Emergency flight crews could be arriving at their destinations even quicker. It's all thanks to Star Care's newest chopper. The new helicopter exceeds all requirements by the FAA. Not to mention, it's faster, more fuel efficient and even comes with a back up camera.
Star Care introduced a brand new helicopter for medical emergencies. The 2013 single engine aircraft will be an update to it's predecessor, which dates back to the 1980s. Sunday they began training local emergency crews on the changes it will bring.
"It's just going to be a big change for everyone because of the way and design that our old aircraft loaded and unloaded patients," says Dan Duncan, flight paramedic.
Another difference will be the smaller area for treating patients. Instead of having all the equipment readily available, the flight team must choose the items they think they'll need before picking up the patient. The rest is stored in a "trunk" like area.
"Since it's designed for patient transport and such, the thought processes have already gone into place as far as where certain equipment will be placed and how the patient will be loaded," says Jason Peterson, flight nurse.
From the aviation stand point, it's 20 miles per hour faster and more fuel efficient than the old helicopter. It also has a back up camera, auto–pilot, synthetic vision and two 10–inch computer screens instead of analog dials.
"If we got in a bad situation, we could actually just fly the aircraft off of the panel and it'd bring us right to the runway. With the auto-pilot in there, it makes it nice. It's like having somebody else to back you up when you need an extra hand," says Bill Stukenholtz, pilot.
The old helicopter was sold to a company overseas. The new one is expected to be in full use by December 3rd.
Source: http://www.klkntv.com
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