FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Parkview Health is adding a new helicopter to its Samaritan Flight Program. Designed around a patient’s critical care needs, the new aircraft features advanced technology and flexibility specifically for rapid emergency response situations.
Parkview released the following:
Parkview currently operates two American Eurocopter 365 N-2 Dauphin medical helicopters from bases in Fort Wayne (Samaritan 1) and Rochester, Indiana (Samaritan 2). A Leonardo AW169 is being added to replace Samaritan 2 in Rochester and the current Samaritan 2 will become Samaritan 1, based in Fort Wayne. While no longer in regular service, the current Samaritan 1 will remain available to be used as a backup.
“This year will mark 35 years the Samaritan Flight Program has been serving our region, and in that time, we’ve seen incredible growth in aircraft safety and operational efficiency,” said Chad Owen, director of communications, EMS and flight services for Parkview EMS and Parkview Samaritan. “We are excited to welcome the Leonardo to our fleet and know that its advanced capabilities and patient-centered design will further support our caregivers in providing rapid emergency care.”
The Leonardo can travel up to 166 miles per hour and allows medical professionals ample room to provide critical care in the cabin. Up to two adult patient stretchers may be positioned two ways, with 360-degree access to the patient. Up to four seats are available for caregivers, with wide doors for safe, easy loading and unloading.
Safety is also paramount on the ground, with high clearance of the main and tail rotor blades. When the rotor blades are fully stopped, an auxiliary power unit mode allows for the continued operation of heating/air conditioning, radios and electrical support for medical equipment. This feature can be particularly important to emergency response partners, like ground ambulances, on the scene of an emergency.
In the cockpit, an open avionics glass design allows the pilot greater visualization and situational awareness. Onboard weather radar, satellite navigation and fully functional, four-axis auto pilot capabilities round out the Leonardo’s features.
“We know our community recognizes the hum of a Samaritan helicopter flying over, but the Leonardo will sound different than the Dauphin model they’re used to,” Owen added. “Although it will have its own unique sound, the mission remains the same – to quickly and safely serve our community during their time of greatest need.”
Sweet Helicopters named Part 135 operator
Additionally, Parkview Health has partnered with Sweet Helicopters in Fort Wayne for the Part 135 operations and maintenance of its medical transport helicopters. Sweet Helicopters was granted a Part 135 certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2022, allowing for on-demand, unscheduled air service operations.
Per FAA regulations, the pilots and mechanics who operate and maintain Parkview’s aircraft are employed by the Part 135 certificate holder. This allows for strict FAA observation of the safe operations of the aircraft. The pilots and mechanics who will operate and maintain the new Leonardo helicopter are currently undergoing training.
“As you might imagine, teaming up with a Part 135 certificate holder is crucial to the emergency care we provide the region,” said Dr. Roy Robertson, president, Parkview Heart Institute, and physician leader of specialty service lines, Parkview Health. “We need a reliable, trusted partner to care for our patients in this way, and we’re confident we’ve found that at Sweet Helicopters. We look forward to continuing to serve our community together.”
Parkview previously partnered with Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio on Part 135 operations for the Samaritan aircraft.
Currently, each aircraft averages one flight per day. About 40% of these flights are to pick up patients from the scene of an injury and 60% are to pick up from facilities referring patients to Parkview Regional Medical Center. Both helicopters are deployed by dispatchers at the Parkview Logistics Center, located on the Parkview Hospital Randallia campus.
The Leonardo helicopter is expected to hit the skies locally this month.
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