Two Sikorsky S-76C+ lifesaving helicopters are
helping Arkansas Children's Hospital provide transportation
services to critically ill and injured infants and children from
all areas of Arkansas and surrounding states.
After challenging Sikorsky engineers to configure an EMS
aircraft like no other, Arkansas Children's Hospital took delivery
of two S-76C+ aircraft in 2002. The S-76C+ aircraft interior is
configured as a flying intensive-care unit equipped to carry two
patients, a four-person medical team, neonatal transport isolettes,
as well as an extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pump,
which serves as a heart/lung bypass for critically ill patients.
Angel Flight, the hospital's critical care transport program,
completed 1,783 patient transports in fiscal year 2002.
"The S-76C+ carries our patients, equipment, and medical teams
over great distances, even in bad weather, and brings them home
safely," said Mary McDaniel, Vice President-Patient Care Services,
Arkansas Children's Hospital. "The engineers were extremely
responsive and creative, crafting an S-76C+ interior that is
capable of functioning as an intensive care unit within the
helicopter."
The aircraft are equipped with sophisticated accident avoidance
systems. In addition to a glass cockpit and DDAFCS autopilot,
Arkansas Children's Hospital was the first customer to receive an
S-76C+ Air Medical aircraft equipped with the Honeywell Mark XXII
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, providing real-time
situational awareness of surrounding terrain and obstacles, to
avoid controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). Other showcased
features include the Garmin GPS 500 system with moving map display,
SatelliteSkywatch traffic collision avoidance system and a
satellite communications system.
"Our mission is to help the hospital enhance, sustain and
restore children's health," said B.J. Raysor, Angel One Transport
Pilot. "The S-76C+ gives us the range, payload and cabin space that
we require. The single engine emergency capability offers
incredible peace of mind."
More than 50 S-76 EMS helicopters are in service worldwide.
Operating in 44 countries by 192 operators, more than 530 Sikorsky
S-76 helicopters have accumulated over three million flight hours
with an extraordinary safety record, while providing the best
combination of operating costs and performance in their weight
class.
Arkansas Children's Hospital, a private, non-profit
institution, is the only children's medical center in the state of
Arkansas. Comprehensive, high-quality medical care is offered to
children from birth through age 21, coming from every county in
Arkansas and from many nearby states. Arkansas Children's
Hospital's mission is supported through Angel Flight, providing
children a unique means of access to the hospital facilities,
services, and staff-regardless of a family's inability to pay.
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