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New—Single Pilot IFR EC145
placed its aging original BK117. Ever mindful of innovations to improve patient care and expedite transport, MedFlight realized that harsh New England weather often grounded its helicopter fleet and sought solutions. In partnership with Armstrong Ambulance Company, MedFlight established the first adult critical care ground transport service in Massachusetts in 1998, eventually purchasing its own fleet of ground vehicles in 2003.
To better serve Cape Cod and the Islands, as well as to provide regional air ambulance service in inclement weather, MedFlight leased a Piper Cheyenne II in 1999, eventually upgrading to a Cessna Citation II jet aircraft in 2002. Interestingly, 2002 coincided with the transport of MedFlight’s 20,000th patient. In 2006 Boston MedFlight adopted night vision goggle technology, further reducing risk and increasing safety for patients and crews. By late 2000, Boston MedFlight saw the need to for a larger, more capable aircraft and the Sikorsky S-76C++ was brought on in 2009 for larger cabin capacity, greater speed and range. In 2010, Boston MedFlight celebrated its 25th Anniversary, transported its 42,000th patient and received the Vision Zero Above and Beyond Award, industry-wide recognition of their superlative safety program.
Sikorsky S-76C++
The latest equipment upgrade came in 2014 when MedFlight retired an older BK117 and purchased two new Airbus Helicopters EC145 aircraft. These twin-engine, glass cockpit, single-pilot IFR certified aircraft allow for better patient care and the capability to safely navigate the new helipad instrument approach procedures in downtown Boston. The addition of helicopter IFR infrastructure within Boston, developed by MedFlight, is another example of how Boston MedFlight continues to be an industry leader while enhancing the company’s safety posture.
Through the years, the organization has always kept a central mission. Boston MedFlight commits to excellence by providing the highest-quality, regional, critical care transport system. With (Continued on page 4)
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