Northwest MedStar, the region’s air medical program, received its third Airbus EC135 helicopter from Metro Aviation, Inc. to provide critical care transport for patients in the region.

“We’re excited to introduce this aircraft to our fleet,” says Eveline Bisson, Northwest MedStar director. “In collaboration with the region’s hospitals and EMS agencies, our team brings an intensive care unit to patients in need of emergency transport.”

The new EC135 will bring the total number of helicopters to seven – four legacy aircraft and three new helicopters. The new aircraft come as Northwest MedStar takes on significant expansion.  Northwest MedStar recently assumed air medical operations in Missoula, Montana and opened a new base in north central Washington at Anderson Field Airport in Brewster.  Northwest MedStar now has six bases with locations in Missoula, Mont., Spokane, Moses Lake, Brewster, Tri-Cities and Palouse region.

In addition to the rotor-wing aircraft, Northwest MedStar also transports patients with its fixed-wing airplanes and ground critical care ambulances.

Metro Aviation has provided operation services to Northwest MedStar since 1994.

About Northwest MedStar

Northwest MedStar, a Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) accredited critical care transport program since 1996 and the air medical industry’s 2012 Program of the Year, provides high-quality care and transport to thousands of patients each year from its bases in Missoula, Mont., Spokane, Tri-Cities, Moses Lake, Pullman and Brewster, Wash. Northwest MedStar’s primary service area covers Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, and eastern Oregon. Northwest MedStar also provides patient transport to Seattle and other facilities throughout the United States and parts of Canada. All flights are conducted by, and operational control over all aircraft is exercised solely by Metro Aviation, Inc. A division of Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS), Northwest MedStar offers a membership program that shields people from emergency air transport costs not covered by health insurance.

About Metro Aviation

Metro Aviation, Inc., based in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States is a worldwide provider of completion services for all missions and types of helicopters and specializes in the EC135 and EC145 with several Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) developed by the company for these and other aircraft.  Metro is an FAA approved repair station, approved Airbus Service Center and FAR Part 135 air medical operations provider at several locations across the United States. The company is privately held and is one of the largest traditional air medical providers in the country.  For additional information regarding Metro Aviation, Inc. and any of its products or services, please contact Kristen King Holmes at 318.698.5200 or kking@metroaviation.com.  www.metroaviation.com