7-Jan-2013Source: ÖAMTC
On average, about every 34 minutes 2012 to the injured and ill patients was treated by an emergency physician the ÖAMTC Air Ambulance. Overall, the emergency helicopter launched to 15,589 operations. More than 500 specially trained paramedics, air ambulance of the Red Cross, the mountain rescue and the Vienna Ambulance and 48 pilots ensured a comprehensive emergency... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: www.flyatnight.info
Night flights are challenging. Visual information about the flight environment is greatly reduced as compared to daytime flying and is largely dependent on the amount of celestial illumination encountered throughout the flight. It is therefore of significant importance for the night pilot to know exactly when darkness falls, and if some level of illumination in... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: Fox11
With a multi-million dollar life-saving tool sitting in the hanger at Theda Clark Hospital, it’s vital for flight crews to know when to use the ThedaStar helicopter and when they have to just say no. (see full story)... Read more
7-Jan-2013Source: Ornge
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services is further improving accountability and transparency by introducing a whistleblower policy. “We are truly committed to continuous improvement at Ornge, and that means everyone should feel free to come forward with concerns, without fear of reprisal,” said Ron McKerlie, Interim President and CEO of Ornge. “Our... Read more
6-Jan-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that Geisinger Health System, in Danville, Penn. has ordered a fifth EC145 for its Life Flight® program. The new helicopter acquisition is part of Geisinger’s fleet modernization and upgrade plan based on the proven and popular EC145 platform. Geisinger Life Flight is a long-time Eurocopter operator and in 1983 became the... Read more
6-Jan-2013Source: London’s Air Ambulance
Coutts has exceeded its annual target of raising £50,000 for this year’s chosen charity, London’s Air Ambulance. Coutts’ Products, Services & Marketing team dug deep to raise more than double last year’s charity donation, culminating in a grand total of £51,705.60. Numerous fundraising activities were organised throughout the last twelve months, including comedy nights, a... Read more
5-Jan-2013
Colombian Navy 412 crashed on an EMS mission, killing Ocoró John Jairo Torres, who had over 15 years military experience. Four others to hospital – Pilot Miguel Córdoba, Copilot Juan Pablo Zuloaga; and rescuers Luis Miguel Ibáñez and Ronal Jiménez.... Read more
4-Jan-2013Source: DRF
[electronic translation] On time of the year the Berlin Air Rescue helicopter of the HDM is profit limited the future of wireless technology available, “Christoph Berlin” is now included in the digital radio for authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS). Thus the current analog radio has been replaced. “The new digital radio offers us in... Read more
4-Jan-2013Source: Prince George Citizen
“a trauma surgeon flying around in a helicopter, but it just doesn’t sound very realistic or geared towards patient care,” says the provincial president of the Ambulance Paramedics of BC (see full story)... Read more
4-Jan-2013Source: LifeTeam
A local press report confirms that LifeTeam from Kansas have this week launched operations from Central Nebraska Regional Airport with a Bell LongRanger IV helicopter [editor note, N45EA, serial 51104]. The following is text of a LifeTeam press release from May 2012 when they announced their plans:- When faced with a medical emergency, Nebraska residents... Read more
4-Jan-2013
Force landing on highway... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Douglas County Sentinel
The base is being temporarily housed at Tanner Medical Center while company officials seek a permanent location. (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Queensland Government
Increased funding for community-based emergency helicopter operators has been granted as the Newman Government considers plans for lasting change in their financial support. A new funding model for these essential services is detailed in the Summary Report of the Review of Aeromedical Helicopter Services in Queensland – November 2012, released for consultation by Health Minister... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: Contra Costa Times
As part of the city’s ongoing measures to address budget difficulties, officials have negotiated a new contract for their Air Ambulance program. (see full story)... Read more
3-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Wednesday 2nd January saw a bad start to 2013 with no fewer than four helicopter accidents in the US already recorded on the HeliHub.com accident pages. Two of these were EMS helicopters, a Med-Trans Bell 407 in Iowa and an Air Methods EC130 in Oklahoma. The former occurred after night fall and took the lives... Read more
3-Jan-2013
Helicopter went tech at highway landing site... Read more
2-Jan-2013Source: KSL
In choosing a new helicopter, the team took test rides up to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, fully loaded with crew, equipment and fuel, said pilot Jeff Dansie. (see full story)... Read more
2-Jan-2013Source: HeliHub.com
As we launch into 2013, HeliHub.com is proud to announce that we filed no fewer than 3,432 news stories in 2012. This averages around 14 stories per working day, and with the rate increasing towards the end of the year, the total for 2013 is expected to be a step-change higher. We are already clear... Read more
2-Jan-2013
Three killed in night time accident north of Ventura – pilot Gene Grell, nurse Shelly Lair-Langenbau and paramedic Russell Piehl. Reports state it was the helicopter based at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. Post impact fire. Was en route from Mason City to Emmetsburg.... Read more
2-Jan-2013
Very heavy field landing of an EMS helicopter – helicopter was headed from Seminole Airport to the Creek Nation Community Hospital in Okemah. Skids collapsed, main blades sliced tail boom. All four POB injured, noting that no patient was on board.... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: NEMSPA
The National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) Board of Directors announced their annual work session will be held in late January in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Board of Directors, made up of 12 members will spend time working together to be the voice of the air medical pilot. “With many issues and challenges facing the... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: American Eurocopter
Air Methods Corp., the U.S. largest operator of helicopters for emergency air medical transport services, has placed an order with American Eurocopter Corp. for 22 new helicopters valued at more than $80 million. With the order Air Methods, based in Englewood, Colo., continues to equip its fleet with new aircraft incorporating the latest in safety... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today an agreement with Air Methods for the supply of 20 Bell 407GX aircraft. Air Methods will dedicate the helicopters to air medical transport for critically ill and injured patients throughout the United States. “Air Methods’ order for 20 new Bell 407GXs is part of our... Read more
1-Jan-2013Source: NHS East of England Trauma Network
The NHS East of England Trauma Network is pleased to announce that a temporary helipad will be laid at Addenbrooke’s Hospital as the next step in enhancing care for the most seriously injured people across the region. This solution has been made possible by close partnership working between the hospital, ambulance service, air ambulance trusts... Read more
31-Dec-2012
Emergency field landing. Cause not yet advised, as press report of “blown off course” seems so improbable... Read more
29-Dec-2012
Emergency landing, Tail boom sliced, damage to main blades. Helicopter remained upright. No Fire. Patient on board... Read more
21-Dec-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The team at HeliHub.com would like to wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a financially secure 2013. This is the time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and we trust many of our readers will take time to consider what that means to the world, perhaps through attending a... Read more
21-Dec-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Azerbaijan Airlines has ordered ten AgustaWestland helicopters comprising a contract for eight AW139 intermediate twins and a preliminary sales contract for two AW189 medium twins. Six helicopters, four AW139s and the two AW189s, will be used for offshore transport operations; two AW139s for emergency medical services,... Read more
20-Dec-2012Source: Mercy Springfield Missouri
With an investment of $12 million, Mercy Springfield Communities is bringing faster, safer health care to those who need it in an emergency. Life Line is now operating three new EC135 P2+ helicopters with upgraded technology which will allow pilots to fly in weather conditions they previously could not have faced. Father Alexander Inke, a... Read more
20-Dec-2012Source: Ornge
The Board of Directors of Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew McCallum, M.D., F.R.C.P(C), as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ornge. Since 2008, Dr. McCallum has been the Chief Coroner for Ontario. Prior to that he was a Regional Coroner and held... Read more
18-Dec-2012Source: Geisinger Life Flight
After an extensive two-year application and development process, Geisinger Life Flight has been awarded an air carrier certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The air carrier certificate will allow Geisinger Health System (GHS) to directly operate the aircraft assets it leases and owns. In addition, GHS will directly employ its own pilots, mechanics and... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: Medical Aviation Services
Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust (KSSAAT) has signed a contract with air ambulance operator Medical Aviation Services (MAS) which heralds the introduction of a full 24/7 helicopter service in the UK’s South East from early next year. KSSAAT works in conjunction with the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) in the delivery of... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: Cornwall Air Ambulance
The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has been rewarded for its commitment to the environment by winning the New Build category at the Cornwall Sustainability Awards. Chief Executive Paula Martin, who collected the award, said, “We at the charity are both honoured and proud to have won this category, the competition was very strong indeed this... Read more
17-Dec-2012
The Air Ambulance Service based out of Custume Barracks in Athlone has performed over 100 missions since the service was established last June. (see full report)... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: Ornge
Ornge have announced the appointment of Rob Giguere to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Giguere will oversee Aviation, Operations and the Operations Control Centre to ensure all teams are working together and moving forward to support Ornge’s focus on patient care and Ontario operations. He brings decades of experience and knowledge in... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas and with a satellite office in North Dakota announced today that they will be launching a dedicated air medical helicopter flight program in Western North Dakota in April of 2013. This specialized air ambulance will support and assist the region’s first responders, hospitals and law enforcement with critically ill... Read more
17-Dec-2012Source: STARS
The much-anticipated addition of the new AW139 was made official Friday when the helicopter was unveiled in the hanger at the STARS base in Edmonton. The roughly 200 guests, including donors, crew and staff, were thrilled to see the gleaming red air ambulance in person. Its purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of... Read more
16-Dec-2012
Bird strike – windshield broken... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Spectrum Aeromed
Spectrum Aeromed announced today that the company successfully completed all requirements for AS9100 Rev C certification. The highly recognized certification is an aerospace industry standard on quality control and continual process improvement. “We are extremely proud of our team for obtaining the AS9100 Rev C certification,” said Spectrum Aeromed Production Manager Bob Daily. “We have... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Eurocopter
The fast-paced deliveries of four new EC135s to Skärgårdshavets Helikoptertjänst Ab (SHT) during the fourth quarter of 2012 is enabling this Finnish operator of emergency medical airlift services and air ambulance flights to modernize its helicopter fleet. These rotorcrafts are replacing three older EC135s operated by SHT, bringing its total inventory to five of these... Read more
12-Dec-2012Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is breaking new ground in the Air Ambulance industry having just become the first Air Ambulance in the UK to apply for and obtain their own Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from scratch. The Yorkshire based charity, which owns and operates two MD 902 Explorers, learned last week that after nearly... Read more
12-Dec-2012
Former employee Lisa Kirbie sued Ornge only about six weeks ago, but a spokesman for the EMS operator says the case has now been resolved, though details of the settlement are confidential. (see full story)... Read more
11-Dec-2012Source: European Helicopter Show
European Helicopter Show is pleased to announce the patronage of Mr Přemysl Sobotka, Vice-President of the Senate of Parliament, Czech Republic. The political career of Mr Přemysl Sobotka started in the Velvet Revolution in 1989, where he was a member of the “for-all” Civic Forum and joined the right-wing Civic Democratic Party after its foundation... Read more
11-Dec-2012Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announced today that its board of directors has declared a special cash dividend of $7.00 per share (on a pre-split basis) on the Company’s common stock, payable on December 28, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 20, 2012.... Read more
10-Dec-2012Source: Deaconess Hospital
The Evansville, Indiana, Air Evac Lifeteam base has been selected as the company’s 2012 National Community Service Base of the Year. The Community Service Base of the Year Award is presented to the base in the Air Evac Lifeteam system that has shown outstanding community service in its market area. Lonnie Dardeen, program director for... Read more
10-Dec-2012
Three killed in an EMS helicopter accident – en route from Rockford base to Mendota to pick up a patient. Weather reported as a factor. Pilot later named as Andy Olesen, and the two flight nurses were Jim Dillow and Karen Hollis... Read more
6-Dec-2012Source: REACH
This is the press release confirming the story HeliHub.com ran FIVE WEEKS ago! – see California’s REACH sold to AMGH REACH Medical Holdings LLC, parent company of REACH Air Medical Services with headquarters in Santa Rosa, has been wholly acquired by Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc. (AMGH). As of December 5, 2012 REACH joins a... Read more
5-Dec-2012Source: HeliHub.com
A new arrival on the British aircraft register yesterday was a new Eurocopter EC135P2e for Devon Air Ambulance. Serial 1080 has recently been completed at the Donauworth factory and is now registered as G-DAAN. This normally signifies arrival in the UK, and the aircraft is currently registered to Eurocopter UK at Oxford,. who are doing... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Rega
On Monday, 3 December 2012, Swiss Air-Rescue Rega put its new dispatch system into operation. The changeover to the new infrastructure went off without a hitch. The introduction of this new system represents a key milestone within the major project, REMICO (Rega Mission Control), which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014.... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: STAT MedEvac
The 2012 Pennsylvania State EMS Awards were held on Monday, November 19 at the Radisson Harrisburg Hotel and Conference Center in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. These annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that have provided outstanding community service as part of Pennsylvania’s emergency medical services system. The awards ceremony is presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Air Methods
The stockholders of Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, today approved a three-for-one stock split, an increase from 23.5 million to 70.5 million in the number of authorized shares of the Company’s Common Stock and an increase from 5 million to 15 million in the number of authorized shares of... Read more
4-Dec-2012Source: Wales Air Ambulance
Wales Air Ambulance’s Swansea based air ambulance attended its 8,000th mission on the 28th November 2012. The service has now been in operation for 11 years from Fairwood Airport, Swansea, starting as a 5 day service which was launched on St David’s Day 2001. Wales Air Ambulance has since expanded to having three helicopters across Wales which... Read more
29-Nov-2012Source: West Virginia Record
A former employee is suing Air Methods Corporation after he claims his employment was wrongfully terminated because he reported safety violations. (see full story)... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) having recently upgraded to state of the art ZOLL® X Series™ Patient Monitors is delighted to donate two older generation Schiller patient monitors to Dr Peter Temesvari, Medical Director of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in Hungary. Before being appointed Medical Director of Hungarian HEMS, Peter Temesvari was a HEMS Doctor... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Child Flight
Telstra Child Flight, founded by the community as the emergency helicopter service for critically ill children, has been helping to save young lives across NSW and the ACT for some 23 years. We have survived storms, floods, bushfires and funding shortfalls and we have dealt with critical life-or-death situations on a daily basis. Our specially... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: CareFlight
National aeromedical charity CareFlight has been selected by the NSW Government to fly medical teams from the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) from January next year. Starting on 1 January, CareFlight will provide two helicopters to fly the NETS teams and patients from all over NSW to leading metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Newcastle... Read more
28-Nov-2012
A lot of the repairs were “cosmetic,” he said. Many of the plastic fittings had melted and were changed out. The wiring harness from the control panel of the cockpit was changed. Fibreglass windows were replaced. The craft’s blades were changed out as well – the work cost around $250K (see full story) The story... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: Air Ambulance Victoria
Air Ambulance Victoria has marked its 50th year of flying patients in critical life-threatening emergencies with a special celebration at Essendon Airport. Over 100 people attended, including Minister for Health David Davis, Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella, past patients and their families, past and current staff including flight paramedics, pilots, navigators and members from emergency... Read more
28-Nov-2012Source: NBC2
Charlotte County commissioners in Florida gave Aeromed the green light to base a medical helicopter in Punta Gorda. (see full story) Aeromed currently has two EC135s and three BK117s – operated for them by Air Methods... Read more
28-Nov-2012
Tail rotor damage after striking tree. EMS aircraft, accident time 0130 local.... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: Philips SAR Trust
After a two-year quest, a new rescue and air ambulance helicopter has been purchased for the Waikato and King Country community. The multi-role BK117 is a multi-million dollar investment for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Hamilton. “The capabilities that this BK117 adds to our rescue portfolio are... Read more
27-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Scotland has previously been covered from the air by two Eurocopter EC135s, operated by Bond Air Services on contract to Gama Aviation who hold a contract with Scottish Ambulance Service. This is the only EMS operation in the UK funded by central government, and it is planned to upgrade from EC135 to EC145T2 in due... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: MidCentral Health
MidCentral Health is pleased to announce that it has awarded its air ambulance services contract for patient transfers to HeliPro. HeliPro is an organisation with extensive experience in providing state of the art equipment, aircraft and professional pilots in delivering search and rescue and commercial pilot services across the whole of New Zealand. MidCentral Health... Read more
25-Nov-2012
The Telus logo was added to the STARS helicopter in a ceremony on Wednesday morning for surpassing the $1 million mark in giving to the charity. (see full story)... Read more
25-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
AirCare 4 in Virginia – based Front Royal-Warren County Airport – have recently changed helicopter type. Operator PHI Medical has swapped out the Eurocopter EC135 they had previously used and repplaced it with a Bell 407. PHI spokeman Glenn Deaton is quoted in local media saying it was “purely a business development decision to move... Read more
23-Nov-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Sloane Helicopters have today taken delivery of another A109E Power to provide additional back-up support to their operational fleet following introduction of their third AW109 on air ambulance duties. The aircraft will also be used to cover the increased demand for flying training to IR level. The aircraft concerned is G-CHVA, serial 11100 and previously... Read more
23-Nov-2012Source: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
Thanks to an appeal over the summer which raised over £14,000, the people of Essex and Hertfordshire are now benefiting from some of the highest standard pre-hospital cardiac care the World has to offer with new state of the art equipment on board the Essex & Herts Air Ambulances. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust... Read more
22-Nov-2012Source: County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal
HeliHub.com Editor note – We just HAD to change the title of this press release. A case of PR agency not engaging brain, in fact. They sent this press release out with the title “Southampton General Hospital helipad celebrates well over 300 successful landings in its first year of service” – Of course they were... Read more
19-Nov-2012
Post flight inspection revealed damage following bird strike... Read more
15-Nov-2012
Force landing after striking power lines. Wire strike system successfully cut cables and helicopter landed safely. This report suggests that the helicopter was flying at 80-100 ft altitude, and thus the crew “were acting outside the scope of their employment and in violation of Federal Aviation Regulations, company operational specifications and policies.”... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Essex Air Ambulance
After four years of investigations into a Charity Shop in Walton-on-the-Naze; Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is delighted to confirm the closure of the Charity Shop and that the proprietor Nigel Philpott-Jones has pleaded guilty of fraud by false misrepresentation. His official sentencing has taken place today at Chelmsford Crown Court and Mr... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Voxy
The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (ARHT) is the first rescue helicopter service in New Zealand to carry portable ultrasound equipment, giving it the potential to save more lives. (see full story)... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: Bond Air Services
Bond Air Services is delighted to congratulate the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) on winning an Air Ambulance Team Award from the Ambulance Service Institute. The award, presented at a ceremony in London earlier today, recognised MAAC’s exemplary response to an incident in Lucton, Herefordshire in February this year, when all three Midlands Air Ambulance... Read more
