12-Mar-2011Source: Louisiana National Guard
Louisiana Army National Guard Soldier Chief Warrant Officer 3 E. Regan Wilson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Jan. 29. Wilson, a member of the F Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment in Pineville, received the award for his heroic actions while piloting a medical evacuation, commonly called a MEDEVAC flight, in... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM), the largest air medical transportation company in the world, reported revenue and net income for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010. For the year, revenue increased 9% to $562.0 million compared to $514.3 million in the prior year. Net income increased 52% to $44.1 million, or $3.50 per diluted share,... Read more
11-Mar-2011
Department of Labor Administrative Law Judge William Dorsey ruled in favor of helicopter mechanic Mark Van who was fired by Portneuf Medical Center (an Idaho hospital) for repeatedly raising concerns about violations of FAA safety standards in their helicopter air ambulance program.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s Bond Air Services has placed orders for eight Eurocopter EC135 T2e enhanced versions. This new model take the maximum takeoff weight of up to 2,950 kg and offers a 40-kg. gain in payload and allowing an extra passenger to be carried with a load margin extension from its previous weight rating. Currently, Bond Air... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Jackson County Times-Journal
The Life Air ambulance bases, located in Portsmouth and Chillicothe, will continue to operate under the Life Air name, and according to Air Evac Lifeteam President and CEO Seth Myers, operations should continue seamlessly... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Post-Journal
WCA Hospital and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department celebrated a milestone with the Starflight program when it received certification to be considered an air carrier Thursday.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: AAMS
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is proud to announce a strong renewed commitment to the safety goals of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST). Launched in 2005, this worldwide effort led by the IHST has been centered on uncovering the means to drive down the universal helicopter accident rate. The objective is to... Read more
8-Mar-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) can confirm it has terminated its contract with Sterling Aviation with immediate effect. The charity will continue to operate two helicopters across the four counties it serves and these will be provided by Bond Air Services on an interim basis until a new contract has been awarded. Steve Whitby,... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: American Eurocopter
From Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo booth #4637, American Eurocopter announced that Air Medical Resource Group has signed an agreement to purchase seven AS350 B3e helicopters, making it the U.S. launch customer for this enhanced rotary-wing aircraft. These helicopters will be a core part of an initiative to consolidate Air Medical Resource Group’s business lines and to expand... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
As the result of a recent competitive bid award, Metro Aviation, Inc. will finish three Eurocopter EC155B1 critical care transport helicopters for The University of Michigan Health System Survival Flight program. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Survival Flight will enter service with their first EC155B1 in September 2011 and will replace the current fleet of... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Turbomeca
In support of Air Methods Corporation* loyalty and commitment, Turbomeca has agreed to a ten year dedicated customer support partnership to provide cost control and tailored services in support of their growing fleet. Air Methods has been a loyal Turbomeca customer for many years and operates approximately 220 Turbomeca engines (Arriel 1, Arriel 2, and... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Turbomeca
Recently, STAT MedEvac, major EMS operator in the USA, received the 1,000th Arrius 2B engine to power their latest EC 135. Today, STAT Medevac’s fleet is composed of 14 EC 135s and seven EC 145s (Turbomeca Arriel 1E2). All their new airframes will have Turbomeca engines and most of their current fleet has Turbomeca engines.... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Metro Aviation
Metro Aviation, Inc. has announced that Richard E. “Rich†Gross has recently been hired as the Assistant Director of Operations for the company. Gross brings with him over twenty years in the helicopter business with extensive experience with air medical and law enforcement flight operations around the country. Prior to joining Metro Aviation, Gross held... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/international-award-for-qld-flood-saviours-20110306-1bja8.html
Helicopter crews who plucked dozens of people from roofs, cars and trees after the “inland tsunami” struck Grantham in southeast Queensland have been recognised with an international “Rescue of the Year” award.... Read more
6-Mar-2011
Escalating oil prices are putting South West air ambulances under increasing pressure and could cost lives as aviation fuel costs hit the half-million pound mark for the first time. Both operators fly the EC135, with Cornwall having one and Devon two.... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Northern Star
WESTPAC Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has been awarded ‘5-stars’ under the Lismore City Council Waste Wise Star Certified Business Program. The program aims to recognise best practice waste management practices established by businesses.... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: SRT Helicopters
SRT Helicopters, a leading training organization specializing in disaster relief operations and planning for military, law enforcement and public services agencies in the U.S. and around the world, recently completed a successful year-long disaster response training program at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif. With SRT’s help, Good Samaritan Hospital, recognized by Healthgrades, Inc.,... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: JEMS
Somewhat later than the planned start in December 2010, TriState Careflight this week started from Taos, New Mexico... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Vanderbilt LifeFlight
Ambulance services that come to Nashville hospitals from outlying counties often have to return home leaving valuable equipment behind that is still being used to stabilize patients. Spine boards, straps and head immobilization devices are just some of the thousands of pieces of equipment left at Nashville area emergency departments. Getting this equipment back is... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: ABC-7
This small piece of equipment called “Heli-TAWS” – or Terrain Avoidance and Warning system. “It’s extremely important. This is a probably the best piece of technology we could put in the aircraft, besides the night-vision goggles we have,” Collier County Flight Operations Director Steve Adams explained.... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Idaho State Journal
Portneuf Medical Center announced their decision to transition their flight program into Life Flight Network effective April 1st. Life Flight Network will maintain a base of operation at Pocatello Medical Center.... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
The Evansville Air Evac Lifeteam crew recently welcomed a new addition to its base.  A new Bell Helicopter 206L4 is now in operation for the crew stationed in Evansville. The aircraft sports the familiar red, white and blue Air Evac Lifeteam color scheme.  The L4 has been described by Bell Helicopter as a combination of... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: Saab
The agreement signed between defence and security company Saab and Scandinavian Air Ambulance Holding AB (SAA) in December 2010 came into force on 1st March. At the same time, an order in this eight-year contract was received, worth MSEK 225. The agreement that was signed at the end of last year means that Saab assumes... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: U.S. Senator Charles E Schumer
U.S. Senator Charles E Schumer announced that Mercy Flight WNY will be the recipient of a $3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in order to update their aging fleet of medevac EMS helicopters. The loan, to be disbursed through USDA’s Community Facility Direct Loan program will allow Mercy Flight WNY to purchase a new,... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 7th July 2005, the city of London was rocked by a series of terrorist blasts during the morning rush hour, targetting three underground trains and one iconic red London bus. A total of 56 people died, including four suicide bombers. There is currently an inquest in London into the tragic events of that day. ... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics, a leading provider of Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)/Emergency Radios, is pleased to announce that the Polish Ministry of Heath has chosen the MR510 Personal Locator Beacon/Emergency Radio, with embedded GPS receiver technology for their EC135 air medical helicopter fleet. The Polish Ministry of Health air medical helicopter fleet provides high-quality HEMS service to... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
Supporters of one of the region’s largest charities now have a new way to help save lives across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The East Anglian Air Ambulance has launched a text-to-donate number making it simple for people to donate just a small amount of money to the charity wherever they are. Supporters can now... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Atlantic Health
Atlantic Ambulance Corporation, a subsidiary of Atlantic Health, the parent company of Morristown Memorial Hospital and Overlook Hospital, is marking half a decade of service with Atlantic Air One, its medevac helicopter based in northern New Jersey, while seeking to duplicate that success with a new, twin helicopter, Atlantic Air Two, in the southern region... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Air Methods
Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq:AIRM -Â News) will report financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010 after the close of the market on Thursday, March 10, 2011. The Company has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 4:15 p.m. Eastern to discuss these results. Interested parties can access the call by... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: ConocoPhillips Canada
ConocoPhillips reached a $2 million donation milestone today after presenting the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $100,000 cheque at the STARS Calgary base hangar. Mr. Joe Marushack, President, ConocoPhillips Canada, presented the donation to Dr. Greg Powell, President and CEO of STARS, with the STARS BK117 helicopter as a backdrop. STARS team... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Narooma News
The Westpac Life Saver has completed its first summer on the NSW south coast, finishing its season on Monday night. But word has come through of government funding that will keep rescue chopper 3 in Narooma district skies.... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: NEMSPA
The National EMS Pilots Association – NEMSPA – is proud to be a part of Heli-Expo 2011, Helicopter Association International’s annual trade show of All Things Helicopter in Orlando Florida, March 5-8. Visit us in the Orange County Convention Center at Booth #5711. NEMSPA has collaborated with two of industry’s premier safety organizations to showcase... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: Bond Air Services
Bond Air Services and the Wales Air Ambulance today celebrated 10 years of working together at the Charity’s birthday celebrations at Magram Park near Neath. The Wales Air Ambulance flew its first mission on the 1st March 2001 following the introduction of the charities first Bo105DBS twin engine helicopter. However, since that date the services... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: Cardiovascular Business
Three commercially available automated external defibrillators correctly analyzed heart rhythms in an in-motion helicopter on a manikin and a human volunteer. While researchers call for further studies, they were encouraged by the results [Photo: Philips Heart Start]... Read more
1-Mar-2011Source: BBC
Kent Air Ambulance has received a cheque thanks to a style of fundraising widely used in New Zealand.... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: Carolinas HealthCare System
MedCenter Air, the regional flight service for critically ill or injured patients operated by Carolinas HealthCare System, has moved one of its helicopter units to Concord Regional Airport. The move, from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, is part of a planned effort to disperse helicopters to provide faster service for the transport of injured and sick patients,... Read more
25-Feb-2011Source: Med-Trans
Med-Trans Corporation, a leader in the air medical transport industry has announced Brian Foster has joined the team as their V.P. of Flight Operations. Mr. Foster is a proven leader with 25 years of in-depth experience in aviation operations, safety and training. For the past six years, he held the Vice President, Flight Operations and... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: STARS
Western Coal Corp today announced a five-year, $500,000 commitment to the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). Mr. Keith Calder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Coal, is presenting a cheque to STARS Grande Prairie Base Major Gifts Manager Glenda Farnden in the community of Tumbler Ridge on February 23, 2011. “In December 2010,... Read more
24-Feb-2011Source: AAMS
Alexandria, VA – A research study performed by the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria found that, out of 27,697 surveyed helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) transports, only 377 (1.4%) were found to be medically inappropriate flights. These findings contradict critics of HEMS, who have long claimed that a large but until now... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The NHS Ambulance Trust has praised the ‘remarkable speed’ in which the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) solved a potentially difficult air operations issue this weekend. Late on Friday afternoon the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) temporarily suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of Norwich-based firm Sterling Aviation due to procedural issues. This meant the two... Read more
20-Feb-2011Source: East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance has activated a contingency plan due to operational issues with the current supplier of its aircraft, Sterling Aviation. Sterling is temporarily unable to provide the EAAA with an air ambulance service, so, as an interim measure the charity will continue to operate using alternative aircraft from a different supplier, Bond... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: STARS
Apache Corporation presented the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) with a $400,000 cheque today at the STARS Calgary Base. The cheque presentation elevates Apache’s total cumulative financial support of STARS to more than $1 million since 1990. Approximately $200,000 is being directed to the STARS Emergency Link Centre (ELC) work site registration program. The... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Ontario based EMS operatior Ornge will launch their next AW139 at the organisations base at London in south western Ontario. Guest of honour at the invitation-only event will be Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, while various key figures in Ornge will also attend, including Randy L’Heureux (Associate VP of Operations), Rick... Read more
16-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Karlsruhe DRF base has hosted the visit of a high profile political figure on Monday 14th February. The Baden-Wuerttemberg Interior Minister, Heribert Rech was briefed on the duties and responsibilities of the Karlsruhe rescue helicopter. Among others, he was accompanied by another Member of Parliament, Katrin Schütz. At helicopter’s base, Heribert Rech met board... Read more
15-Feb-2011
The EC 135 replaces one of the two aircrafts currently in Mercy’s fleet, with traffic collision warning systems common on commercial airlines, advanced weather indicators and night vision goggles.... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: Third Sector
The commission opened an investigation into the charity in June 2010 after receiving what it described as “a significant number of complaints over a number of months from members of the public”. [Click on “Third Sector” link for full story]... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
DRF has announced that it’s Dortmund base has recently changed callsign to “Christoph Dortmund” with agreement of the local police and fire/rescue services. All public safety radio communciations will now use this new tag. The Dortmund EMS base flies a Eurocopter BK117, operated by HSD for the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The BK117 is... Read more
13-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Dutch aviation magazine Scramble has alerted HeliHub.com to the news that two air ambulance helicopters in their country will start true 24×7 operations from today, 14th February 2011. THe bases at Amsterdam and Groningen will bring the night operations under ANWB up to four, adding to bases at Rotterdam and Nijmegen which already have this... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: Magpas
Cambridgeshire-based emergency medical charity Magpas has agreed an historic partnership with Careflight – an air ambulance and international retrieval charity based in New South Wales, Australia. Although only 25 years old, Careflight is now a 50 million dollar-a-year service which operates 3 helicopters, 4 fixed wing King Air turbo prop aircraft and 4 medical jets... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics’ DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by Mercy Flight Inc. of Buffalo, NY, for integration into their newly purchased Bell 429 light-twin helicopter and one of their existing BK117 EMS helicopters. The new aircraft will be delivered by Bell Helicopter Tennessee (formally Edwards and Associates) to Edwards and Associates during the first... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
As part of the rejuvenation of the charity, London’s Air Ambulance has appointed Siobhra Murphy as their Public Relations Manager to boost the charity’s profile to the 10 million people who live and work in London. The LAA press release indicated that Siobhra is experienced in Financial and Corporate PR and also has a keen... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Leading print and communications company Geon has recently been announced as the latest sponsor of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Run by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter operates throughout the greater Auckland region, including the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier Island, and in Thames/Coromandel over the summer season. The new sponsorship follows... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: Native Air
More than 9,600 people are transported by air medical rescue providers each year in New Mexico. New Mexico Department of Public Safety Officers from around the state will be trained in helicopter operations and safety in a vital training program hosted by Native Air. The training covers what officers need to look for in preparing... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: Wales Air Ambulance
The lifesaving charity Wales Air Ambulance is celebrating its tenth birthday on 1st March. Having carried out 14,000 missions to date, the service has proved to be a vital operation, providing emergency air cover across the country and helping to save thousands of lives. In celebration of this incredible landmark, Wales Air Ambulance is holding... Read more
9-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
London’s Air Ambulance has appointed Diane Richens as the Charity’s Business Development Manager. The LAA press release indicated that “Diane brings with her over 10 years experience working in Business Development in multi-national organisations in both the Private and Third Sector”. Research on the internet found that she previously worked in a similar Business Development... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
London’s Air Ambulance (“LAA”) has announced that it has secured financing on its MD Explorer helicopter for the next seven years. The deal, financed through Santander Corporate Banking, and with the support of Virgin Group, will enable the Charity to concentrate its efforts on continuing to develop its service. It has also appointed Banco Santander... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: Irish Times
Paramedic status is several stages up from first aid, allowing trained ambulance or air ambulance crews to give injections, administer cardiac and advanced airway management, and treat asthmatics, diabetics and people in anaphylactic shock.... Read more
8-Feb-2011
The new medical airlift service, using two helicopters to ferry patients during emergencies to be implemented by the Health Ministry in Sabah later this year, will be the first of its kind in Malaysia.... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics DVCS6100 Digital Audio System was recently selected by the German Air Rescue organization DRF Luftrettung for integration into three BK117 helicopter. The aircraft are currently undergoing retrofit modification at DRF Luftrettung’s own maintenance facility at its Operation-Center at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport. The new Becker Avionics airborne digital audio and intercom system will replace the... Read more
6-Feb-2011Source: CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
A two soldier traveling contact team from the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion Functional Specialty Team (FxSp), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, January 2011, to facilitate a flight medic operations seminar to Rwanda Defense Force battalion medical officers (BMO) and exchange ideas on medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) procedures... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: Airmed 2011
Preparations for Airmed 2011, which takes place in the UK this year for the first time in its twenty year history, are well in-hand and delegate registration is gathering pace quickly. The international aero-medical congress will be held in Brighton in the UK from May 24-27 2011 and is being hosted by the Kent, Surrey... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: Air Evac Lifeteam
Life Air, which operates air ambulance bases in Portsmouth and Chillicothe, Ohio, has been acquired by Air Evac Lifeteam, a leading air medical provider headquartered in West Plains, Mo. Air Evac Lifeteam President and CEO Seth Myers said the air ambulance bases will continue to operate under the Life Air name and customers should expect... Read more
3-Feb-2011Source: Sikorsky
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 2, 2011 — Twenty years ago, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, a public safety-net healthcare organization, established the county’s life-saving Trauma System. The Trauma System took flight in 1991 after the Health Care District’s Board approved the purchase of a Trauma Hawk helicopter to airlift critically-injured patients to two... Read more
2-Feb-2011Source: PostStar
Transportation time will soon be a few minutes shorter for patients being transferred by air from Glens Falls Hospital to larger medical centers. The hospital recently constructed a helicopter landing area outside the emergency room entrance.... Read more
1-Feb-2011Source: STARS
STARS is presenting Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel with a Red Ring for Life (RRFL) in City Council Chambers at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, in recognition of the City of Edmonton’s life-saving work with STARS. STARS representatives will be available for interviews following the presentation. The presentation recognizes the City’s support, through its services... Read more
29-Jan-2011Source: Essex Air Ambulance
We are delighted to announce that building work is now underway to bring the Essex operational airbase to Earls Colne Airfield! Over the last 9 months, having secured planning consent and an affordable building design, TJ Evers the appointed building contractor arrived on site in January to begin this exciting new chapter in the history of... Read more
29-Jan-2011Source: MedEvac Foundation
A psychology major student has been named the second recipient of the MedEvac Foundation International Children’s Scholarship Award. Elisha Codding, 18, was honored with the $2,500 award during an event at REACH Air Medical Services in Santa Rosa, CA earlier this month. The post-secondary scholarship is awarded annually to a child who lost a parent... Read more
28-Jan-2011Source: The Press
Patients are suffering unnecessary trauma because Christchurch Hospital has “the worst helipad in the South Island”, says Graeme Gale, owner-operator of Helicopters Otago, which runs the Otago rescue helicopter from Mosgiel... Read more
28-Jan-2011Source: DRF
This month the DRF Luftrettung has initiated an offering of a pre-hospital ultrasound course in Luxembourg for the first time. In cooperation with the Luxembourg anaesthetics association CMARL (Cercle des Médecins Anesthésistes et Réanimateurs du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg) approx. 80% of the emergency physicians working in Luxembourg were trained on the use of the mobile... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Big Rapids City Commission met recently to consider a resolution approving the lease agreement with AeroMed for use of the community hangar at Roben Hood airport. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the 20 year deal. Commissioner Terry Harper said she was happy with the deal and it will help paying off the cost that... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter announced today that Geisinger Medical Center has ordered another EC145 for its Life Flight® program. This is the program’s fourth EC145 as it continues upgrade its fleet and standardize on the proven and popular EC145 platform. Geisinger Life Flight is a long-time Eurocopter operator. In 1983, Life Flight became the first hospital-based BK117... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Northern District Times
Macquarie University will consider installing a helipad for its new state-of-the-art hospital in the wake of recent emergency helicopter transfers of patients from emergency departments of other hospitals.... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: Maui Weekly
Maui Memorial Medical Center’s $3 million helipad is behind schedule for completion. The new estimated completion date is sometime in March, according to hospital officials... Read more
