Orlando Health Air Care has launched its newest aircraft: a larger, specialised helicopter to transport critically ill children and adults. Every second counts in emergencies, and this new helicopter’s increased size and specialised design allow faster transfer of patients to Central Florida’s only Level One trauma centre, Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), and Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Stationed at Apopka, the Airbus H145D3 is now the fifth aircraft in Orlando Health’s helicopter ambulance fleet. “The sheer size of this new aircraft makes it a gamechanger,” says Kelly Nierstedt, president of Orlando Health ORMC and senior vice president of the Orlando region. “The larger cabin space enhances our ability to transport specialty equipment for both children and adults, and the greater lift capacity means we can travel longer distances for our patients. It is much more than a shiny new air ambulance: it underscores our commitment to going the distance for our patients when they need us the most.”

The Airbus H145D3 helicopter offers three key advantages: its larger size offers increased range to reach patients faster; its larger cabin and greater lift capacity accommodate more flight nurses, medics and specialised equipment to care for complex and critical patients; and its customised medical interior facilitates the transport of specialty equipment for children and babies, such as neonatal incubators.

“This larger aircraft provides the opportunity to carry additional, specialised equipment over longer ranges,” adds Dustin Pierce, associate COO of Orlando Health ORMC. “Not to mention it boasts the most advanced navigation technology, adding that extra layer of safety.”

Parents Chris and Anne Benway emphasise the importance of fast, life-saving care. Last September, Orlando Health Air Care transported their six-year-old son Grayson from Eustis to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital after he nearly drowned. “Huge thank-you to Orlando Health Air Care. We can’t stress it enough,” explains Chris. “It goes back to the comfort of knowing that if something more were to happen that day that he was with the right people, coming to the right facility. Knowing that Air Care was coming to get him and how quickly we were going to get there... I wouldn't trade that for the world.”

Orlando Health Air Care was launched 40 years ago and serves all counties across Central Florida including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Polk, Volusia, Brevard and Marion Counties. Each helicopter is staffed by one pilot, one critical care paramedic and an advanced certified flight nurse.

Air Methods, a leader in emergency air medical services for 45 years, provides aviation services to Orlando Health Air Care. In addition to answering the call to incidents on-scene it also provides hospital transfers throughout Florida based on medical necessity. The team provides care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.