EC-145 aircraft joins Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation air ambulance team
Carilion Clinic recently retired the Bell 412 helicopter, flown as “Life-Guard 10” from air ambulance service. After 19 years in service, the decision was made to retire the Bell 412 aircraft and replace it with a more technologically-advanced helicopter. The new Life-Guard 10 is an EC-145 and leverages the latest technology to deliver high quality performance, operational reliability and improvements in safety.
The EC-145 has a number of safety features to help the flight crew and improve patient transport.
Some benefits of the new Life-Guard 10 include:
- Communication center that can contact pilots directly concerning weather
- Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (H-TAWS) gives pilots advanced warning about terrain for faster reaction times
- Capabilities of night vision goggles
- Easy loading of patients and equipment via the large rear doors
- Meets all NTSB recommendations
"We are happy to have the ability to serve patients in the area with the EC-145, just as we have been but with better capabilities and technologies than the Bell 412," says Susan Smith, program director for Carilion Clinic Life-Guard. “The EC-145 is a modern aircraft that will allow our team to transport patients in a safer, more efficient manner.”
Up to two patients can be treated aboard the new aircraft. Life-Guard 10 typically makes two to three flights per day, with more flights in the summer months. The new EC-145 started servicing patients on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009 and made three flights on its first day in operation.
For more information on CCPT, please visit their web site.
