its chief executive after concerns were raised by members of the public.
Paramedic to sue over helicopter fall
Source: Cairns.com.au, 24 Feb, 10
A paramedic who may never walk again after a helicopter winch line snapped during a Torres Strait rescue is launching legal action over the accident.
CALSTAR CEO retires, new leader named
Source: The Californian, 24 Feb, 10
CEO Joseph F. Cook, a 22-year veteran of the organization, will retire at the end of March.
Air Methods orders eight Eurocopter EC130s and four AS350B3s
23 Feb, 10
American Eurocopter announced that Air Methods Corporation, the world’s largest air medical transportation provider, has ordered eight EC130 and four AS350B3 helicopters.
After the breakfast, American Eurocopter President and CEO Marc Paganini said, “Air Methods is a valued, long-time customer and we respect their continued commitment to the air medical industry and to incorporating advanced technology [...]
Bell 429 launch customer does not want any more
Source: AIN, 22 Feb, 10
Air Methods will not be taking any more Bell 429s beyond the single unit it received in October, according to CEO Aaron Todd
South Africa’s East Cape probes 10M Rand air ambulance scam
Source: Citizan, 18 Feb, 10
Investigation focusing on possible collusion between health officials and employees of National Airways
Life Flight Network to open new Idaho base in April
Source: Life Flight Network, 18 Feb, 10
Life Flight Network, an air medical provider serving the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West from nine locations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, announced today they will be establishing a new base in Lewiston, Idaho. The critical care trained flight crew and their new high performance aircraft are expected to begin offering lifesaving service to the [...]
Tasmanian premier promises Au$36M over four years for EMS helicopter
Source: ABC, 17 Feb, 10
The Premier David Bartlett and his deputy Lara Giddings yesterday promised $36 million over four years to fund a helicopter for the ambulance service
California’s Mountain Lifeflight back in full operation
Source: Lassen County Times, 17 Feb, 10
Mountain Lifeflight’s newest aircraft, an AStar 350 B3 helicopter, Mountain Lifeflight 5 went into service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, bringing its first patient to Banner Lassen Medical Center.
URS to Exhibit Halo Flight Bell 407 & MD500/Sagem Panel
Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions, 16 Feb, 10
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS), Heli-Expo Booth #1617, will display a customised Air Medical Bell 407 one of two they completed for HALO-Flight of Corpus Christi.
URS will also have on display an MD500 panel they modified with the Sagem ICDS-8 cockpit display.
The 407 is configured with Chelton’s synthetic EFIS, provisions for Chelton Auto Pilot, WSI [...]
Mercy Air shows off new AS350B3 at Arrowhead medical center
Source: San Bernardino Sun, 13 Feb, 10
The Eurocopter Astar B3 emergency medical services helicopter was added to Mercy Air’s fleet recently and is operating out of its Hesperia location.
High flyers’ approval for helipad in Scotland
Source: The Northern Scot, 13 Feb, 10
The Queen, Prince William and Prime Minister Gordon Brown have all given their backing for a helipad in Elgin that could save lives.
Great North Air Ambulance retires Bo105
Source: BBC, 11 Feb, 10
“The Bolkov is over 40 years old and sadly has spent more time on the ground with mechanical issues than it has in the air, as parts are very hard to source. This is not cost effective to the charity or public.”
Wiltshire Air Ambulance to mark 20th birthday in high style
Source: This is Wiltshire, 11 Feb, 10
A ball to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance is being held on March 27.
Helicopter Emergency Medical Services critical for India
Source: India Infoline, 11 Feb, 10
The helicopter deployed by the Army to facilitate evacuations, is not an Air Ambulance and therefore cannot offer any specialized medical treatment within the “Golden Hour” for Trauma; obstetric or medical emergency. At best only basic First Aid is being provided.
Geisinger adds another EC145 to the Life Flight® fleet
Source: American Eurocopter, 10 Feb, 10
The Life Flight base in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is home to the newest aircraft in Geisinger’s fleet: a state-of-the-art EC-145. The helicopter will operate from the Williamsport Regional Airport and is designed to provide critically ill or injured patients access to advanced life support care and rapid transportation to critical care facilities. The new helicopter is [...]
Bats raise air ambulance safety concerns
Source: ABC, 9 Feb, 10
A north Queensland mayor wants a bat colony to be moved away from the Charters Towers Hospital due to concerns about the danger to air traffic.
Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler unveils new EC145
Source: Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, 7 Feb, 10
Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler launched the first medical helicopter program in the area in 1985. Today, officials with the Hospital unveiled a $7 million critical care helicopter that can carry patients longer distances than any other medical aircraft in the region.
The American Eurocopter EC145 joins TMF’s previous aircraft, an American Eurocopter BK117, which, when acquired, was one [...]
Air Methods Exits Level 1 FAA Safety Management System Status
Source: Air Methods, 4 Feb, 10
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM) recently was informed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it successfully exited Level 1 Safety Management System (SMS) status and is currently working toward achieving Level 2 SMS status. Air Methods believes it is currently the only helicopter air medical operator to participate in the FAA’s SMS voluntary implementation program, [...]
London’s Air Ambulance to go 24×7 from next month
Source: HeliHub.com, 4 Feb, 10
London radio station LBC is this morning reporting that London’s Air Ambulance will soon be moving to 24 hour operation. In the short news item, the report said that this was the result of the London Ambulance Service agreeing to fund paramedics right through the night, rather than up to 1am as previously. We suspect [...]
Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s helipad approved
Source: MySuburbanLife, 3 Feb, 10
By a 5-1 vote Monday, Feb. 1, the Hinsdale Village Board approved Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s request to build a helistop atop the hospital’s existing parking deck as part of the hospital’s proposed $75 million expansion project.
STARS readies itself for CAMTS accreditation audit in early March
Source: STARS, 2 Feb, 10
The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) will conduct the accreditation site visit of the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) from March 8 – 9, 2010.
STARS has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems since 1998 through this voluntary process. Accreditation renewal occurs [...]
Native Air Donates $15K to Gracie Lee Haught Children’s Memorial Fund under Its “Flight for a Cause” Program
Source: Omniflight, 2 Feb, 10
Native Air, a division of one of the nation’s leading air medical services provider, Omniflight Helicopters, Inc., announced today that it donated $15,000 to Payson, Ariz.-based Gracie Lee Haught Children’s Memorial Fund under its Flight for a Cause fundraising program.
In September 2009, Native Air announced its alignment with the Mogollon Health Alliance’s Gracie Lee Haught [...]
ARINC Completes a Nine-State Digital Radio Network for PHI Air Medical
Source: ARINC, 2 Feb, 10
ARINC Incorporated has completed a major digital enhancement of the nine-state flight operations radio network of Phoenix-based PHI Air Medical Group. PHI Air Medical is one of the country’s leading providers of emergency helicopter transport for hospitals and public safety agencies.
ARINC deployed new digital command consoles and custom software at four PHI Air Medical Communication [...]
Police arrest Pasco man in cockpit of Bayflite helicopter
Source: Suncoast News, 1 Feb, 10
The staff at Community Hospital noticed a suspicious man on hospital grounds early Saturday and asked him to leave, police said.
Profile – Pennsylvania’s Life Lion
Source: Patriot News, 31 Jan, 10
Although the operation is fast, it is not sloppy. Life Lion and other medical helicopter services nationwide are refocusing on safety after a spate of fatal accidents in 2008
East Anglian Air Ambulance Celebrates 10th Anniversary
31 Jan, 10
THE East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and plans a series of special events.
EastCare Air Medical Service takes dlivery of EC135, with two EC145s to follow
Source: American Eurocopter, 29 Jan, 10
North Carolina’s Pitt County Memorial Hospital today received an EC135 from American Eurocopter in the first step of complete helicopter fleet upgrade for its EastCare air medical service.
EastCare has been an operator of Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft since the mid-1980s, and will base the new EC135 at Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport. This helicopter will be joined [...]
Hinsdale Hospital helistop up for board vote Monday
Source: MNySuburbanLife.com, 29 Jan, 10
Adventist Hinsdale Hospital’s plan to build a new patient wing and add a helistop pad to the existing facility will come to a Village Board vote Monday.
Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center helipad gets a makeover
Source: Vindicator, 28 Jan, 10
The helipad at Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center (LDRMC) is being renovated with new amber lights, extended sidewalks and a new lighted, windsock
LifeForce deal with Med-Trans turning out well for Erlanger
Source: Chatanoogan, 27 Jan, 10
Erlanger Senior Vice President Roger Forgey said the hospital’s LifeForce helicopter partnership with Med-Trans has worked out well for the hospital.
German’s ADAC reports 2009 1.5% up with 45,705 mission
Source: ADAC, 27 Jan, 10
[automatic translation from German, with manual updates]
Internal emergencies are by far the most common causes of Use
Never before has the ADAC air rescue helicopter rose into the air as often as 2009: The number of operations to 45 705 had, that is 662 or 1.5 percent more than the year before. The 45-ADAC rescue helicopter [...]
Germany’s DRF achieved 40,375 air rescue missions in 2009
Source: DRF, 27 Jan, 10
[automatic translation from German, with small amount of editing]
For years, the DRF air rescue in Germany, increasing use of numbers has reported.Thus in 2009: The life-saver from the air contributed 33,731 bets, 1224 over the previous year. A total of 40,375 provided the DRF air rescue missions. ”The saving of human life depends on the time factor. Given [...]
Poland suspends all air ambulance flights
Source: Polskie Radio, 27 Jan, 10
Poland’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service has suspended all flights because of contaminated fuel.
STARS kicks off 25th celebration as first patient speaks at annual Gala
Source: STARS, 26 Jan, 10
The annual STARS and SPURS Gala, hosted by the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC), was a huge success Saturday night raising approximately $458,000 for the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS).
The event kicked off STARS’ 25 year anniversary celebrations with an emotional speech by Kelly Hulstein, the first patient to be flown by [...]
Devon Air Ambulance Trust officially opens Steve Ford Airbase
Source: Devon Air Ambulance, 26 Jan, 10
The new Devon Air Ambulance Trust ‘Steve Ford’ Airbase at Eaglescott Airfield, Umberleigh opens its hangar doors for the first time on Thursday 21st January, when it will be officially opened by BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers. Judi will be joined by the family of pilot Steve Ford, who the base is named after. [...]
Unity Hospital in Greece considers adding heliport
Source: ROC now, 25 Jan, 10
Unity Hospital in Greece may add a heliport so patients coming in for specialty care via Mercy Flight don’t have to stop first at the Greater Rochester International Airport.
Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance take delivery of new AW109E Power
Source: ITV, 25 Jan, 10
The air ambulance service which covers Northamptonshire unveiled its brand new helicopter on Friday at Althorp House. As well as the latest medical and radio equipment, the AgustaWestland 109 is also the fastest civilian helicopter in the UK.
Authorities ban Heli Austria from EMS work
Source: Krone, 22 Jan, 10
Since 1st January 2010, Austro Control have prohibited Heli-Austria from EMS flights allegedly because their machines do not meet certain requirements. Owner Roy Knaus accuses rival OEAMTC of a destruction campaign against his company.
Nova Scotia’s only helicopter ambulance grounded for six weeks
Source: CBC, 22 Jan, 10
The Emergency Health Service LifeFlight helicopter is in Ontario for maintenance following a safety recall. The manufacturer, Sikorsky, is replacing a section of the tail rotor after problems were found with similar models.
Air Methods tests air filter for Eurocopter EC135
Source: Chaffee County Times, 21 Jan, 10
Air Methods Corporation of Englewood was testing for the performance of an air filter that protects the engine from sand and dust, which reduce efficiency of engines.
Saints Flight helicopter to be stationed at St. Mary’s Hospital
Source: My Web Times, 21 Jan, 10
Saints Flight, a helicopter transport service, will be permanently stationed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator, hospital officials announced Thursday at a press conference.
London’s Air Ambulance receives ‘advice and guidance’ after commission probe
Source: Third Sector, 21 Jan, 10
London’s Air Ambulance has received unspecified ‘advice and guidance’ from the Charity Commission after concerns were raised about the charity’s governance and financial controls.
STARS Lottery kicks off 25 Years of Care in the Air
Source: STARS, 21 Jan, 10
The 17th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,080 prizes worth over $4.8 million. This year’s lottery kicks off STARS 25 Years of Care in the Air celebrations, with every ticket sold helping keep STARS in the sky.
“This year’s STARS Lottery kicks off our 25-year anniversary celebrations,” says Dr. Greg Powell. “Thanks to community [...]
AnMed Health launches LifeFlight service
21 Jan, 10
LifeFlight uses a Bell 206 L4. This helicopter is a single engine aircraft that can handle up to four people, including the patient. LifeFlight’s Bell 206 will be upgraded to a Bell 407 later in 2010.
RACQ-CQ Rescue takes delivery of second Bell 412
Source: Daily Mercury, 21 Jan, 10
RACQ-CQ Rescue welcomed a new team member yesterday – a second Bell 412 helicopter. The helicopter, which landed at its new base at 2.30pm, will replace the single-engine SA360 Dauphin that has been with the service since April, 2004.
Helipad creates waves in Sandton
Source: Eyewitness News, 21 Jan, 10
While some residents were concerned about noise pollution and an increase of traffic in their area others said the project was progressive.
Austria’s OAMTC leases EC135 from DRF
Source: RTH, 20 Jan, 10
An EC 135 in red and white paint of “Christoph 16″ has been leased by OAMTC, the Austrian rescue organisation following their requirement for a hook-equipped aircraft
EMS working group attack pressures to fly
Source: NEMSPA, 20 Jan, 10
A new working group of the air medical transport industry met on this date to formulate a strategy to identify and mitigate the pressures that may be placed on air medical crew members to accept or continue a flight under conditions of elevated risk.
The project is part of the No-Pressure Initiative sponsored by the National [...]
Jacksonville medics in Haiti plead for helicopters
Source: Jacksonville.com, 20 Jan, 10
The Jacksonville woman coordinating the efforts of a team of doctors and nurses in Haiti sent out an urgent plea Monday: Need helicopters.
Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance flies higher after noise complaints
Source: Derby Telegraph, 20 Jan, 10
THE air ambulance will fly higher over the area surrounding Royal Derby Hospital in a bid to appease residents who have complained about the noise it makes. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance has been transporting patients to the hospital since its helipad opened in June.
DRF moves “Christoph 49″ into new hangar/offices
Source: MOZ, 18 Jan, 10
On Friday, the new office building was officially handed over to staff the team of “Christoph 49″ by Dr. Siegfried Lederer
Kaweah Delta Medical Center earns grant to build helipad
Source: Visalia Times-Delta, 15 Jan, 10
he Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., won the grant to finance the project, according to a news release
Haiti – Aero Ambulancia Is Providing Assistance to Haiti Earthquake Victims
Source: AAMS, 15 Jan, 10
Aero Ambulancia, an international member of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), reports it has mobilized its fleet of four fully medically staffed and equipped helicopters to provide disaster-relief assistance to the people of Haiti following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the island last night.
Aero Ambulancia, the only company in the Dominican Republic [...]
Qatar’s Lifeflight looks to go 24 hours from March
Source: Gulf Times, 15 Jan, 10
THE Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the Hamad Medical Corporation is planning to expand the air ambulance services to a round-the-clock operation by March-end
REACH planning on new base at Upland starting in February
15 Jan, 10
The city entered into a contract with REACH Air Medical Services in June 2009 to operate a medical aircraft at no cost to the city, according to city officials.
Carolinas Medical Center Selects EMS Sky Connect to Outfit Air Ambulance Fleet
Source: EMS Technologies, 15 Jan, 10
Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), one of the Southeast’s leading healthcare systems, has selected the EMS Sky Connect FLEET™ Satcom system to provide voice and tracking for each of its aircraft ambulances. The MedCenter Air program, based in Charlotte, N.C., operates the air ambulances, which support local, regional, and international health care entities.
“We wanted a solution [...]
Helicopter surveillance could save lives in avalanche
Source: Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Jan, 10
Search-and-rescue officials along the Wasatch Front hope long-range helicopter avalanche-beacon-receiver technology and training will get them to the victim before it happens.
AirMed stays in Summit County Utah with move to Snyderville Basin
Source: Park Record, 10 Jan, 10
Since the 1980s an AirMed helicopter crew has been stationed in Summit County. They went from manning 12-hour to 24-hour shifts about two years ago. But with the Park City Fire District set to expand, AirMed learned last year that they were going to lose their landing pad at a fire station on Bitner Road
Med-Trans Corp launches new South Carolina program with AnMed Health
Source: Med-Trans Corp, 9 Jan, 10
When faced with an emergency, Upstate and northeast Georgia residents will now have even faster access to the life-saving care they need. Through a partnership with AnMed Health, Med-Trans Corp. is launching a helicopter program called LifeFlight, which will improve the timeliness of care for heart attack, stroke and trauma patients outside the city of [...]
Sky’s the limit for ambitious chief of Great North Air Ambulance
Source: Sunday Sun, 6 Jan, 10
When it comes to ambition, the sky’s the limit for Air Ambulance boss Grahame Pickering. In just eight years, he has seen the North’s air ambulance grow from a tiny affair – with just one helicopter – to a multi-million pound operation.
Swiss Air Ambulance doctor killed by avalanche during rescue mission
Source: REGA press release translated and lightly edited., 6 Jan, 10
On Sunday, a crew member of a REGA Swiss Air Ambulance helicopter was sadly killed while performing his job. Rega is extremely sad and condolences to the relatives of the deceased doctor and the relatives of the two who were killed also their heartfelt condolences.
Rega had been called to an avalanche in Diemtigtal in the [...]