6-Feb-2012Source: Whistler Question
Following a failed inspection of upgrades to the facility in December by Transport Canada, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) had planned to have the site ready for re-inspection by now. However, the missing piece of equipment that led the site’s failed inspection is still not ready, forcing VCH to push back the completion to sometime in... Read more
6-Feb-2012Source: Gadsden Times
LifeSaver’s parent Air Methods has upgraded the helicopter at their Rainbow City base to a Bell 407 (see full story). LifeSaver is part of the Omniflight division.... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: Our Colorado News
Sky Ridge officials celebrated the unveiling of a 6,300-square-foot helicopter hangar that is expected to help improve response time and provide a few comforts of home for the team on duty. AirLife medical personnel have been staying in a mobile trailer on the south end of the hospital’s property. It housed the crew, but did... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Last Wednesday, Cornwall Air Ambulance landed their Eurocopter EC135 at their new base, made feasible by an investment of £949,760 from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence. The air ambulance crew, led by Captain Peter McLelland and joined by paramedics Neil Lentern and Scott Marshall, flew in at 12.30pm. They were met by the team... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: National Express
National Express Group, a leading bus, coach and rail transport provider, is delighted to have launched a £25,000 annual sponsorship of London’s Air Ambulance yesterday. Commenting on the sponsorship, Charity Director, David Oakley said: “London’s Air Ambulance relies heavily upon corporate support and donations from the public to ensure the continued provision of this life-saving service. ... Read more
4-Feb-2012Source: DRF
In 2011 the air rescue organisation DRF Luftrettung flew a total of 38,366 rescue missions, involving helicopter missions at 31 HEMS bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark as well as worldwide repatriations with its ambulance aircraft. In Germany alone the crews were alerted to 35,075 missions, meaning a rise of 3 % compared to the... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: Ornge
Today, Duff and Phelps was appointed by the court as trustee in bankruptcy for Ornge Global GP Inc. and Ornge Global Holdings LP, the for-profit arm of Ornge. This results, by operation of law, in the immediate termination of the remaining employees of the bankrupt Global entities, being Dr. Chris Mazza, President and CEO, and... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: STARS
Perfect Turf has supported the new Fund-a-Flight program for STARS, which makes one mission possible for a critically ill or injured patient. A donation of $5,400 – equal to one dollar per second of an average 90 minute mission – helps with the cost of medical and aviation crews, medical supplies and helicopter fuel needed... Read more
3-Feb-2012Source: Carilion Clinic
Carilion Clinic will add a third helicopter to its fleet of medical aircraft serving southwest and central Virginia and sections of West Virginia and North Carolina. The helicopter, called Carilion Life-Guard 12, will be based in the Rockbridge County area. Its presence will further extend Carilion’s ability to serve the region, which includes Allegheny County,... Read more
31-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Wiltshire Police operate an MD902 Explorer throughout their county for law enforcement operations. They also operate it on a contract with the Great Western Ambulance Service to make the aircraft more cost effective by virtue of more flying hours per year – it currently flies around 600 hours per year, roughly half the UK average... Read more
31-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
New Zealand based Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) has bought a de-registered Sikorsky S76 from Japan which was damaged beyond repair in the tsunami of 11th March 2011. Chief pilot Peter Turnbull confirmed to local press that it had been acquired for an undisclosed sum for parts use only at a price significantly lower than... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: London's Air Ambulance
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Julian Thompson as an Executive Director of the Charity. Julian previously worked as a doctor on London’s Air Ambulance in 2010 and has returned to lead an enhancement of the capacity and funding of the service in partnership with senior figures in the City of London.... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Welcome everyone, to the new member of our team…. Our cheeky little cartoon helicopter was given the name ‘Dasher’ at 5.00 pm this evening. Dasher was created by Dave Hindson, a paramedic and friend of the Charity and the naming competition was launched in our ‘Beeline’ magazine last November. We had some really great entries which we... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced it has delivered the 4,000th commercial product since it began production at its Mirabel, Canada, facility 25 years ago. During a small ceremony at Bell Helicopter’s facility in Mirabel, long-time customer, Air Medical Group Holdings (AMGH), took delivery of the 4,000 aircraft – a Bell 206L4.... Read more
30-Jan-2012
Ron McKerlie, interim CEO of Ornge, confirmed in an interview on Friday that the previous management of Ornge posted the tender notice for the AW139 EMS interior contract “under a category that would have made it difficult for any reasonable person to find itâ€. Ornge ended up with medical interiors that are rife with problems,... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
The ORNGE debacle goes on… Ron McKerlie, interim chief executive officer of Ornge, confirmed to the Canadian press on Friday that the previous management had quietly ordered two more AW139s with taxpayers money without any announcement either in Canada or within the helicopter industry. The pair had not physically been brought to Canada, or fitted... Read more
29-Jan-2012Source: EAAA
A unique collaboration between the East of England’s two Air Ambulance Charities, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) and East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) to provide an extended service during the longer summer days has been shown to be successful with an additional 75 missions flown by the charities’ helicopters during the period. Our... Read more
26-Jan-2012Source: ORNGE
Today, the outgoing Ornge Board of Directors announced they have accepted the recommendation from the government to appoint seven new volunteer board members. “These new board members bring extensive knowledge and unique skill sets to their new roles and Ornge is fortunate to have them,†said outgoing Chair Rainer Beltzner. “Ornge has taken immediate steps... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: AAHP
The Association of Allied Health Professionals is voicing concerns on behalf of its members who operate the Medical Flight Program. The AAHP has been working with Eastern Health and the Department of Health and Community Services to have the safety issues addressed over the past few months to no avail. Sharon King, Executive Director stated... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: REACH
REACH Air Medical Services has appointed two key employees to new positions: Omid Eslamipour to Director of Maintenance and Dale Pike to Chief Pilot. (left and right respectively in the photos below) Omid Eslamipour moves from Director of Quality Assurance to Director of Maintenance. Eslamipour brings more than 25 years’ experience and leadership from his... Read more
24-Jan-2012Source: PSAC
The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) today announced it has helped raise a total of more than $5.3 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) over 18 years of presenting the annual STARS & Spurs Gala. This year’s gala brought in the highest total ever raised in the history of the event... Read more
23-Jan-2012Source: Dell Children's Medical Center
On Thursday, Jan. 19, Seton Health Care Family, STAR Flight and Central Texas community leaders gathered at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas for a grand opening celebration of STAR Flight’s first on-site, live-in accommodations at the hospital. With its completion, “home” for STAR Flight now carries new meaning. The 1,175-square-foot, specialized accommodations include... Read more
22-Jan-2012Source: Poudre Valley Health System
Poudre Valley Health System announced today that it plans to offer an air ambulance program from Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland beginning mid-March. The program would feature a B3 helicopter designed to safely transfer patients in high-altitude areas. “We are proud to bring to the community an air ambulance service built around three... Read more
22-Jan-2012Source: Helicopter Specialties
Helicopter Specialties, Inc. Introduces: the first Modular Aircraft Floor that is “truly†mechanic friendly for the EC135 and EC145 aircraft. We were motivated to design and build this floor after many years of maintaining EMS helicopters. Our new floors’ access panels can be removed within minutes to gain access to the aircraft without pulling the whole floor.... Read more
19-Jan-2012Source: CALSTAR
California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), a not-for-profit air ambulance company serving northern and central California announced two changes today in its base operations. The organization has suspended operations of its helicopter base located in Jackson, Amador County (CALSTAR 10). The company will also relocate its helicopter base operations, formerly known as CALSTAR 11, from... Read more
19-Jan-2012Source: Life Flight Network
Life Flight Network, a not-for-profit air medical transport service in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West, announced today they will open a new helicopter base in Sandpoint, Idaho on March 1, 2012. “Our decision to proceed follows substantial area research and dialogue with a number of community leaders and healthcare professionals to confirm there was... Read more
18-Jan-2012Source: Max-Viz
Max-Viz and Helijet of Vancouver, B.C. Canada announces the cooperative installation of the Max-Viz EVS-1500 on three (3) S-76 helicopters supporting EMS operations under contract with the B.C. Government. “After thorough evaluation of NVIS technologies, we determined that EVS would provide Helijet EMS helicopters with the most cost effective and safe solution to both day... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: STARS
The 19th annual STARS Lottery officially launches today with 3,200 prizes worth over $5.2 million retail. The STARS Lottery raised over $10 million net during the 2011 campaign and continues to be the single largest source of funding to keep STARS in the sky. “STARS flies an average of four missions a day in Alberta,... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: DurhamRegion.com
Despite recent changes at the top of the organization, Ornge is still planning to open a new base at the Oshawa Municipal Airport. (see full story)... Read more
17-Jan-2012Source: CBS Denver
The helicopter is based in Gypsum, quite a few miles down the road. But because of a partnership with the hospital in Vail, it’s stationed there, right along Interstate 70 every day, drastically reducing response times. (see full story)... Read more
16-Jan-2012
Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara unveils its new helipad, but it can’t be used for emergencies just yet. State Public Health Officials are scheduled to visit January 23rd for an Inspection. (see full story)... Read more
16-Jan-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter recognized the German Federal Police for reaching the 100,000 total flight hour mark with its EC135 fleet, which performs thousands of operations annually across Germany for law enforcement, home security and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services missions. “The flight time logged by the German Federal Police marks a true milestone for the EC135, as this... Read more
16-Jan-2012Source: Cassia Regional Medical Center
Cassia Regional Medical Center held the final inspection and ribbon cutting ceremony for their new helipad on December 28th, 2011. The day marked the culmination of the project which was started in the Spring of 2011. The hospital identified the need to replace their helipad a few years ago, and the funding was included in their... Read more
16-Jan-2012Source: Rega
After the successful launch of the iRega iPhone app, Rega’s emergency application is now also available for Android smartphones. On raising the alarm, the Rega app also transmits the caller’s current position directly to Rega. Thus valuable time can be saved in the event of an emergency in Switzerland or abroad. Two finger clicks is... Read more
14-Jan-2012Source: HeliHub.com
Frankly, the more we hear about Ornge, the more the whole thing looks like an example of corporate mismanagement to the level of an unmitigated disaster. The latest situation being reported by Canadian press is that now-departed COO Tom Lepine confirmed yesterday that Ornge leased a hangar at Hamilton, Onterio in December 2010 for around... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: Ornge
Below is a statement sent to staff from Ron McKerlie: Yesterday the Board of Directors of Ornge announced their decision to accept the recommendations of the Government of Ontario regarding the appointment of an interim President and CEO. Following that announcement the honorable Deb Matthews, Minister for Health and Long Term Care, announced that I... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: St. Joseph
St. Joseph Health System is eager to announce two major initiatives to improve emergency and trauma medical care in the region. The first is a new affiliation with PHI Air Medical. St. Joseph AirMedical PHI has been our area’s air ambulance provider for more than six years. St. Joseph Health System, established 75 years ago,... Read more
13-Jan-2012Source: Gloucestershire Echo
There are plans for the helicopter pad at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to be extended so it can be fully used, hospital bosses say. Air ambulances have not touched down at the landing site in Gloucester since construction started on a new multi-storey car park in April 2010. (see full story)... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. delivered the first of three EC145’s to Sanford Health at the end of last week. On hand for delivery was Kerry Berg, Director of Operations, Thomas Kitterman, Director of Maintenance and Orlen Tschetter, Vice President of Facilities & Planning from the Sanford Health-Sioux Falls Region. The aircraft is complete with a full... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: ORNGE
Mississauga, Ontario – Today, the Ornge Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to appoint a senior member of the public service as an Interim President and CEO. The board determined that it is in the best interests of the organization to resign as soon as a... Read more
12-Jan-2012Source: Toronto Star
The dream of getting rich at ORNGE air ambulance ended Wednesday as high-paid executives lost their jobs, a series of mysterious for-profit companies were shuttered and well-paid board members were given the boot. (see full story).... Read more
11-Jan-2012Source: Post-Standard
The FAA’s change in Onondaga County’s Air 1 license opens the way for the helicopter service to begin charging insurance companies to take accident victims to hospitals, Sheriff Kevin E. Walsh said (see full story) – see also the ongoing series of stories about the survival, some may consider “against the odds” of this operation... Read more
11-Jan-2012
A 26-year-old man who jumped from an SUV on Interstate 95 near Walterboro later tried to leap from the helicopter transporting him to the hospital Saturday evening, forcing the aircraft to land. Â A LifeNet helicopter later started to transport Alveriz to Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston when he became combative with paramedics... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: AgustaWestland
Editor note – HeliHub.com broke the story of new AgustaWestland AW109SP for Doctor Heli back in August 2011Â – see story AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Kaigai Aviotech Corporation are pleased to announce that Kagoshima International Aviation of Japan has taken delivery of a GrandNew light twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform... Read more
10-Jan-2012Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SR09591RC (STC) for a complete Emergency Medical System kit and associated options for the Eurocopter EC155B1. This is the first EC155B1 to be equipped with an EMS package in the United States. Metro Aviation, Inc. received approval late December after five months of completing the STC... Read more
9-Jan-2012Source: Democrat and Chronicle
Mercy Flight Central officials are planning to purchase several pairs of night-vision goggles to expand where they can fly to help in emergencies. (see full story)... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Children's Air Ambulance
The Children’s Air Ambulance carried out its first rescue using its sister service Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA). At around midday WNAA was called to assist a one month old baby who had been taken with breathing difficulties to see a GP at Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital. The baby had subsequently stopped breathing and the helicopter... Read more
6-Jan-2012Source: Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting Tuesday approved a request for a 120-day helicopter contract for the 2012 season – starting 15th June (see full story)... Read more
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
2-Jan-2012
The Palm Beach County Health Care District will begin discussions Tuesday on whether and when to replace its air ambulance fleet, which is almost 13 years old. The district paid $6.7 million each for its two Sikorsky S76-C+ trauma helicopters, delivered in 1999. Each one has transported about 4,700 patients during its life and flown... 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
