FORT WAYNE – Parkview Health is adding a new helicopter to its Samaritan Flight Program. Designed around a patient’s critical care needs, the new aircraft features advanced technology and flexibility specifically for rapid emergency response situations.
Parkview currently operates two American Eurocopter 365 N-2 Dauphin medical helicopters from bases in Fort Wayne (Samaritan 1) and Rochester (Samaritan 2). A Leonardo AW169 is being added to replace Samaritan 2 in Rochester and the current Samaritan 2 will become Samaritan 1, based in Fort Wayne. While no longer in regular service, the current Samaritan 1 will remain available to be used as a backup.
“This year will mark 35 years the Samaritan Flight Program has been serving our region, and in that time, we’ve seen incredible growth in aircraft safety and operational efficiency,” said Chad Owen, director of communications, EMS and flight services for Parkview EMS and Parkview Samaritan. “We are excited to welcome the Leonardo to our fleet and know that its advanced capabilities and patient-centered design will further support our caregivers in providing rapid emergency care.”
The Leonardo can travel up to 166 miles per hour and allows medical professionals ample room to provide critical care in the cabin. Up to two adult patient stretchers may be positioned two ways, with 360-degree access to the patient. Up to four seats are available for caregivers, with wide doors for safe, easy loading and unloading.
Safety is also paramount on the ground, with high clearance of the main and tail rotor blades. When the rotor blades are fully stopped, an auxiliary power unit mode allows for the continued operation of heating/air conditioning, radios and electrical support for medical equipment. This feature can be particularly important to emergency response partners, like ground ambulances, on the scene of an emergency.
In the cockpit, an open avionics glass design allows the pilot greater visualization and situational awareness. Onboard weather radar, satellite navigation and fully functional, four-axis auto pilot capabilities round out the Leonardo’s features.
“We know our community recognizes the hum of a Samaritan helicopter flying over, but the Leonardo will sound different than the Dauphin model they’re used to,” Owen added. “Although it will have its own unique sound, the mission remains the same – to quickly and safely serve our community during their time of greatest need.”