The ARCH Air Medical base in Granite City, Illinois has introduced its new Airbus H145 aircraft, marking an important upgrade in its ability to deliver lifesaving care. A twin-engine aircraft known for its speed and efficiency, the helicopter replaces the base's longtime BK117.

“This new aircraft allows our skilled pilots and clinicians to provide the same industry-leading critical care that our partners and patients have come to expect,” states Scott Meyers, area manager of Air Methods, the USA's leading air medical service provider and operator of the ARCH Air Medical programme. “The flexibility of the H145 will give ARCH 1 the ability to handle nearly any transport that it needs to provide.”

New and updated avionics with autopilot enhance flight safety operations while the spacious cabins provide clinicians with more room to manage critically ill and complex patients. Equipped as a flying ICU, the aircraft carries the medical equipment and medications the ARCH Air Medical team needs to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, paediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics and other critical patients.

With the ability to handle balloon pump, ECMO, impella and isolette flights, the aircraft will also serve multiple specialty teams in the St. Louis region and continue to be one of the few bases nationwide capable of transporting ECMO patients independently without a perfusionist.

“Having operated in a series of spares since May, we are excited to have a permanent aircraft that we can call our own again,” adds flight nurse Danice Mainridge.

The ARCH Air Medical programme has been serving the region for over 45 years, providing critical care in both urban and rural settings. ARCH 1 is one of seven bases branded under the ARCH Air Medical umbrella and is joined by HSHS Rescue Flight in Highland, Illinois and Saints Flight in Springfield, Illinois.

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Illinois, Missouri and beyond. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy programme works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services. Patients do not need a membership to be transported by any air medical company.