6-Jan-2012Source: Idaho Statesman
Life Flight Network closed its McCall base on Dec. 31. Emergency air service by the medical transportation provider in the McCall area will come from Treasure Valley bases instead. (see full story)... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: French Navy
[electronic translation] December 31, 2011, the Cayman NH90 NFH of the flotilla of 33F-Lanvéoc Poulmic conducted its first medical evacuation, one of the missions assigned to this new helicopter for the Navy. December 31 at 8 am 30, the operational center of the Navy in Brest contacts the driver alert fleet 33E of the BAN-Lanvéoc... Read more
4-Jan-2012Source: SLSWA
Surf Life Saving WA’s new Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has commenced patrols of Perth’s metropolitan coast. The aircraft arrived last week from New Zealand and was purchased by SLSWA who have now moved to an owner operator model for the service, thanks to the philanthropic support of Tim Roberts. “The assistance and support of Tim... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is an internal memo released on December 23, 2011. Sent on behalf of Tom Lepine, Maria Renzella and Rick Potter (HeliHub Editor note – click here to see profiles of these executives) We know that over the past few weeks, many of you, valued members of the Ornge family, have been upset and concerned... Read more
2-Jan-2012Source: Christus Spohn Hospital
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South celebrates a brand new Halo Flight Landing Pad with a Helo Pad blessing. Previously, Halo Flight landed on a flat grassy area behind the hospital. That area has now been paved and outfitted with special lighting to help guide Halo Flight to the hospital. This enhancement to the hospital will... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 17th December, the DRF base at Dresden – known in Germany as “Christoph 38” – flew its 1,500th mission. The particular incident was a road accident were a 46-year old female driver sustained serious pelvic and leg injuries after her car left an icy road and hit a tree. Onsite assessment by local paramedics... Read more
30-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 29th December, the Austrian OAMTC organisation flew the 10,000th mission from its base at Salzburg. A 44 year old female driver skidded on icy roads and ended up against a tree, resulting in the milestone call-out 10 minutes flight from Salzburg for “Christoph 6”, a Eurocopter EC135. The team involved were emergency physician Josef... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: Frimley Park Hospital
Frimley Park Hospital has taken delivery of an early Christmas present in the form of a new helicopter landing pad for its £22m emergency department development. Sections of the helipad are now going into place on the roof of what will be one of the biggest and most modern emergency departments in the country when... Read more
27-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Suffolk County legislature has approved $7.5 million for a new helicopter for rescues on the east end, according to media reports. HeliHub.com believes this would equate to a Eurocopter EC145 to match the existing aircraft on EMS duties, although it is likely they will go through the expected procurement process with multiple types before... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: NEMSPA
To: All NEMSPA Members, Corporate Partners, and All Others affiliated with Air Medical Transport. First, I want to say “Thank you” to our members and corporate partners for your involvement and commitment to safety in the HEMS industry and for your support of the National EMS Pilots Association. Second I want to express my sincere... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Versapak
When it comes to saving lives, having the best preparation and equipment available is paramount to a successful rescue. For London’s Air Ambulance, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) charity that provides 24-hour specialist trauma care to the people of London, this understanding is what allows them to provide their patients with the best possible... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: CBS Chicago
The lawsuit was filed by SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. The group is seeking to have a judge reverse the October ruling by the Illinois Department of Transportation that approved the heliport. (see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
One million members! The Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance company reached a milestone today with the announcement they have signed up their one millionth Air Evac Lifeteam member. “This is a great achievement for the company overall,” said Vice President of Membership Keith Hovey. “But more importantly, it means that a million people will not... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: The Star
AgustaWestland’s American office struck a $6.7 million deal to hire a Toronto firm made up of ORNGE executives to provide it with “sales and marketing services.†(see full story)... Read more
23-Dec-2011Source: Ornge
Dr. Mazza will be on an indefinite medical leave and in his absence, Tom Lepine will be the interim President and CEO of Ornge and Maria Renzella will be the interim President and CEO of Ornge Global. I ask that everyone respect his privacy and that of his family during this time. Requests from Minister... Read more
21-Dec-2011Source: TheSpec
The air ambulance helicopter at ORNGE’s Thunder Bay base was grounded hundreds of times this year because no paramedics were available for emergency flights. (see full story)... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: FedBizOpps
Solicitation Number:Â W58RGZ-12-R-0135 Notice Type:Â Sources Sought Synopsis: Added:Â Dec 07, 2011 4:24 pm Synopsis: The Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) is seeking information to identify potential sources which may possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to meet the requirements for production and delivery of two (2) new Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) rotary... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Lawrence Municipal Airport is the location of a new base for Boston Medflight, a satellite location to help provide a better service from Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. The airport is located off Route 125 in North Andover, and operations began there on 21st November with a helicopter moving in from Hancom Field in... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) can confirm that they will be relocating one of their air ambulances in the North area of Yorkshire to RAF Topcliffe. RAF Topcliffe offers the YAA an established airfield and infrastructure in North Yorkshire, providing a stable and long term future for one of their air ambulances and crew members.... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: The Air Ambulance Service
The Children’s Air Ambulance is delighted to announce to all our supporters that our dream of providing a national bespoke helicopter transfer service for seriously ill children is soon to be a reality. Nicola Howkins said: “This progress is really exciting news and thanks to a new partnership with the team behind the Warwickshire &... Read more
20-Dec-2011Source: Herts Air Ambulance
More lives are being saved in Hertfordshire thanks to the Herts Air Ambulance (HAA). Since its launch in November 2008 this vital Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has flown over 900 life-saving missions. The landmark call-out was on Tuesday 13th December to a road traffic collision involving three vehicles on the QE2 Bridge in Thurrock. The... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: EMS World
Report says at least five top executives are shielded from the “sunshine list” published annually by ONtario to help make government accountable. (see full story)... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Norsk Luftambulanse has confirmed to HeliHub.com that they will take delivery of a new EC135P2+ on 20th January 2012. Serial 1033 from the production line at Donauworth, the new aircraft will add to the fleet which provides EMS cover throughout Norway, and now includes a base in Denmark as well. The helicopter will be registered... Read more
19-Dec-2011Source: Pique
After a time when Transport Canada closed a batch of EMS helipads to force certain upgrades, it gave the hospital management teams opportunities to get all the upgrades done. However, the upgraded pad at Whistler Health Care Centre failed its inspection Thursday (see full story)... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Spectrum Aeromed
Michael Gallagher has joined Spectrum Aeromed as Vice President, Project Manager. In his new role, Gallagher will direct the activities of systems analysis, design, product development and sales in the implementation of air medical equipment solutions. “Mike Gallagher is a highly-skilled professional and proven leader. His outstanding background in mechanical engineering, lean manufacturing and customer... Read more
17-Dec-2011Source: Convio
Design consultancy Convio has completed a rebrand and website design project for charity The Children’s Air Ambulance. The Children’s Air Ambulance provides helicopter transfer sevice and life-saving treatment to critically ill children thorughout the UK. The rebranding is in line with the recent takeover of the charity by the umbrella organisation The Air Ambulance Service.... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have launched an official iPhone App to enable supporters to keep even more up to date with the latest news and activity from the life-saving Charity. The brand-new App, which is now available to download via the iTunes App store for £1.99, enables supporters to track HM98 & HM99 across... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: University of Utah Healthcare
With the goal of better serving southern and central Utah regions, University of Utah Health Care’s AirMed and Mountain View Hospital welcomed guests today to celebrate AirMed’s new 24-hour aircraft base at Mountain View Hospital in Payson. The new base in Payson was a strategic move for AirMed, as the crew relocated to Mountain View... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries announced that it has received an order for a BK117C-2 helicopter from Nishi Nippon Airlines Co., Ltd. The helicopter, to be used as medevacs in Oita prefectures, is slated for delivery starting in May 2012 . The Kawasaki BK117 helicopter was developed jointly by Kawasaki and European helicopter manufacturer, Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD),... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has delivered the first Bell 429 with a multi-mission configuration to Fairfax County, Virginia. This is the first of two Bell 429s being delivered to Fairfax County. Their second Bell 429 is expected to deliver in the second quarter of 2012. This multi-role Bell... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: OPEIU
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopter pilots, members of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 109 employed by Air Methods Corporation based in Denver, Colorado have ratified a new agreement covering more than 1,000 pilots. AMC operates in 45 states transporting close to 100,000 patients annually as the nation’s largest provider of air medical... Read more
16-Dec-2011Source: Eurocopter
A ceremony was held in Bucharest today for the delivery by Eurocopter Romania, a subsidiary of Eurocopter – the world’s leading civil and parapublic helicopter manufacturer – of an EC135 helicopter to Romania’s Ministry of Health. The ceremony was attended by the Romanian Minister of Health Ladislau Ritli, the Secretary of State in the Romanian... Read more
15-Dec-2011
Summit Air Ambulance is expanding its business with a new base in the Montana city of Belgrade, which they expect to have up and running by 1st January. (see full story). The company is based in Idaho and has a base at Boise in their home state of Idaho, as well as bases at Las... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: CALSTAR
The Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation has donated $25,000 to the California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) base in Ukiah. It is the ninth year in a row that the foundation has made a substantial donation to the base, known as CALSTAR 4. According to Deborah Pardee, R.N., M.S., North Bay Regional Director for CALSTAR, the donations... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: London's Air Ambulance
Today marked a moment in history when London’s Air Ambulance, the world’s leading air ambulance, began operating from its new home on top of the new Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. The helicopter landed at 8.05am for service. At 284ft high, the helipad is one of the highest in Europe and is almost the same... Read more
15-Dec-2011Source: REACH
REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) and Methodist Healthcare (Methodist) announce the expansion of their partnership providing emergency helicopter service to include a second base in Pearsall, Texas, called Methodist AirCare 2. Service began on December 12, 2011. AirCare 2 will provide life-saving 24/7 emergency medical helicopter service from a base located 50 miles southwest of... Read more
14-Dec-2011Source: STARS
Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris, STARS representatives and local media received a phase-one project briefing today at the site of the future STARS helicopter base at the Regina International Airport. Construction is progressing on schedule in advance of the anticipated spring 2012 launch of operations. “We’re very excited to move a step closer to introducing... Read more
12-Dec-2011Source: INAER
In the city of Puerto Varas has been installed an emergency helicopter operations center for southern Chile. At the base, a Bell 212 helicopter will operate, equipped with a mobile ICU and medical equipment for the patient to receive the first care, stabilization in the accident site and care during transport to hospital. “The use of helicopters to evacuate critically... Read more
11-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The current President of the board of Trustees of Rega Foundation stands down at the end of December 2011. Albert Keller has served for 10 years having taken over the role at the beginning of 2002. He has had an eventful time as a President, including the procurement of new helicopters, introduction of a new... Read more
9-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
WPD Helicopter Unit have now registered their first EC135P1 as G-WPDB. Previously D-HAIT with German EMS operator ADAC, it is expected to be joined by sister ship G-WPDA from the same source within days. As recently as 22nd November, the helicopter was still in its ADAC yellow scheme at Bonn-Hangelar airport, but it is expected... Read more
8-Dec-2011Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corp., a leader in the air medical industry is pleased to announce that their Southeast Texas Air Rescue program was recently named the Texas EMS Air Medical Service of the Year. The Department of Health and Human Services recently presented the award to the Air Rescue team at the Texas EMS Conference in Austin,... Read more
7-Dec-2011Source: Ornge
On behalf of Ornge’s Board of Directors, Ornge management and staff, Ornge is compelled to respond to the Toronto Star story of December 5, 2011. We are setting the record straight. Ornge compliant with the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. Ornge is in compliance with the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. The following... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: REACH
REACH Air Medical Services and Cal-Ore Life Flight announce the merger of the two privately-held companies, creating the most comprehensive network of medical air and ground transportation in the Western United States. REACH, with 13 helicopter bases and one airplane base, and Cal-Ore, with two airplane and two ground ambulance bases, have been collaborators in... Read more
6-Dec-2011Source: HeliHub.com
As New Jersey State Police take delivery of their new fleet of AW139s, their retiring fleet of S76Bs are up for auction. Rightly or wrongly, they have chosen to sell all five S76Bs as one lot. All are EMS configured with dual litter capability, four attendant/cabin seats, suction system, LOX, shore power, plug-type sliding cabin... Read more
2-Dec-2011Source: SHT
Skärgårdshavets Helikoptertjänst Ab (SHT) has been awarded the contract to operate 3 HEMS bases in Southern Finland. The board of Directors at FinnHEMS Ltd. has chosen SHT to act as their HEMS operator at the bases situated in Vantaa, Tampere and Turku. The contract period is 7 + 3 years. The long contract with FinnHEMS... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
United Rotorcraft Solutions, located in Decatur, TX, recently secured the completion contract to outfit HALO-Flight, Inc’s third Bell 407 Helicopter. In late October, HALO-Flight purchased an additional aircraft to meet the needs of its 26-county service area. “We selected United Rotorcraft for the task because of our past experience with the company and their new... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: Western Telegraph
The Wales Air Ambulance has received a massive lift with the news Valero’s Pembroke Refinery has donated £100,000 to the lifesaving charity, after it was elected “charity of the year” by employees (see full story)... Read more
30-Nov-2011Source: InCumbria
GNAA has so far sold more than 80,000 tickets for the fundraiser, which will be drawn on December 14. (see full story)... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. attracts first-time customer, Duke Life Flight, with their extensive custom aircraft completion options. After operating two EC135’s for several years, Duke Life Flight decides to replace the EC135’s with two EC145’s completed by Metro Aviation, Inc. “The larger cabin of the EC145 combined with the state of the art medical interior and... Read more
29-Nov-2011
Rio Tinto’s sponsorship of $1M a year over the next 10 years will be in addition to what the State Government provides. EMQ are looking at using the first year of the Rio Tinto funds to increase the fuel capacity (and thus range) of their three AW139s. (see full story) Photos reproduced with prior permission... Read more
29-Nov-2011Source: US Army
KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Calling for air medical evacuation on the battlefield is a skill required before it’s needed. For Indiana Guardsmen with the 4-19th Agribusiness Development Team and pilots from the Wyoming National Guard’s Company C, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, training on Forward Operating Base Salerno, Nov. 18, honed their proficiency for medevacs.... Read more
28-Nov-2011Source: ASU
The military has realized the benefits of night vision technology for years. Now pilots with Sanford’s Life Flight have been trained and are now using the helmet mounted night-vision goggles. The goggles are especially important for medical emergencies in our rural areas. Life Flight pilot Tim Vreeman is no stranger to birds. He’s been flying... Read more
25-Nov-2011Source: STARS
Former STARS patients, media, and members of the public are invited to a special five-year anniversary celebration at the STARS Grande Prairie base on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 1 to 4 p.m. This event will acknowledge the incredible support from the community, while reflecting upon major milestones that have taken place over the past... Read more
25-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Air Evac Lifeteam have upgraded their base at Carrizo Springs Airport in Texas – about 125 miles south-west of San Antonio. Known as “Lifeteam 71”, this base previously flew a LongRanger, they now have a Bell 407 in the same colour scheme Photos were released on AEL71’s Facebook page William P Johnson – HeliHub.com US... Read more
23-Nov-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM) announced today that the Company will restate its financial results after receiving a response from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC responded to the Company’s previous request for guidance concerning the appropriate GAAP interpretation of the maximum amount that the Company could be required to pay as described... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: Hartford Hospital
It’s the life-saving medical helicopter that has been saving lives since 1985, and its team just received a great honor. The LIFE STAR program, owned and operated by Hartford Hospital, has been selected as a recipient of the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Program of the Year for 2011. The Program of the Year... Read more
22-Nov-2011Source: ABC
The Health and Community Services Union’s Tim Jacobson says the $3.20 an hour members get on top of a base wage for helicopter shifts is not enough to recognise the extra training and work. (see full story)... Read more
21-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Broadcaster MTV3 reported last week that the Finnish government will fund all air ambulance operations from 1st January 2012. Currently hhalf of air ambulance flights are funded through the Slot Machine Association, a government-controlled monopoly, with charities funding the other half. Maria Guzenina-Richardson, the health and social services minister, told MTV3 that money for air... Read more
19-Nov-2011Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is very pleased to announce that Mr. Rod Gantefoer has accepted the position of Executive Vice President for the STARS Foundation. Reporting to STARS’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gantefoer will provide leadership to the STARS Foundation team and work to develop community partnerships and fundraising initiatives to enhance... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In an incredulous decision, Hambleton District Council has served an enforcement notice on Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) to move off Bagby Airfield due to noise issues – hands up those who genuinely think MD Explorers are noisy…Â YAA has also been served with a notice to dismantle its flight crew room, toilet and shower block.... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bird strikes are not that uncommon with helicopters as most are operating at relatively low level. But to have two EUrocopters make emergency landings on consecutive days with holes created by those bird strikes is unusual. On Wednesday a news gathering AS350B2 in Scottsdale, Arizona took a dove into the cockpit. The helicopter is operated... Read more
18-Nov-2011Source: Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance
A long awaited event for Southampton General Hospital, and for HIOWAA, took place today. Â The new Helipad, which has been built on the multi story car park, opened with the first landing by the HIOWAA aircraft. Â There were many people there to see it, including members of the Hampshire media, and individuals from both SGH... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Insolvency Service
Three connected companies that operated a charity collection scam were last week closed down in the public interest by the High Court in London, following an investigation by Company Investigations of the Insolvency Service. The companies are Air Ambulance Support Community Interest Company (“Air Ambulance Support CICâ€), St Anthony (Trading Co) Ltd (formerly Air Ambulance... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: EME
Mercy Air, a division of Air Methods Corporation (http://www.airmethods.com), needed to find a better and safer way to remove, transport and install motors and transmissions in its helicopters. Renting fork lifts was proving to be cumbersome, expensive and dangerous as the components, often costing in the high six figures were in danger of being damaged... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: Wichita Eagle
Wichita-based EagleMed and St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City have a new partnership to provide critical-care air medical transport services. (see full story)... Read more
17-Nov-2011Source: REACH
The Woman’s Hospital of Texas (Woman’s) and REACH Air Medical Services, LLC (REACH) announce a collaboration to provide life-saving 24/7 emergency medical helicopter service to Houston and outlying areas. The service will provide air transport exclusively for high-risk maternal and neonatal patients to Woman’s for specialized care. Woman’s and REACH are combining resources to provide... Read more
16-Nov-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. recently entered into a contract with STAT MedEvac for three EC135 and two EC145 aircraft completions. The latest order will be a continuation of business between Metro Aviation, Inc. and STAT MedEvac that began with the introduction of the first EC135 aircraft in the United States, which was completed by Metro Aviation,... Read more
15-Nov-2011Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter and the German air rescue organisation DRF Luftrettung signed a purchase agreement last night for 25 helicopters of the newest generation – the EC145 T2. This purchase makes the air rescue organisation Europe’s largest customer for this type of helicopter. With the purchase of these aircraft, the DRF Luftrettung will successively replace the BK... Read more
14-Nov-2011Source: Cheyenne RMC
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is expanding its emergency care across the region with the addition of an AirLife Denver medical helicopter service in Cheyenne. The new service is a partnership between Cheyenne Regional and HCA-HealthONE, which operates AIRLIFE Denver. Cheyenne Regional’s new blue and sonic green helicopter will be stationed in Cheyenne and will provide air ambulance... Read more
14-Nov-2011Source: Rega
electronic translation…. The Air Rescue Service is committed to ensuring that the contributions of patrons can be used in full for the air rescue and not subject to VAT.Disappointed, she takes the decision of the Federal Court noted that the sponsor contributions are still subject to VAT. Since June 2008, the VAT paid on the... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: NEMSPA
The National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA) has published the results of their recent national survey of active helicopter pilots regarding their opinions and experiences with the current infrastructure of heliport design, management and safety. The intent of these results is to help the helicopter industry and the federal agencies that have oversight of the industry... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM) reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. Revenue increased 20% to $185.2 million from $153.9 million in the year-ago quarter. For the nine-month period, revenue increased 14% to $467.2 million, up from $411.6 million in the prior-year nine-month period. For the quarter, net income decreased slightly to $18.5 million,... Read more
10-Nov-2011Source: Metro Aviation
With their first Eurocopter EC145 approximately 50 percent completed, Sanford Health (based in Sioux Falls, SD and Fargo, ND) entered into an agreement for the completion of two additional Eurocopter EC145’s. The first of the two additional aircraft arrived at Metro Aviation, Inc. on November 6th, with the third shipment scheduled for the middle of... Read more
9-Nov-2011Source: MedEvac Foundation
MedEvac Foundation International is pleased to release the public education publication Air Medical Services: Critical Component of Modern Healthcare Systems. This is an updated version of Air Medicine: Accessing the Future of Healthcare, an award-winning publication translated into 11 languages. The intended use is to educate public policy makers, regulatory agencies, healthcare system leaders, and... Read more
8-Nov-2011Source: AAMS
Alexandria, VA. – The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is proud to announce its 2011 Program Director of the year, Thomas P. Judge, CCT-P, Executive Director, LifeFlight of Maine. The Program Director of the Year Award, sponsored by Bell Helicopter, recognizes Mr. Tom Judge for his superior level of knowledge and management prowess, quality... Read more