Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) have taken delivery of the first of three new Trauma Star air ambulances at the Florida Keys Marathon International airport hangar. The Trauma Star aeromedical programme is a partnership between the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and MCSO. Trauma Star provides flights to mainland hospitals for critical patients in need of specialised care.

On average, Trauma Star provides 800-900 flights annually, with three to four flights per day. According to Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Trauma Star is one of the top five busiest air ambulance programmes in the United States. The three new Leonardo AW139 helicopters will replace the three Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in the fleet that are more than 20 years old and are no longer in production, making it difficult to find parts when needed.

“This aircraft will serve as the flagship of our life-saving fleet and represents our continued commitment to safety, rapid medical care and protecting lives,” says MCFR Chief RL Colina.

The new helicopter's range also continues to enable emergency rescues in the Dry Tortugas, allowing flights to Miami's critical care centres without needing to refuel en route. Additionally, the capacity allows for two adult patients to be flown in one helicopter at a time.

The funding comes from the infrastructure penny sales tax, approved by a referendum. The infrastructure sales tax is paid by Monroe County residents and visitors when buying items, not through property taxes.

The second and third helicopters are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The pilots and crew are continuing training, and the new helicopters are expected to be in service starting in October.