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
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
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
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
