STARS inks 10-year deal with Alberta Health Services
Source: Alberta Health Services, 04-May-10
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) base in Grande Prairie will receive provincial funding for the first time in its history as part of a new agreement between Alberta Health Services and STARS. The new agreement, formally announced by Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky in Grande Prairie today, commits to long term partial [...]
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo expansion adds helipad
Source: Buffalo Business First, 04-May-10
The completion of a $32 million emergency department at Mercy Hospital enables the use of a helipad at the South Buffalo hospital for the first time in more than a decade.
NEMSPA to distribute sleep and fatigue management program
Source: NEMSPA, 04-May-10
The National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) has joined with Alertness Solutions of Cupertino, California to serve as the exclusive distributor of the Z-Coach fatigue management program to members of the 24/7 nation-wide air medical transport community. Z-Coach is an innovative, comprehensive, internet-based program that provides individuals with knowledge, strategies, and tools to enhance safety and [...]
STARS equips BK117 fleet with AKV Cycle Counters from Dart Helicopter Services
Source: DART Helicopter Services, 04-May-10
Oceanside, CA, May 4, 2010 — The Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) recently equipped its fleet of five Eurocopter BK117s with AKV engine cycle counters from DART Helicopter Services (DHS). Engine manufacturers require engine cycle counting for maintenance purposes, and turbine engine cycle counters are an efficient, effective alternative to relying on pilots [...]
Florida’s First Flight becomes state’s first NVG-equipped EMS helicopter
Source: 13 News, 03-May-10
A Brevard County hospital is now the first in the state of Florida to use night vision on its Eurocopter EC135 medical helicopter.
Trauma Hawk flying fewer patients these days
Source: Orlando Sun-Senetinel, 03-May-10
Palm Beach County has seen a 10 percent drop in trauma alerts — calls to aid the most serious medical situations — and a 25% drop in Trauma Hawk transports since 2005. This EMS operation flies two Sikorsky S76C+ helicopters, registered N276TH and N911PB
Maryland paramedic’s family sues federal government for $15M
30-Apr-10
The attorney for flight paramedic Mickey Lippy’s family said Wednesday that his wife and young daughter deserve restitution for the “negligent acts” of FAA air traffic controllers – who are claimed to have provided outdated weather information
Kirksville Air Evac Lifeteam crew train up on NVG
Source: Kirksville Daily Express, 30-Apr-10
The Kirksville Air Evac Lifeteam crew will soon be better equipped to deal with the challenges of flying at night because of the training and recent implementation of Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
Alberta Government raises funding to STARS by Can$1.2M per year
Source: Edmonton Journal, 30-Apr-10
STARS has long been funded through a combination of public and private cash. Beginning this year, the province will up its contribution to the charitable group by $1.2 million, bringing its total annual investment in the group to $5.49 million.
First EMS helicopter in Denmark starts operations 1st May
Source: Copenhagen Post, 30-Apr-10
Denmark’s first emergency helicopter is preparing to take flight on 1 May in an 18-month trial scheme that will provide arial-based medical help to residents on Zealand.
UK: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to upgrade from Bo105 to EC135
Source: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, 29-Apr-10
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been flying and saving lives for just under three years. In that time it has made huge strides to provide the very best service possible to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Trustees are delighted to announce that, from September this year, [...]
Sikorsky Introduces State-of-the-Art EMS Interior for S-76
Source: Sikorsky, 28-Apr-10
Sikorsky Global Helicopters has introduced its first aircraft with a new state-of-the-art Emergency Medical Services interior. Sikorsky Global Helicopters is the commercial business operation of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Sikorsky’s Engineering Division in Coatesville, Pa., teamed with industry leader Air Methods Corp. and started working on the [...]
Upland Fire Dept introduces EMS EC135 in partnership with REACH
Source: Fire Dept News Network, 28-Apr-10
The Upland Fire Department in San Bernardino County, California recently introduced a new critical care air ambulance service through a public/private partnership with REACH Air Medical Services. This partnership is only one of two of its kind in the United States.
UK: Essex Air Ambulance to move from EC135 to MD Explorer
Source: HeliHub.com, 28-Apr-10
HeliHub.com understands that Essex Air Ambulance will be moving from their current Eurocopter EC135T2 to an MD Explorer, perhaps as early as June 2010. EAA already has experience of the type after operating one for their neighbouring county of Hertfordshire on similar EMS work – what better situation could you be in to compare two [...]
Medical researcher to present findings on use of ultrasound in EMS helicopters
Source: AAMS, 28-Apr-10
A medical researcher who received a MedEvac Foundation International grant for a project that proposes the revolutionary use of transcranial ultrasound to initiate the early diagnosis and potential treatment of stroke symptoms during medical helicopter transport will present his research team’s preliminary findings at a conference set for May 7, 2010, in Regensburg, Germany. Dr. [...]
HealthNet Unveils New Helicopter
Source: WBOY, 27-Apr-10
The new Eurocopter EC135 has been completed by Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation completes and delivers third EC145 for Cleveland Metro Life Flight
Source: Metro Aviation, 27-Apr-10
Nationwide air medical aviation services provider and helicopter completion specialists, Metro Aviation, Inc. has recently completed and delivered the third EC145 to Cleveland Metro Life Flight in Cleveland, Ohio. Metro Life Flight is part of the MetroHealth System and is a critical care air medical transport program serving northeast Ohio and the surrounding region since [...]
Air Evac 46 to celebrate 5th anniversary today
Source: Air Evac 46, 27-Apr-10
Date: Tuesday, 27 April 2010 Time: 17:00 – 21:00 Location: AE 46 Base @ Deaconess Campus Street: 617 W Delaware St, Evansville, IN On April 27th from 5:00pm until 9:00 pm we will be celebrating our 5th year of being open at this base. Hard to believe it’s been that long. We will be grilling [...]
Life Net of New York adds base at Hornell
Source: Elmira Star-Gazette, 27-Apr-10
The base will be staffed by an EMS pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic team, for 24x7x365 response. Air Methods currently operates five existing Life Net of New York bases in Albany, Wallkill, Glen, Sidney and Harris
Clarian Health unveils new EC145 for its LifeLine Critical Care Transport fleet
Source: Clarian Health, 25-Apr-10
Indianapolis, Ind. — To optimize the delivery of care to those who are critically ill or injured, air medical transport is the preferred mode of transportation. In LifeLine Critical Care Transport’s continued commitment to provide comprehensive quality care during the transport process, it has purchased new aircraft to replace its aging fleet. LifeLine’s new EC [...]
Calstar’s plans for Hollister base on hold
Source: Hollister Freelance, 24-Apr-10
The Hollister base’s opening – it would be Calstar’s 11th in the state – has been delayed before. Calstar’s original plan was to have the base open by April 2009, but because of the economy it postponed the completion to later in the summer. Nearly a year later, the project remains incomplete.
Angel MedFlight to Participate in Challenge Air Fly Day
Source: Angel MedFlight, 23-Apr-10
Angel MedFlight is excited to be a part of The Challenge Air for Kids & Friends Phoenix, AZ Fly Day on Saturday, April 24th. This amazing event allows children with special needs to take a brief flight over Phoenix. For many of the children, this will be their first flight ever. Each year local volunteers and [...]
Acadian plays a key role in an oil rig explosion off Louisiana
Source: Acadian Air Med, 23-Apr-10
Acadian’s Air Med, the One Gulf Offshore Emergency Call Center and Acadian Ambulance played a key role in rescue efforts after Tuesday’s oil rig explosion off the coast of Louisiana, transporting 18 of the workers injured in the blast to local New Orleans area and Alabama hospitals. Eleven people are still missing after the massive [...]
Life Link III to move base from St. Cloud to Alexandria
Source: SC Times, 23-Apr-10
The move means the helicopter can cut 30 minutes off travel time in some locations, Life Link spokeswoman Kristin Brand said
Univ Wisconsin Med Flight Marks 25 Years
Source: NBC 15, 22-Apr-10
UW’s Med Flight Program marks its 25th anniversary this month. The program has come a long way … It began with one aircraft… 500 flights a year to … two of these choppers and about 15 hundred flights annually.
Business and community leaders to direct new Northern Ireland air ambulance charity
Source: Ireland Air Ambulance, 22-Apr-10
A new company has been formed with the ambition to operate a helicopter emergency medical service in Northern Ireland. The company, Ireland Air Ambulance has recruited a board of directors with considerable business experience and cross community representation. At the same time the association, Ireland Air Ambulance will cease operations transferring its assets to the [...]
Irish Air ambulance charity branded a ‘fiasco’ after failing to take off
Source: Ulster Herald, 21-Apr-10
THE air ambulance charity which was to operate a helicopter from Omagh has been branded a “fiasco” after it would up without ever taking to the skies. Last year a BBC investigation revealed that a staggering 90% of the money collected in its first year went on overheads and wages.
Mineral Wells Air Evac Lifeteam to mark 5th anniversary
Source: Mineral Wells Index, 20-Apr-10
Mineral Wells Air Evac Lifeteam will be hosting an anniversary ribbon cutting and open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, at their base located at 322 S.W. 25th Ave. in Mineral Wells.
Mercy Medical Center prepares for helicopter era
Source: Merced Sun Star, 20-Apr-10
For the first time, helicopters are landing at a Merced hospital, practicing for when Mercy Medical Center opens a new hospital on May 2nd
Air Methods Completes First Bell 429 EMS Interior
Source: Air Methods, 20-Apr-10
Air Methods Corporation (AIRM 35.50, +0.90, +2.60%) , the largest air medical transportation company in the world, recently delivered the first medically equipped Bell 429 helicopter to Mercy One, its hospital-based services customer in Des Moines, Iowa. Air Methods’ Products Division is the first in the world to design, engineer, manufacture, and certify a medical [...]
Eight months after accident, Lee County ponders replacing lost EC145
Source: News Press, 20-Apr-10
Administrators are slated to meet Friday to discuss whether to replace the older chopper with a newer model, in addition to replacing the totaled aircraft, which is covered by a $5.4 million insurance policy, after a $25,000 deductible.
Laptop falls from medical helicopter
Source: WCCO, 20-Apr-10
The computer fell in the alley behind a home three blocks and across the Mississippi River from St. Cloud Hospital. Hospital officials said Life Link III had just landed with a patient and was leaving the helipad when the crew’s computer was left on the helicopter’s skid.
Cleveland Metro Life Flight Takes Delivery of Third EC145
Source: American Eurocopter, 20-Apr-10
American Eurocopter (“AEC”) announced today that the Cleveland Metro Life Flight program has taken delivery of another EC145. This helicopter will be the third EC145 in the Metro Life Flight fleet. Members of the Metro Life Flight team were at the company’s Grand Prairie campus for the delivery and to transport the aircraft back to [...]
Mexico: Jet Rescue´s New Helicopter Emergency Medical Service
Source: Jet Rescue, 14-Apr-10
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance is proud to announce the opening of a new business unit based in Mexico City. The “Critical Air” business unit offers emergency evacuation by means of its A-119 Koala air ambulance helicopter. Quick response teams are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in most weather conditions to ensure [...]
Profile: Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit
Source: Ventura County Star, 14-Apr-10
The distinctive yellow and blue helicopters of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit fly about 900 missions a year, and a volunteer from the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Medical Team is on board for almost every one
Maui’s Mayor proposes to eliminate island’s only helicopter ambulance
Source: Maui News, 14-Apr-10
Forced to make difficult budget decisions due to a dramatic drop in tax revenue collections, Mayor Charmaine Tavares has proposed to eliminate Maui County’s only helicopter ambulance service
Germany: AS365 replaces A109 at Rostock air rescue base
Source: RTH, 14-Apr-10
This move may be linked to the accident of Rostock based EMS A109 D-HAMF on 06-Feb-10
Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter open day a success for all
Source: Rotorua Daily Post, 14-Apr-10
Neil Dodds, base manager and pilot for the Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter, said the day was a big success. “It is way better than we expected. It’s really good to see the locals of Rotorua taking an active interest in what we do.”
17th Annual STARS Lottery sells out
Source: STARS, 13-Apr-10
The STARS Lottery has sold out again this year thanks to the generous support of Albertans. This year’s lottery generated over $10 million net for the non-profit charitable organization. “The STARS Lottery is the single largest source of funding to help keep STARS in the sky and continue providing airborne intensive care to critically ill [...]
Great North Air Ambulance launches Dauphin bought from Multiflight
Source: Multiflight, 13-Apr-10
A Dauphin N2 helicopter supplied to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) charity by Multiflight has been launched in Newcastle. The helicopter, the first of two Dauphin N2 helicopters that Multiflight has supplied to the charity, flew in over the Tyne and landed on Gateshead’s Quayside for the launch event. Representatives from GNAAS, Multiflight [...]
LifeFlight of Maine renews contract with EraMed
Source: EraMED, 10-Apr-10
EraMED LLC and LifeFlight of Maine announced today the renewal of their contract naming EraMED as LifeFlight of Maine’s provider of aviation management services. The two companies have worked together providing air emergency medical services since July 1998. LifeFlight of Maine owns two Agusta 109E helicopters; one based at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, [...]
Carilion Clinic welcomes visitors from Thailand
Source: Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation, 09-Apr-10
Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation Services (CCPT) was pleased to welcome 2 members of the Rotary International Group Study Exchange (GSE) Program today at our Roanoke base. The Rotary Foundation’s GSE Program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of [...]
Man stole from Great North Air Ambulance charity
Source: Gazette Live, 09-Apr-10
Wayne Birbeck had been working on a trial basis for two weeks for Where On Earth when he dishonestly took 100 collection bags belonging to the Great North Air Ambulance.
Langenselbold becomes Germany’s latest EMS base
Source: Osthessen News, 08-Apr-10
The city of Langenselbold has become the latest link in Germany’s helicopter rescue network
Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance increases operational hours
Source: Buxton Advertiser, 08-Apr-10
From April 1, Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) increased its flying hours from ten to 12 hours, and then from mid-May the hours will extend even further to 14 hours cover.
Mercy One visits hospital with new Bell 429
Source: Corydon Times, 07-Apr-10
The helicopter and crew came to let hospital staff and others get a look at the new helicopter. After three years of planning and development, Mercy Medical Center Des Moines took delivery of the $5.3 million Bell 429 on March 24.
DRF flies 10,000th mission from Dresden
07-Apr-10
DRF flew its 10,000th mission from Dresden after taking over management of the base on 1st January 2002
Air Methods makes $100K pledge to MedEvac Foundation International
Source: Air Methods, 06-Apr-10
Air Methods Corp. has presented a $100,000 pledge to MedEvac Foundation InternationalTM, as part of its continuing commitment to advance air-medical safety through greater research and education, while also supporting the organization’s valuable charitable endeavors. “The research and education of air-medical transport programs is an essential component of Air Methods Corporation’s commitment to safe, quality [...]
First of two N2 Dauphins launched by Great North Air Ambulance
Source: Multiflight, 27-Mar-10
The first of two Dauphin N2 helicopters supplied by Multiflight to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) will be launched by the charity today. The charity’s new life-saving helicopter, in its official GNAAS livery and fitted with state-of-the-art life-saving equipment, will be launched today, Friday March 26th. It will go by the name of [...]
Air Evac Lifeteam names top salesman
Source: Herald-Whig, 26-Mar-10
Roberts was the company’s No. 1 seller of memberships in 2009 with more than $100,000 in sales. Individual memberships normally run between $50 and $60 per year. Roberts was runner-up in memberships sold in both 2008 and 2007
Australia: Scotland Islanders push for a helipad
Source: Manly Daily, 26-Mar-10
RESIDENTS have suggested a helipad on Scotland Island for faster emergency transport to hospital.
Husky Energy donates ultrasound machines to STARS
Source: STARS, 25-Mar-10
Husky Energy’s President & Chief Executive Officer John C.S. Lau presented the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $100,000 cheque today at the Calgary STARS base to fund two new ultrasound machines. “The use of ultrasounds offers another important, sophisticated tool to assist our air medical crew in caring for the critically [...]
Ministry Health Care’s Spirit Medical Transportation adds EC145
Source: News of the North, 25-Mar-10
The EC145 replaces the Ministry’s venerable Bell-222 and is expected to enter into service during the second part of 2010
Air Evac Lifeteam says it likely turned down fatal flight because of weather
Source: Jackson Sun, 25-Mar-10
A spokeswoman says weather concerns prompted her medical transport company to turn down what appears to be the flight that led to a fatal Hospital Wing medical helicopter crash in Brownsville early this morning.
Air Evac Lifeteam add base at New Martinsville, West Virginia
Source: WBOY channel 12, 23-Mar-10
Air Evac opened up its new facility on the grounds of Wetzel County Hospital over the weekend.
Air ambulance needed in western Labrador, says NDP leader
Source: CBC, 22-Mar-10
A 56 year-old man fell from a platform at the Iron Ore Co mine and died while waiting for an air ambulance to arrive.
Air Evac Lifeteam to open Hardinsburg base in June
Source: Business First, 22-Mar-10
Air Evac Lifeteam, an independently owned, for-profit air ambulance provider, plans to open an office in Hardinsburg, in Breckenridge County, in June.
Pilot error blamed in fatal 2008 Air Angels crash
Source: Chicago Tribune, 22-Mar-10
The National Transportation Safety Board attributed the fatal 2008 crash of an Air Angels medical helicopter in Aurora to the pilot’s “inadequate preflight planning” and flying too low, which caused the copter to strike a radio tower.
Seven Arizona air ambulances agree to changes
Source: Arizona Daily Star, 22-Mar-10
Seven air ambulance companies have agreed to make changes in how pilots communicate with each other as they approach a Flagstaff hospital. The changes come as a result of the June 2008 mid-air collision of two medical helicopters that killed seven over the skies of Flagstaff.
STARS’ top doc to address rural care
Source: Okotoks Western Wheel, 21-Mar-10
Dr. Greg Powell, president and CEO of STARS air ambulance, will be speaking in Okotoks on March 25 and his message will be clear: The sooner a patient reaches critical care the more likely a positive outcome becomes.
Riverside Community Hospital to get helicopter landing pad
Source: Press-Enterprise, 21-Mar-10
Riverside Community Hospital has been the only trauma center south of San Francisco without a helicopter landing pad, hospital officials said, but no longer.
Hartford Hospital’s Life Star Off Critical List — For Now
Source: Hartford Business Journal, 21-Mar-10
The state has made it clear that they have no plans to reduce the program’s funding as part of budget planning for the 2010 or 2011 fiscal years.
WellmontOne medevac helicopter gets permanent base at Bristol Motor Speedway
Source: TimesNews, 19-Mar-10
Wellmont has served as the official health care provider for Bristol Motor Speedway for over a decade, and track legal counsel and Vice President Julie Bennett said the agreement for a medevac presence for the health system was easy to accomplish.
Night landings approved for helipad at Elk Valley Hospital
Source: STARS, 18-Mar-10
FERNIE: The Elk Valley Hospital’s helipad has been certified by Transport Canada for night landings with the use of night vision goggles (NVG); the helipad is the first day time helipad in Canada to receive this certification. This means that pilots from STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) air ambulance are now able to land [...]
Clarian Expanding LifeLine Service in Central Indiana
Source: Clarian Health, 18-Mar-10
INDIANAPOLIS – In a continuing effort to provide premier critical care transport services to communities throughout Indiana, and to better align with Clarian Health regionally, LifeLine Critical Care Transport will soon expand service to Lafayette and Muncie. Beginning July 2010, LifeLine, which operates 24-hours a day, will offer six base locations in Indianapolis, Lafayette, Muncie, [...]
Lifeline cleared for landing at ten regional hospitals
Source: WREX, 17-Mar-10
Lifeline helicopters get special clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration. It means they can land directly at ten regional hospitals including a Rockford one.
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter needs to raise Aus$1 Million
Source: Byron Shire News, 17-Mar-10
SPIRALLING costs in the aviation industry means the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter needs to raise $1 million more than it did last year just to keep the service in the air.
Profile: East Anglian Air Ambulance – based Norwich, UK
Source: EDP24, 16-Mar-10
Reporter Emma Knights joined the Anglia One team for a day. This year they celebrate 10 years in the air.
UK: Addenbrooke’s Hospital helipad plan finally off the ground
Source: Cambridge News, 14-Mar-10
After years of campaigning and fundraising by dedicated groups and individuals, hospital bosses have lodged detailed plans for a helipad on land south of the Rosie maternity hospital.
Iraqi Air Force helicopter medevac system reaches major milestone
Source: United States Forces - Iraq, 14-Mar-10
BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Air Force helicopter medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) system reached a major milestone March 7 as parliamentary elections were underway. For the first time an Iraqi MEDEVAC crew was there to provide point-of-injury care at the scene of a medical emergency. Since its rebirth in late 2004, the Iraqi Air Force had used [...]
Safety Bucks Presentation to Memorial Hermann Life Flight
Source: USAIG, 14-Mar-10
Michael L. Sweeney, COB & CEO of USAIG and Michael Lowman, USAIG VP & Manager –Dallas, presented a check to Eric Von Wenckstern, Memorial Hermann, Aviation Director, as part of the Safety Bucks program designed to encourage additional training for pilots and mechanics. USAIG partners with Eurocopter and several other helicopter manufacturers to reward premier [...]
British Columbia EMS helicopter fails to get off the ground
Source: BC Local News, 13-Mar-10
The BC Ambulance Service is defending its decision not to designate a full-time medical-emergency transport helicopter in the Southern Interior, nor run a pilot program to test the viability.
CALSTAR Names New Director of Risk and Safety Management
Source: CALSTAR, 13-Mar-10
California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) has announced the appointment of Louie R. Bell, current Director of Flight Operations, to a new post as Director of Risk and Safety Management. Bell assumes his new duties July 1, 2010. The new position will report directly to the President and CEO, and will oversee all aspects of [...]
