Public Relations

“Mercy Air receives new EC135 dual engine helicopters”

Eurocopter's EC135 is a very powerful lightweight twin-engine multipurpose helicopter and is operational worldwide. The helicopter incorporates Eurocopter's low-noise patented Fenestron tail rotor. The array of 10 blades in the Fenestron are arranged asymmetrically and are spaced at different intervals which substantially reduces the helicopter noise. The four-bladed, bearingless, main rotor system is made of fibre-reinforced composite. The built-in anti-resonance isolation system also contributes to low vibration and noise level. The external noise level is 6dB lower than the regulatory specification and allows the operation of the helicopter in highly populated areas and in close approach to hospitals. The Emergency Medical Service helicopter can carry one or two stretcher patients and up to three clinical staff. Loading and unloading is carried out quickly and easily through the rear clamshell doors.

 “Mercy Air initiates use of night vision goggles”

Mercy Air crew members and patients are now safer than ever thanks to the use of night vision goggles (NVGs), which are similar to the ones used by the military, on all night flights. NVGs intensify the available ambient light approximately 6,000 times. This means you are able to see extremely well under most ambient light conditions. They literally turn the night in to day. By using the NVGs, pilots can see lights hundreds of miles out. NVGs are the latest piece of equipment added to Mercy Air to improve safety during night flights. A National Transportation Safety Board report recommended medical aircraft utilize NVGs to improve safety on night-time flights. The NVGs help crew members make safe decisions keeping patients and crew members safe during flight. The use of NVGs is part of Mercy Air’s effort to provide patients with cutting-edge patient transport technologies and the best in clinical excellence.

 “Mercy Air expands with new fully operational base in Thermal, California”

The Mercy Air base opening in the Coachella Valley area means faster response time for area emergency medical services. A helicopter will be stationed at the Thermal Base 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mercy Air has 11 bases throughout Southern California, but this is the first one in the Valley. Currently, the closest Mercy Air Base is in Banning. Mercy Air says the new location could save about 20 minutes in response time. The Thermal air base will serve emergency calls as far east as Imperial County and all the way to San Diego County.