Aero-News has learned EmergyCare/LifeStar, an ambulance and air medical transport company based in Erie, PA recently took delivery of their first EC145 at a ceremony held at American Eurocopter headquarters in Grand Prairie, TX. EmergyCare, Inc., which operates LifeStar as one of its divisions, purchased the aircraft after an extensive evaluation process by itd selection committee. 

"We’re uniquely positioned along the shores of Lake Erie, so we're able to provide service to a three-state area," said Richard Gibbons, president and CEO of EmergyCare, Inc. "Our coverage area of several hundred square miles, although primarily rural, includes Erie County as well as several other counties in Northwestern Pennsylvania, parts of Ohio and New York, and we serve a population base estimated to be more than one million persons."

LifeStar commenced Air Medical Transport Operations as a supplement to its ground service in 1985. Transport specialties include cardiac, trauma and neonatal, supporting two major hospitals in Northwest Pennsylvania -- Hamot Regional Medical Center and Saint Vincent Medical Center.

LifeStar averages over 550 helicopter air medical transports per year.

CJ Systems Aviation will provide pilot, maintenance and management services for the LifeStar EC145. The helicopter will first go Metro Aviation in Shreveport, Louisiana to be equipped for EMS service. After completion, LifeStar's new EC145 is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of this year. 

The EC145 is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel engines, and was recently selected by the US Army for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com