Aircraft Will Transport Patients Throughout Central And North Florida, South Georgia

ShandsCair, the air medical and critical care transport system for Shands at the University of Florida, has purchased an EC155 B1. With a range of more than 300 miles, the EC155 B1 will expand ShandsCair coverage area in North Central Florida and Southern Georgia.  Additionally, the large cabin will provide enough room to allow an increased level of patient care. The aircraft, the first EC155 B1 in the ShandsCair fleet, will be based in Gainesville, Florida, along with the program’s existing EC135.

The EC155 B1 (pictured in file photo) is the newest of the American Eurocopter EC155 cabin class aircraft. Its smooth flight characteristics and large cabin will enable the ShandsCair staff to provide a wide range of high quality patient services during flight. The aircraft is being completed at Metro Aviation and is expected to be in service December of 2013.
 
“We made the decision to purchase the EC155 as we addressed long term range and long term safety of the aircraft,” said ShandsCair COO Ed Jimenez. In addition to being more spacious and technologically advanced, ShandsCair will be able to service the entire state without stopping for additional fuel.
 
Having provided care for nearly 45,000 patients since December 1981, the ShandsCair team strives to deliver excellence in patient care during transport, using specialized teams, vehicles and equipment in a safe, cost-effective manner with the goal of improving patient outcome. The ShandsCair aircraft operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a helicopter based in Gainesville and just south of Ocala, Florida, typically transporting patients from prehospital scenes within a 75-mile radius. Community hospital emergency rooms and ICU’s up to a 185-mile radius are also serviced by helicopter.

American Eurocopter has also delivered three EC135s to Dallas, TX-based Med-Trans, with a fourth scheduled for delivery in November. The medical transport company signed an agreement in August to purchase up to 16 EC135 (pictured in file photo) helicopters. The order includes 10 firm bookings and options for an additional six helicopters. The new EC135s will help Med-Trans sustain its market growth and expansion with their new partners in various locations throughout the country.
 
“We originally selected the EC135 because we wanted a fleet that was not only versatile and reliable, but one that also provided a flexible and adaptable platform that would meet current mission demands and grow with us to meet the needs of our expanding customer base,” said Fred Buttrell, president and CEO of Med-Trans Corporation. “With the addition of these new EC135s we will be able to continue to provide economical aircraft solutions that maximize patient care and partner satisfaction throughout our wider service regions.”

FMI: www.eurocopter.com