AirCare Update

from Clinical Update, Winter 2004

Abstract: New upgrades to air ambulance service enhance communications for improved coordinated patient care. AirCare serves a 150-mile radius of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

AirCare, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center’s air ambulance service, recently received several upgrades that include radios to enhance communications with physicians in the Emergency Department, improved weather radar and a new look.

The 24-hour helicopter provides fast transportation from wreck scenes and other hospitals for patients who need to be treated in the critical care units at Wake Forest Baptist, including the Heart Center, Trauma Center, the Burn Center and Brenner Children’s Hospital.

AirCare recently received the Specialty Care Transport Program designation from the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medicine. It’s one of a few medical helicopters in the state with instrument flight capability. It also has the largest medical interior of any civilian helicopter in North Carolina with the capacity to transport four patients and four medical crew members.

The helicopter is equipped with advanced life support technology, including a respirator, an intra-aortic balloon pump and a critical care monitor equipped with a defibrillator and the capacity to run EKGs during transport.

Both the ground and air transport teams specialize in the treatment of critically ill or injured patients with advanced hemodynamic monitoring and advanced respiratory management. Together, they serve a 150-mile radius of Winston-Salem, including parts of South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Flights are coordinated by the Emergency Department attending physician, operate 24 hours a day and can be accessed by calling the Emergency Communications Center at 1-800-336-6224.