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.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com