Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s hospital, in collaboration with Air Methods, have added a third helicopter to its Life Flight fleet, according to an April 15 news release.
The helicopters are used to transport patients to other medical facilities or to bring emergency medical personnel to those in need.
“Helicopter transport is critical in life-threatening, time-sensitive emergencies, like stroke, heart attack or trauma, where seconds make all the difference,” said Michael A. Mayo, president and CEO of Baptist Health, in the release.
“At Baptist Health, we aim to meet people where and when they need us most with vital health care services. We value our continued collaboration with Air Methods to bring this new asset to our community to help ensure people have quick access to advanced emergency care when every second counts.”
Air Methods is the nation’s leading air medical service provider, according to its website.
Pilots are trained in medical transport, weather navigation and high-risk landings.
The medical team consists of certified flight paramedics and certified flight registered nurses. They specialize in pain management, trauma assessments, cardiac and airway management.
The helicopters are equipped with ventilators, defibrillators and patient monitors, oxygen and transfusion equipment including blood.
Life Flight began in 1980. At that time it was one of 40 in the nation. Since that time the Jacksonville area population has nearly tripled, according to the release.