Medstar Transport, MedStar Health's critical care transport programme, is introducing a new Airbus H145 D3 helicopter to strengthen its ability to transport critically ill and injured patients across the Washington, DC, and Maryland region. Only a few of its type are operating in the air medical industry in the US.

Designed to better serve patients with complex medical needs during transport, the aircraft offers meaningful clinical and operational enhancements for those requiring multiple medical devices, neonatal intensive care, ECMO, a temporary heart-lung support system or bariatric transport.

The new Airbus H145 D3 offers distinct benefits over the EC135 helicopters it currently operates: larger cabin space – creates more usable space for patient care, equipment securement and additional clinicians when a larger bedside team is needed in flight; space for two stretchers – expands flexibility in extraordinary response scenarios; 1,000 pounds additional payload capacity – increases flexibility for personnel, medical equipment, fuel and other mission requirements; increased fuel capacity – supports longer mission planning options and broader operational flexibility; a five-blade rotor system – provides greater lift and a smoother ride for critically ill patients and crews performing patient care; more powerful engines – support the higher weight capacity and improve performance in demanding conditions, including high heat and humidity; and increased space for highly specialised care: including ECMO, neonatal intensive care and other missions requiring multiple devices or an expanded clinical team.

“This is a real milestone moment for us at Medstar Transport as we welcome the newest member of our helicopter fleet and our first Airbus H145 D3,” states Krista Wall, VP and programme director of Medstar Transport. “Our teams already bring truly world class care to our communities every day, and this new aircraft's advanced capabilities will help us do even more for the patients who trust us with their care.”

Medstar Transport is MedStar Health's critical care transport programme serving the Baltimore and greater Washington, DC region for more than 40 years.

Founded in 1983, the programme was the first hospital-based air medical service in the Washington area and has grown into a regional transport system with air ambulances, ground ambulances, a dedicated communications centre, and highly trained medical and support personnel. Medstar Transport moves approximately 5,000 patients each year and specialises in interfacility critical care transport as well as selected scene response operations, including transport to Level I trauma centres.

Over four decades, the programme has played a significant role in regional and national emergency response, including during major public emergencies like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Medstar Transport maintains commercial EMS licensure in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems for ground, rotor-wing and neonatal ICU transport.