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 employee safety and risk evaluation. The Director of Risk and Safety Management will also be instrumental in merging the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) initiatives, developed by Aerosafe Risk Management, with CALSTAR’s existing safety program.

CALSTAR President and CEO Joe Cook said that Bell “is uniquely qualified to meld our existing efforts with new approaches to provide a more comprehensive safety program.”

Bell, who has 40 years of aviation experience, has been with CALSTAR for the past 15 years. He was previously a partner at International Air Safety, a Virginia consulting firm specializing in start-up aviation operations, as well as regional marketing manager for Augusta Aerospace Corporation in Pennsylvania. His prior experience also includes his work as a corporate pilot and chief pilot helping to initiate EMS helicopter operations for UCLA Medstar in Westwood, CA. Bell served in Vietnam as a medical evacuation helicopter commander, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star. He holds a BS degree in accounting from Central Michigan University.

As he prepares to transition to his new role, Bell expressed pride in having led CALSTAR’s flight operations for the past 11 years. “The pilots working for CALSTAR are experienced, dedicated and capable. It has been a pleasure working with them to keep CALSTAR’s operations safe.”

As the largest nonprofit air ambulance service on the West Coast, CALSTAR cares for nearly 3,000 patients a year. The organization operates 10 helicopter bases and a fixed wing program, manned 24/7 to respond to medical emergencies. CALSTAR has a 25-year injury free record.