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 equipped with enhanced technology features, including:

• GPS tracking capabilities
• Single pilot instrument rated aircraft with redundant independent dual autopilot systems
• Collision and terrain avoidance systems
• Increased lift off weight allowances
• Increased maximum flight range up to 370 miles
• Receipt of up-to-the-minute weather conditions in the cockpit
• Active weather radar system mounted in the nose of the aircraft
• Night vision goggle certification with goggles coming later this year

“The aircraft went into service January 22 after completing final inspection,” said Jerry Splitt, RN, Program Coordinator for Life Flight, Geisinger Health System. “The opportunity to add this aircraft to our fleet is really rewarding because its capabilities support our number one priority – safety for our flight crew and patients.”
The EC-145 in Williamsport is the third of its kind in the Life Flight fleet. The program also flies EC-145 helicopters out of bases in Danville and Avoca. Additional Life Flight bases are located in State College and Minersville.  The EC 145 has incorporated all of the NTSB’s aircraft recommendations that was published in September of 2009
“We have quite a bit of experience with the EC-145’s performance and the capabilities of its technology,” added Splitt. “The crew has a lot of respect for this helicopter and the vital role it plays in allowing the team to safely transport patients and enhance our mission capabilities.”
Geisinger is a $2.1 billion integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development and implementation of innovative care models including advanced medical home and ProvenCare (“warranty”) program. The system serves more than 2.3 million residents throughout 42 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.