Aircare is UMMC's critical care aeromedical service. Serving the state of MS out of bases located in Jackson, Meridian and Columbus.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Helicopter Flight program was established in 1996 with a single helicopter based in Jackson. The Jackson-based AirCare 1 helicopter was joined by the Meridian-based AirCare 2 helicopter the spring of 2009. The second helicopter has allowed the AirCare program to slightly change its mission profile by transporting patients to not only UMHC but to other hospitals providing a higher level of care. It has also increased our scene response capabilities, we can now transport up to 3 patients from a single location. Since the program's inception, the AirCare teams have safely transported over 16,000 adult, pediatric and neonatal patients over 2 million miles without any FAA-reportable accidents.
The helicopters are unique to the state of Mississippi in that both are operated under single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules-meaning the pilot may be able to complete flight requests in marginal weather conditions. Both aircraft are outfitted with autopilot systems, color-weather radar systems and anti-collision instruments to increase patient and flight team safety and full heating and air-conditioning systems to ensure patient comfort. Night Vision Goggles are used during all night operations.
Medical flight crews consist of dedicated flight nurses and flight paramedics and work closely the UMHC's Newborn Transport Team. 100% of the flight nurses hold a minimum of one specialty distinction such as CCRN, CEN or CFRN. The flight paramedics also hold advanced distinctions in areas such as Certified Flight Paramedic and Certified Neonatal-Pediatric Transport. Medical personnel have professional backgrounds ranging from over 25-years of EMS experience, Adult and Pediatric ICU experience and Adult and Pediatric Emergency Department Experience. Two units of O-negative blood are carried aboard all AirCare aircraft. Additional medical capabilities include the initiation and maintenance of peripheral arterial lines, RSI, and capnography monitoring of all intubated patients. Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) bedside ultrasound exam can be done on all trauma patients in flight.
EC-145
The 2010 year model American Eurocopter EC145, is the civilian variant of the US Army's Lakota (UH-72A), which is currently produced at Eurocopter's facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Aircraft maximum gross weight 7,880 lbs. Cruise speed 133 kts. (160 MPH)
Useful load 5,218 lbs. (fuel, equipment, Pilot/RN/Paramedic/2 patients). Seating capacity allows for support of observer program for Medical Residents and students to learn about Aeromedical Transport.
Instrument Flight Capability: 3 axis autopilot, 2 GPS satellite navigation systems. Two way satellite communication equipment. Satellite weather systems and active onboard color weather radar systems.
Terrain and Ground proximity radar systems. Night Vision friendly interior lighting.
Night Vision Goggles are worn by the pilot and medical crew during all night operations.
Capability to transport two patients. Stretcher weight-limit 500 lbs.
On-board Medical Equipment / Capabilities:
Two Oxygen and Medical Air Sources
Two suction units
Extensive list of medications for the critical care setting
LTV-1200 Ventilator
2x three-channel IV pumps
Phillips HeartStart MRx monitor
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
Neonatal Isolette / Nitric Oxide Therapy
O Negative Packed Red Blood Cells for emergency transfusions
Peripheral Arterial Line Insertion / Monitoring
RSI Intubation / Emergency Airway Devices
Portable UltraSound for FAST exam of trauma patients
Eurocopter EC135
Our Meridian based aircraft is a 2008 year model EC 135 P2+.
Aircraft maximum gross weight 6,415 lbs. Speed 137 kts. (165 mph).
Useful load 2,125 lbs. (fuel, equipment, Pilot/RN/Paramedic/1 patient).
Instrument Flight Capability: 3 axis autopilot, 2 GPS satellite navigation systems. Two way satellite communication equipment. Satellite weather systems and active onboard color weather radar systems. Terrain and Ground proximity radar systems. Night Vision friendly interior lighting.
Night Vision Goggles are worn by the pilot and medical crew during all night operations.
Stretcher weight-limit 400 lbs.
On-board Medical Equipment / Capabilities:
Two Oxygen Sources
One suction unit
Extensive list of medications for the critical care setting
LTV-1200 Ventilator
Three-channel IV pumps
Philips HeartStart MRx monitor (Pacing/defib, 12-lead, ECG, arterial line, central venous, ICP, ETCO2, pulse oximetry, and temperature monitoring capability)
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
Neonatal Isolette / Nitric Oxide Therapy
O Negative Packed Red Blood Cells for emergency transfusions
Peripheral Arterial Line Insertion / Monitoring
RSI Intubation / Emergency Airway Devices
Portable UltraSound for FAST exam of trauma patients
Reviews, get directions and information AirCare - University of Mississippi Medical Center.
