Program Operates From Six Bases Around Philadelphia

The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) has updated its PennSTAR air medical services fleet with the addition of a new American Eurocopter EC145.

Purchased in 2012, the EC145 was completed by Metro Aviation and placed into service over the summer, replacing a PennSTAR BK117. The all Eurocopter PennSTAR fleet consists seven aircraft: five EC135s, one BK117 and the new EC145.

The EC145 was selected by PennSTAR for a number of reasons including payload and range capacity, along with the large cabin and useful load ability allowing PennSTAR to transport medical teams and special equipment.

“We have evaluated and used other aircraft in our program but keep coming back to American Eurocopter for the best solutions,” said PennSTAR Flight Team Program Director, Robert Higgins. “This new EC145 complements our current all Eurocopter fleet and serves the growing needs of Penn’s patient transport program with safe, efficient operations. Product support is always excellent, so there was no need to look any farther.”
 
The PennSTAR flight program operates from six bases around Philadelphia, providing critical care air medical transportation within a 100-mile radius of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Since the program began in 1988, PennSTAR has maintained a perfect safety record with no injury accidents or significant aircraft incidents, rendering care to more than 30,000 patients.

The combination of speed and performance, high-set main and tail rotors, and rear-loading clamshell doors make the EC145 a top choice for many EMS programs in the U.S. including PennSTAR. Powered by two Turbomeca ARRIEL engines, the aircraft provides expanded range and payload capacity.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com