H145 joins the EMS stable at Boston MedFlight
Since their founding in 1985, Boston MedFlight has transported over 70,000 critical care patients to hospitals all across the eastern US state of Massachusetts. Based in Hanscom, MA, Boston MedFlight provides helicopter, fixed-wing, and ground ambulance services for the state’s critically ill and injured patients.
Established to provide a regional emergency transport system focused on excellent patient care and high reliability, Boston MedFlight makes up part of a unique programme, partnering with a consortium of six hospitals to provide non-competitive, patient-first care. As their online mission statement puts it: “Our daily mission is to provide the right vehicle to the right patient at the right time and transport them to the right facility.”
The helicopters carry a three-person crew on average – the pilot, a critical care transport nurse and a paramedic – with space for up to two patients, and a seat for a family member if needed.
Among its missions, approximately 45.8% are carried out by a four-strong helicopter fleet, based at Hanscom Field, Plymouth Municipal Airport, Lawrence Municipal Airport, and Mansfield. In March 2018, the EMS transport provider took delivery of a new H145, the first of three that are set to join the fleet. The need is great, as Boston MedFlight transports some 4,000 critical care patients a year, or approximately 1,842 missions yearly.
Boston MedFlight transports some 4,000 critical care patients a year, or approximately 1,842 missions yearly.
The helicopters carry a three-person crew on average – the pilot, a critical care transport nurse and a paramedic – with space for up to two patients, and a seat for a family member if needed. Fully equipped for ICU care onboard, the helicopters make up a fast and reliable form of transportation in nearly any weather condition. “We have instrument approaches to all of our hospital helipads in Boston and this is a more capable aircraft for that mission,” says Lynda Colarossi, Chief Pilot Boston MedFlight, speaking of the new H145.
“Our daily mission is to provide the right vehicle to the right patient at the right time and transport them to the right facility” – Boston MedFlight mission statement.
Here, Colarossi and pilot Keith Lanteigne speak in more detail about the newest member of their Boston fleet, the H145.