March 7, 2007

STATCARE unveils new, improved, helicopter in Glasgow

By Charlie White
The Courier-Journal
 

LOUISVILLE — STATCARE has traded in their Glasgow-based medical helicopter for a new, state-of-the-art model, that will begin responding to medical patients today.

STATCARE, a critical care air medical ambulance program headquartered in Louisville, has taken delivery of their first of three new American Eurocopter EC-135 helicopters. Training has been completed and the new helicopter has been stationed at the Glasgow Municipal Airport.

The twin-engine 2006 model year helicopter showcases tomorrow’s aviation technology and was developed in close cooperation with physicians, EMS, and rescue experts.

“This is all new technology, state-of-the-art,” said Glenn Phelps, a STATCARE EMS Pilot who recently completed his training on the new aircraft. “It also has the latest GPS technology that includes weather radar directly from the satellites.”

The helicopter employs satellite position tracking and satellite phone communications that can interface with all Kentucky hospitals and EMS agencies during a disaster. A new radio expands their communications capabilities to newer radio frequencies that are gradually being phased in with EMS, fire, and police agencies.

“The back is built around letting the nurse and paramedic do their jobs,” Phelps added. This aircraft is the first EC-135 helicopter that came with a one-person stretcher system to improve safety and patient loading.

“Visibility is great, from a pilot’s standpoint, which really improves safety,” Phelps said. “And the lighting in the back is unreal – the medical crew can make it like daylight back there, which is really important when dealing with a critical patient.”

The new helicopter can cruise at 150 mph and will sit at the Glasgow Municipal Airport with two hours of fuel already loaded, making their response within their coverage area and transport to the most appropriate hospital a quick and simple task.

“This helicopter also comes with a secondary stretcher assembly so we continue to have the ability to transport two patients at one time,” said Karen Moulton, STATCARE’s Program Manager.

“STATCARE stationed their first helicopter in Glasgow in 1999,” Moulton said. “We continue to believe that our Glasgow satellite base provides better access for the patients in south central Kentucky to important tertiary care services, such as cardiac, pediatric, and trauma services.”

“A helicopter in Glasgow enhances the use of all medical resources, including air and local EMS ground ambulances, and local and regional hospitals, to better serve the medical needs of the residents of Glasgow and the surrounding communities,” Moulton said.

“The Glasgow area has great hospitals, and great EMS, fire, and police services,” Moulton said. “We’ve become a great team, and it’s obvious that the patient really benefits because this team is saving lives.”

About STATCARE

STATCARE is Kentucky's oldest air ambulance and, to date, has flown more than 20,000 patient missions. STATCARE's services include emergency helicopter and fixed-wing patient transport missions. STATCARE's administrative offices and regional communications center are located at Bowman Field in Louisville, Kentucky. The program is owned and operated by the CJ Critical Care Transport Group, a division of CJ Systems Aviation Group. For additional information, visit STATCARE's Internet site at www.statcare.org.

About CJ Systems Aviation Group

CJ Systems Aviation Group is a leading provider of air medical services in the United States. Operating a fleet of approximately 120 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, CJ Systems manages air medical services for hospital and communities at more than 85 base site facilities nationwide. The company employs more than 800 across the United States and is headquartered near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For additional information, visit the company's Internet site at www.cjsystemsaviation.com.