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 with coverage for aircraft traveling within the Carolinas as well as worldwide coverage for fixed-wing aircraft that travel internationally, offering the ability to both track and talk, all in a standardized system,” said Jason Schwebach, MBA, MHA, CMTE, administrative director for MedCenter Air. “In addition to providing reliable service, the EMS Sky Connect equipment will simplify our operations and accounting by unifying all tracking and voice capabilities through a single company. It’s a win for everyone.”
MedCenter Air maintains a growing fleet of custom-equipped aircraft, including three EC135 helicopters, two King Airs and two Cessna Citations. The operation has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) since 1997. MedCenter Air’s transport services are available to all medical facilities, first responders, insurance companies, managed-care organizations and members of the public.
The EMS Sky Connect FLEET systems provide voice telephone services for flight and medical crews. Aircraft equipped with the FLEET Mission Management Unit (MMU-II) also provide fast two-way text messaging. Each aircraft will also use FLEET’s automated tracking system. The aircraft position, flight plans, and text messaging will be displayed to MedCenter Air dispatchers using the Tracker Map™ service, which will provide real-time information about aircraft status, intended routes, estimated arrival times, and more.
“The EMS Sky Connect Tracker Map communication capability is designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and patient care, enabling the CMC to fulfill its safety and service commitments to hospitals,” said Wiley Loughran, senior vice president of sales and marketing for EMS Sky Connect. “EMS Sky Connect technology enables airborne medical crews to remain connected when transporting critically ill patients.”
EMS Sky Connect has more than 4,500 satellite communication systems flying worldwide.
About EMS Sky Connect
EMS Sky Connect, a division of EMS Technologies, Inc., is a leader in Iridium-based satellite technology and services for helicopter, fixed-wing, ground-based and marine applications. EMS Sky Connect offers a broad range of satellite-based tracking and voice systems in both commercial and government markets. Visit www.skyconnect.com or www.ems-t.com for more information.
About Carolinas Healthcare System
Carolinas HealthCare System (www.carolinashealthcare.org) includes 29 affiliated hospitals in North and South Carolina. As one of the leading healthcare systems in the Southeast, Carolinas HealthCare employs some 1,400 physicians and serves patients at more than 500 care locations including physician practices, nursing homes, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies and other facilities. These operations comprise approximately 6,000 licensed beds and employ some 44,000 people. CHS’s flagship facility is Carolinas Medical Center (www.carolinasmedicalcenter.org), an 874-bed hospital in Charlotte.