Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) and New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) are teaming up to bring a life-saving air ambulance service to Columbus County.
In a collaborative effort to expand air ambulance services to serve Columbus and surrounding area residents, NHRMC will be stationing a medical helicopter, AirLink, at CRHS in early 2013. The EC-135 T2 helicopter will enable providers in Columbus County and surrounding areas to cut response times and deliver critical care and air ambulance services to patients following a traumatic illness or injury.
“We have been working with the NHRMC AirLink program for years,” says Todd Howell, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations at Columbus Regional Healthcare System.
“By stationing a helicopter here in Columbus County, we can facilitate the transport of patients to the most appropriate facility or wherever the physician deems necessary. This will make a tremendous difference in emergencies when every minute counts.”
“We are very pleased to be working with Columbus Regional Healthcare System to enhance the life-saving air ambulance services,” says Jack Barto, President and Chief Executive Officer of New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
“With the new base on the CRHS campus, we will be able to further support the work of the EMS teams and hospital providers who take care of the residents of Columbus County.”
The NHRMC AirLink helicopter and pilots are provided by Air Methods Corporation and the medical crew is provided by New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The team provides transport services for patients with traumatic injuries, stroke, cardiac events, high-risk obstetrics and pediatric emergencies. As part of New Hanover Regional Medical Center, the AirLink program receives no local tax dollars.
“The emergency medical personnel in Columbus County provide great care to their patients and we are proud to support their efforts,” says John Popella, Director of Critical Care Transport at NHRMC.
“Because the AirLink helicopter is staffed by medical personnel who receive hundreds of hours of critical care transport training, we can actually begin intensive care for the patient while in flight. Being able to provide this kind of care, in addition to the convenience of stationing the helicopter in Columbus County, will complement the services already provided to residents in the area.”
The AirLink helicopter is equipped with a modern medical interior, the latest in mobile medical technology, and advanced safety features including Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS), night vision goggles, weather radar, Sky Connect remote satellite tracking system, and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
The nurses and paramedics who provide medical care during flight are trained in critical care with specific education on flight physiology. The medical staff also receives continuing education on aircraft and flight safety training. Pilots receive extensive training, maintaining airworthiness exceeding Federal Aviation Administration standards.
“Having the AirLink helicopter based here in our county will be a great time-savings for our residents,” says David Phillips, M.D., Medical Director of Columbus County Emergency Medical Services.
“Our EMS teams are looking forward to working more closely with NHRMC.”
The AirLink service includes two helicopters. By stationing one in Columbus County and one in Onslow County, more residents in the region will have faster access to critical care.
