Air Methods Corporation has announced its Products Division has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for their AS350 Patient Loading System.

The new system provides a lightweight, durable, easy to use alternative to systems currently on the market. The Model 1175 PLS is a derivative of the proven loading system designs currently in use in EC130, BK117 and AS365 Eurocopter aircraft.

"Ergonomically speaking, the new design will be a great improvement over our prior system by having the system support the weight of the patient and stretcher during the loading and unloading process, versus the flight crewmembers having to support that weight," according to Kathleen Mayer, Chief Flight Nurse for Flight for Life of Denver. "It also reduces the maneuvering and twisting that was previously required of the crewmembers to get the stretcher properly aligned with the locking mechanism."

"With this new interior we continue to expand our line of Eurocopter products", according to Arthur Torwirt, Vice President of Air Methods Products Division. "This Patient Loading System reflects the latest in emergency medical care technology."

The first AS350 aircraft equipped with this certified system has been delivered to Flight for Life of Denver.

FMI: www.airmethods.com