Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Helicopter News

At a time when the medical helicopter transport community is experiencing far too many crashes and deaths, the news from the Mayo Clinic has to be most welcome. A new helicopter, designed to transfer critically medical and trauma patients who need fast transport has been introduced during the Air Medical Transport Conference and will be on display at the Minneapolis (MN) Convention Center from October 20-22. The helicopter will be part of a fleet known as Mayo One - the emergency medical helicopter service of Mayo Clinic - and is Mayo's first American Eurocopter EC145.

It is among the most advanced aircraft and well-equipped medical transport helicopter in the country being customized with many high tech features and the latest in safety technology. The cabin, with critical care equipment, combined with advanced avionics for the pilots will meet the needs of critically ill patients as well as hopefully setting a new standard for medical transport nationwide. Long recommended by the NTSB, it is equipped with safety features such as night vision goggles and a terrain awareness warning system (TAWS - two of them). It is also IFR (instrument flight rules) equipped so it can be flown in most any weather along with two highly accurate GPS receivers and two standard navigation receivers. An autopilot has been installed to reduce pilot workload during critical phases of the flight. The flight crew - medical personnel included - is able to communicate with ground based EMS units and dispatch centers. There is a satellite- based telephone system and a satellite based tracking system to allow Mayo Clinic to track the helicopter's location in real time.

"Our goal is to elevate the standards for medical transport, both in terms of medical care and equipment and technology," says Scott Zietlow, M.D., Mayo Clinic trauma surgeon and medical director of the Mayo One program. "With the introduction of the latest Mayo One aircraft, we have clearly achieved this by taking air medical transport services to a new and unprecedented level."

Omniflight Helecopters, Inc, has provided the pilots and the maintenance technicians for the Mayo-owned helicopters since the Mayo One program started in 1984. Anthony DiNota, president and chief operating officer says, "This state-of-the-art helicopter is, essentially, a virtual flying trauma center. The air medical services sector has come a long way since its inception and this new helicopter is evidence of the advancements the industry has realized."

It appears Mayo Clinic's 25 year experience in air transport has served them well in the design of this aircraft. Finally, the pilots and crew who are so dedicated to serving the critically ill or injured, are receiving the support they so deserve and the patients have a little more assurance they will indeed arrive at the hospital - without being involved in a crash - to receive the care they need. More expert care for the patient and more support for the flight crew while on their mission of mercy - Thank you Mayo Clinic!