Metro Aviation has completed an Airbus Helicopters EC135 for Life Air Rescue, the air medical service in Shreveport, La. Compared to Life Air’s former helicopter, which had a serial number of 0013, the new aircraft is equipped with great technological and medical improvements.
The completely refurbished aircraft includes a helicopter terrain awareness warning system and North Flight Data Systems flight data monitoring with live flight condition data transfers to the Metro and Med-Trans operational control center. The helicopter will also be equipped with Cobham autopilot once a supplemental type certificate is approved in the first quarter of 2015.
In addition to transporting patients with the latest medical technology on board, Life Air Rescue is the only aircraft in North Louisiana with the ability to transport two patients at once and will soon begin carrying blood on every flight to better care for trauma patients.
“Metro Aviation and Life Air Rescue have a long, rich history. The original roots lie in the 1983 partnership between CBS affiliate Channel 12 and the Schumpert Medical Center. We are excited about the advanced capabilities this new aircraft brings to the program,” said Metro Aviation president Mike Stanberry.
Life Air Rescue has served northern Louisiana, eastern Texas and southern Arkansas for more than 30 years. Life Air Rescue transports about 600 patients each year and is the only Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) program in Louisiana.
Life Air Rescue is a joint partnership between Med-Trans Air Medical Transport and Metro Aviation.
