8-Jul-2013Source: TV NZ
The future of Auckland’s flying doctors is in jeopardy, with funding cuts threatening to keep them grounded. see full story... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Pique
A short-term compromise has been reached that will allow the Whistler Health Care Centre’s helipad to remain open until the fall. see full story... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: BBC
Great Western Air Ambulance said its current helicopter is too old to land at the £500,000 helipad being built at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. see full story... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Republican Herald
A man who allegedly attempted to break into a medical helicopter while it was parked at a helipad in Pottsville early Saturday is in prison and facing federal charges, city police said – see full story... Read more
3-Jul-2013Source: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
On Wednesday 19th June 2013, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) hosted the 4th Aeromedical Conference at Ford Dunton, near Basildon in Essex, the largest automotive technical centre in the UK, which houses the main design team of Ford of Europe. The aim of this free conference was to give like-minded professionals the opportunity... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: RACQ
The RACQ now sponsors the entire fleet of community rescue helicopters across Queensland, with the addition today of the Maroochydore and Bundaberg-based Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service. RACQ Group Chief Executive Officer Ian Gillespie said the expansion to the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Burnett substantially enhances the RACQ’s community rescue network. “Becoming the naming... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation is increasing the curriculum offered by the new Metro Aviation Training Center with the addition of Pratt & Whitney courses presented by FlightSafety International. Pratt & Whitney factory maintenance training for the PW 206/207 will be offered quarterly at Metro’s Training Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. These instructor-led courses emphasize proactive safety, reliability, performance... Read more
2-Jul-2013Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Voice Communications System was selected again recently by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, to upgrade the existing legacy analog audio system in another one of their BK117 EMS helicopters. The BK117 will be their fourth aircraft with Becker DVCS, and will soon undergo avionics modification and DVCS installation at Uniflight... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Australian Helicopters
One of Australia’s leading suppliers of mission-critical helicopter services, Australian Helicopters (AHPL), has today commenced new contracts with both the Central Queensland Rescue Service (CQRS) and Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) to support provision of emergency medical services to the Queensland Government. AHPL was selected as preferred supplier in March and will provide increased capability... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Waterdown Daily Times
Mercy Flight President and CEO Neil G. Snedeker said calls for the non-profit’s interfacility transfer of patients via its small airplane plunged when LifeNet, a for-profit company, moved into the north country last year. see full story... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Castleview Hospital
Beginning Monday, June 10th, travelers on Highway 6 noticed a brand new helicopter proudly positioned on the helipad at Castleview Hospital [in Price, Utah Ed.]. The helicopter is operated by Eagle Air Med and will provide the city of Price and the surrounding area with an added resource for emergency response and quick patient transportation.... Read more
1-Jul-2013Source: Rock River Times
Rockford Health System marked a new milestone in its REACT program June 27, when it unveiled its new helicopter with a ceremonial first flight – the relaunch following their fatal accident in December 2012 – see full story of new helicopter launch. Photo – Rockford Health System... Read more
1-Jul-2013
An ORNGE spokesperson said the previous management at ORNGE under CEO Dr. Chris Mazza made the original decision to discontinue hover exits when the AW139s were being introduced, and that they are now seeking to develop a “formalized training program” to establish policies and procedures for paramedics. see full story... Read more
28-Jun-2013Source: Toronto Star
An exodus of helicopter pilots has left ORNGE scrambling to fill shifts, meaning air ambulance choppers could be unable to fly at times during the busy summer trauma season. see full story... Read more
26-Jun-2013Source: Naples News
Commissioners on Tuesday granted a two-year certificate of public convenience to Air Methods Corp. to fulfill a state licensure requirement, rebranding the program as “LeeFlight” see full story... Read more
25-Jun-2013Source: KSS Air Ambulance
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance has announced the arrival of its new helicopter. The newer version of the MD902 Explorer aircraft will replace the charity’s existing helicopter based at Redhill ready for night flying in late summer. In preparation for the 24-hour operation, the charity’s specialist doctor and paramedic crew have already begun to... Read more
25-Jun-2013Source: Toronto Star
Several of the Sikorsky S76s in ORNGE’s fleet had upgraded electronics, including a ground proximity warning system, but not the one that was based in Moosonee. see full story... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: Vail Daily
The hospital has used a temporary helipad for 29 years on property was loaned to the town for air ambulance services in 1984 in a “one-year” deal, which the feds and state officials sort of forgot about – but possible redevelopment is forcing them to review – see full story... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: Toronto Star
A Toronto Star investigation has found troubling issues arising from the accident that could impact the safety and service of ORNGE’s helicopter operations – see full story... Read more
24-Jun-2013Source: Health Sciences North
The rooftop helipad at the Ramsey Lake Health Centre of Health Sciences North/Horizon Santé-Nord (HSN) will be back in operation Monday, June 24, 2013. Remedial work to the helipad has been completed, allowing it to reopen ahead of schedule. The helipad was closed May 27th to allow for repairs to the helipad’s drainage system and... Read more
21-Jun-2013Source: Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Yorkshire’s helicopter heroes have airlifted their 5,000th patient. The landmark mission by Yorkshire Air Ambulance saw badly injured musician Chris Parr airlifted to hospital after a head-on road accident. Chris, a drummer with Huddersfield band State of Confusion, suffered broken ribs, a fractured breast bone and a fractured knee in the two-car smash at Marsden, near Huddersfield.... Read more
20-Jun-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Life Link III has signed a contract for six AW119Kx single-engine helicopters plus six options. AgustaWestland Philadelphia will assemble the helicopters and install the aeromedical interiors at their Northeast Philadelphia Airport facility. Deliveries will start in late 2013 with the aircraft being used to provide air... Read more
19-Jun-2013Source: Flager Live
Flagler’s Firefighting and Helicopter Costs Expose County Tensions Over Wants and Needs – see full story... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
The newspaper Nya Wermlands-Tidningen states that it has been decided that Värmland County’s new HEMS service will be stationed at a temporary base at Karlstad Airport, moments north of the city. The new ambulance helicopter organization is planned to be operational from mid-2014. In 2010 Värmland’s County Council decided that the future presence of a... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter has awarded two scholarships to leaders of Air Medical Transport teams to attend a comprehensive training program aimed at improving the safety of air medical transport. The scholarships cover the costs of participation in the Safety Management Training Academy that is conducted annually by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), an industry... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: Assoc of Air Ambulances
On the 11th June 2013 Lord Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Department for Health, while giving a speech to a reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances (APPGAA), made reassurances,that the thousands of pounds wasted through the application of VAT on aviation fuel was being taken seriously and a potential solution was... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: STARS
The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from Young’s Equipment Inc., a Saskatchewan agricultural equipment business. “We are committed to our customers and during our 25th anniversary year, wanted to invest in an organization that would make a meaningful difference to our customers across the province,” said Tim... Read more
18-Jun-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that Elitaliana has signed a preliminary sales contract for three additional new generation AW169 helicopters to add to the three ordered in 2011. This latest sales success further establishes the AW169 as the helicopter of choice in its weight class with sales of over 80 aircraft since... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance is delighted with today’s news that our Chairman Mr Andrew Egerton-Smith has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list. Andrew has been a driving force in the development, progress and innovation of the East Anglian Air Ambulance since its formation in 2000. It is his determination to provide an... Read more
17-Jun-2013Source: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
The first annual reception for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances (APPGAA) took place at the House of Commons on Tuesday 11th June. The APPGAA, supported by the Association of Air Ambulances aims to raise the quality of care, effectiveness and efficiency of the Air Ambulance Services for patients through closer engagement with political... Read more
16-Jun-2013Source: UPMC
Trauma experts at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC will launch a multi-center trial this summer to see if they can improve survival of patients who have suffered traumatic injuries with uncontrolled bleeding. Paramedics will administer plasma to these patients while they are still being transported by helicopter to the hospital. Uncontrolled... Read more
15-Jun-2013Source: Scilly Today
MP Andrew George says he’s been told that the landing and helicopter service facilities are not up to standard. see full story... Read more
14-Jun-2013Source: Echo-News
BASILDON Hospital bosses were unaware the controversial Dry Street housing development would lead to the loss of a landing base for the Essex Air Ambulance. (See Full Story)... Read more
14-Jun-2013Source: Wysong Enterprises
Wysong Enterprises, Inc., (Wysong) announced today the completion of Hospital Wing’s first Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter. “We started our relationship with Hospital Wing two years ago,” said Vice President of Wysong Enterprises, Inc., Rodney Wysong. “We take pride in our role in making sure they’re equipped with high quality products and were thrilled to be... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Pique
Transport Canada says it’s considering suspending operations because vehicles and pedestrians have failed to observe traffic laws requiring them to stop while helicopters are landing or taking off. – see full story... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
A series of programmes filmed in the regional major trauma centre (MTC) at Addenbrooke’s hospital, begins on BBC 1 on 13 June. The series follows the complete journey of people who have suffered life threatening injuries, from the accident scene, through emergency treatment to recovery. Film crews were embedded in emergency teams including air ambulances,... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: DRF Luftrettung
40 years ago, DRF Luftrettung carried out its first rescue mission. Since then it has grown into a large and modern organization that operates 31 helicopter bases in Germany, Austria and Denmark for HEMS operations. Today, DRF Luftrettung acknowledged the 40th anniversary of its first mission with a ceremony. As part of the ceremony, the... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: UPMC Presbyterian
A new helipad that reduces the time needed to take patients with serious injuries and illnesses from the rooftop landing site to the Emergency Department opened on 23rd May at UPMC Presbyterian. “Patients will benefit from the opening of the new helipad because it provides more efficient access to our experts and medical teams,” said David Bertoty, clinical director,... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Helitech International
Building upon the resounding success of the conference held back in September 2011, Helitech International (formally Helitech) has firmly laid down its intentions and commitment to create a truly international rotorcraft event by addressing key issues during its three day conference. Taking place at ExCeL, London between 24 – 26 September, the conference will run alongside... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Northwest MedStar
Northwest MedStar, the region’s premier critical care transport program, has enhanced its regional service, purchasing an additional helicopter and adding a weekend day base in north central Washington. These additions will increase Northwest MedStar’s presence and provide greater access to communities in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana and northeastern Oregon. “The purchase of an... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
REACH Air Medical Services and Air Evac Lifeteam announce an integrated partnership venture at a new rotor wing base to be located in Seguin, Texas. REACH Air Medical Services operates Methodist AirCare in partnership with the Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio, the largest provider of health care services in the region. Current bases exist... Read more
13-Jun-2013Source: SkyTrac
SkyTrac Systems (STS) announces that AgustaWestland has integrated the ISAT-200R and CDP/DVI-300 series products in their latest AW169 and AW189 helicopters. Satellite voice, data and messaging will be integrated into AgustaWestland’s proprietary mission systems for SAR, EMS, VIP and OGP operations. STS products have been factory installed on the AW139 for a number of years,... Read more
12-Jun-2013Source: CAIRNS
A PILOT shortage has been blamed for preventing Emergency Management Queensland’s Cairns-based helicopter from attending a search and rescue operation yesterday morning. (See Full Story)... Read more
10-Jun-2013Source: Denton RC
Medical transportation provider CareFlite will have a new home in Denton this August, where it will lease space in a brand-new hangar at Denton Enterprise Airport. (See Full Story)... Read more
7-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
AEL statement on Facebook – We are saddened to confirm that three members of our Manchester, Ky., crew were killed in a helicopter accident late Thursday evening. We are devastated at the loss of these crew members who we consider family. We have no details regarding the cause of the accident but will be working with... Read more
7-Jun-2013Source: The Northern Echo
THE Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has launched a new website to encourage supporters to share fundraising exploits. (See Full Stories)... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Lancashire Telegraph
THE chief executive of the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has left his post in unexplained circumstances. (See Full Story)... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Gazette Series
The 25-square metre aluminium deck will sit four metres above the existing roof level of the hospital’s Queen’s Building and connect to the new ward block via a steel ramp leading to a new lift lobby. (See Full Story)... Read more
6-Jun-2013Source: Estevan Mercury
Outside of a few finishing touches, the new helipad at St. Joseph’s Hospital is almost ready for use. (See Full Story)... Read more
6-Jun-2013
Firefighters with the Billings Fire Department will have a unique opportunity to learn how to handle an aircraft emergency during a training exercise at Billings Logan International Airport. (see full story)... Read more
5-Jun-2013Source: Ornge
Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, announced today it is returning its Sikorsky S76 helicopters to service. On Friday May 31st, Ornge voluntarily and temporarily took its five Sikorsky S76 helicopters offline out of an abundance of caution following a fatal accident involving an Ornge air ambulance helicopter in Moosonee. Ornge fixed... Read more
5-Jun-2013
Scottish Air Ambulance EC135 ferrying a sick patient from a remote island to a mainland hospital was forced to divert to an airport after the pilot spotted doctors having a barbecue near the helipad. (see full story)... Read more
4-Jun-2013Source: The Chronicle
AN important milestone has been reached with the Lockyer Valley Emergency Helipad reaching the final stages of construction at the new Lockyer Valley Regional Airport near Gatton. (See Full Stoty)... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: Metro Aviation, Inc
Beacon Health System’s Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Indiana recently received their new Eurocopter EC145. The aircraft was chosen for the larger cabin, payload and range as compared to their current EC135. The aircraft coincides with a rebranding of the air services to include Memorial Children’s Hospital and a slightly different color scheme. Memorial MedFlight... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: Long Beach patch
St. Mary’s Medical Center on Wednesday celebrated what will soon be a new emergency medical transport helicopter that will serve critically injured patients in the Long Beach area and on Catalina Island. (See Full Story)... Read more
3-Jun-2013Source: EHAC
Frédéeric Bruder (new Managing Director at ADAC Air-Rescue) has been elected as EHAC Board Member by the EHAC member organisations. Before, Friedrich Rehkopf has stepped down from his post since he has retired from his post as Managing Director at ADAC Air-Rescue. Thus, Frédéric Bruder succeeds Friedrich Rehkopf also as EHAC Board Member. Ralph Setz... Read more
31-May-2013Source: The Air Ambulance Service
The Air Ambulance Service’s paramedics will now be able to administer even more advanced care when they’re out and about at accidents and emergencies across the county. The Air Ambulance Service runs two Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS); Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance. Combined the two services attend... Read more
31-May-2013Source: Truro Daily News
EHS LifeFlight, Nova Scotia’s Air Medical Transport service, will use the pad to transport critically ill or injured patients to health facilities that best suit their needs. (See Full Story)... Read more
31-May-2013Source: Life Flight Network
With multiple locations and over 200 employees covering thousands of miles throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho, Life Flight Network says that they had outgrown the usefulness of spreadsheet crew scheduling. “The spreadsheet did not allow for individual employee schedule changes without involving managers/schedulers. The option of empowering the employee to self-submit availability, make trades, and... Read more
31-May-2013Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, today announced that it has received U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Commercial Airlift Review Board (CARB) approval to continue participation in the DOD Air Transport Program. Conducted by the DOD Commercial Airlift Division, the CARB audit continuously monitors and oversees commercial air carriers... Read more
30-May-2013Source: Tyler Paper
Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics administrators Wednesday announced its newest emergency medical addition, with an unveiling of the Flight For Life air ambulance base at Trinity Mother Frances –— Winnsboro. (See Full Story)... Read more
28-May-2013Source: ABC News
The Central West group of councils says at a meeting in Sydney last week Jillian Skinner said she supported a review recommendation that the Orange based helicopter operate round-the clock. (See Full Story)... Read more
28-May-2013Source: Australian Aviation
RACQ CareFlight Rescue’s Toowoomba helipad was this week fitted with a solar-powered helipad lighting system to enhance crew safety and efficiency during night operations. (See Full Story)... Read more
28-May-2013Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
More lives will be saved across the eastern region now that a dedicated air ambulance has made history and been granted permission to fly helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) missions at night. Following 18 months of demanding hard work from the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) and its aircraft operator Bond Air Services, the Charity... Read more
23-May-2013Source: BBC News
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is based at Perth Airport and will supplement the work of the Scottish Ambulance Service. (See Full Story)... Read more
22-May-2013Source: Keystone Med-Flight
Keystone Med-Flight LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawke Aerospace, has appointed Christopher Bassett as the company’s new Vice President of Operations. Chris Bassett is a well-known and respected aviation professional with over 25 years of experience in rotorcraft flight operations management. Bassett was most recently the vice president of operations for Air Methods Corporation.... Read more
22-May-2013Source: REACH
In an ongoing program to modernize and upgrade its fleet of emergency air medical helicopters, REACH Air Medical Services has taken delivery of a new Eurocopter EC135 helicopter. The aircraft will be based at REACH’s Concord, CA base, known as REACH 3. The new aircraft will be the sixth EC135 for REACH, a 26-year-old emergency... Read more
22-May-2013Source: Union-Tribune
An air ambulance service that answers Oceanside emergency trauma calls out of Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport is angling to raise its profile in the city after a rival company came up with a proposal to operate a similar service out of Oceanside’s Municipal Airport. (See Full Story)... Read more
21-May-2013Source: Aargauer Zeitung
Rega has had it their own way for many years – so it’s no surprise that the arrival of a competitor 18 months ago has led to, well, competition. TCS is “Touring Club Suisse”, a roadside car rescue organisation. (See full story)... Read more
21-May-2013Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, recently was informed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that it successfully reached the highest level (Level 4) of the FAA’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) program. The SMS program is an organizational framework created and implemented by the FAA to systematically guide,track,... Read more
21-May-2013Source: CALSTAR
Marcus Isbill, a veteran pilot of nearly 30 years, has been named chief pilot for CALSTAR, Jim Arthur, director of flight operations, has announced. Isbill’s aviation career started in 1985 with the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring in 2001, he served in multiple roles in the military, including UH-1 chief of standardization and instrument examiner.... Read more
21-May-2013Source: WCTV.TV
The view from a helicopter in the air can be breathtaking, but it can also help breathe life into those riding inside. Because when lives are on the line, time can be the greatest enemy. (See Full Story)... Read more
17-May-2013Source: Night Flight Concepts
Night Flight Concepts, the premier provider of night vision solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of five new industry specific solutions programs. These new Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) solutions include equipment, maintenance and training programs which have been adapted to support the specific operational and regulatory requirements for the following markets: • Emergency Medical Services and Search... Read more
17-May-2013Source: Kaweah Delta
Kaweah Delta Health Care District will celebrate the completion of its helipad on Thursday, May 16, in Visalia. The event will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. under the helipad in the main parking lot at Kaweah Delta Medical Center, 400 W. Mineral King Ave. The $2.7 million helipad is expected to be fully operational by... Read more
16-May-2013Source: Leader~Post
Lacy Panno, a flight nurse with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), is excited. (See Full Story)... Read more
