Will Take Delivery Of Three New Helicopters This Year

Standing before one of the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center's current Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopters, last week Governor Martin O'Malley announced his state will purchase three new medevac helicopters this year to bolster the center's emergency response services.

"This life-saving equipment will carry thousands of our neighbors who have been badly injured to trauma centers across the state, enhancing the capabilities of our emergency-response teams," O'Malley said at a Friday press conference at Martin State Airport.

That announcement came as good news to hospital officials, reports The Baltimore Sun... as funding for the new helicopters has been in doubt since November, when lawmakers recommended postponing the purchase as the state deals with a $1.7 billion budget shortage.

Legislators eventually agreed to a special $110 million infusion to the State Helicopter Replacement Fund, taken from revenue collected through a sales tax increase. The three helicopters due this year will cost $33.6 million.

According to the Sun, nine of the state's 12 medevac helos are nearly 18 years old, while the youngest is eight years old. On average, the state's fleet of emergency response helicopters have flown about 5,000 missions per year, since 1970.

"For 38 years, State Police helicopters have provided a vital public safety service to our citizens and in support of all Maryland police departments and EMS providers," said Maryland State Police Superintendent Terrence B. Sheridan. "They are a welcome sight to people who need help and need it fast."

FMI: www.umm.edu/shocktrauma/ems.htm