A new helicopter was commissioned by MUSC president James B. Edwards during a brief ceremony on March 27, adding to the speed and efficiency of MEDUCARE’s continued ability as a critical care provider in the Tri-County area.

Since 1987, MEDUCARE has been involved in providing critical care to South Carolina patients with an effective Medical Transport System fleet of ground, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft support.

The light weight, twin engine American Eurocopter BK117 A4 replaces an earlier version and possesses a greater power-to-weight ratio, giving it more lift capability. All these factors contribute to the rotor vehicle’s speed and quick response time within a 100 mile radius. It is the second helicopter utilized by MEDUCARE in the past 10 years.

Contracted through Omni Flight, Inc. of Dallas, Texas, the new helicopter’s interior was specifically designed by the MEDUCARE flight crew to help meet the needs of patients. It creates more room for emergency equipment and efficiency by the teams. A one-man stretcher replaces a flight litter and better cabin space for monitors and equipment allowing for greater flexibility when coordinating with EMS, fire, and hospital personnel. The critical care team is composed of two teams—adult and pediatric care—with 12 nurses, five respiratory therapists and five flight paramedics.

In addition to the new helicopter, the fleet received two new ambulances, expanding their fleet to seven emergency transportation vehicles. The MEDUCARE ground transport teams are composed of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMS). MEDUCARE grew from a ground pediatric transport team that consisted of part-time nurses and a respiratory therapist using a private ambulance service in 1987.

Today, it provides critical care transport to newborns, adults and trauma patients of any age.