According to a recent news release, Augusta University Health is launching a new air medical program. This will be a partnership with Metro Aviation.
This new program will be called AU Health AirCare. It will provide rapid transport with highly skilled clinical crews. They will be available for response to on scene emergencies, along with transport to the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. The medical crews will consist of AU Health personnel while Metro Aviation will provide the pilots and technicians.
Both AU and Metro Aviation are excited about this partnership, as they create the area’s only hospital-based air transport program. AU Health CEO, Katrina Keefer, points out, “A dedicated helicopter and highly specialized transport teams will expand our reach across the state of Georgia and ensure more of our state’s residents have access to lifesaving specialist care and rapid transport.”
Metro’s part-owner and Director of Business Integration, Todd Stanberry adds, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Augusta University Health. From my first conversation with AU Health, I knew our cultures were very much aligned. Ms. Keefer, Dr. Coule, Mr. Kayea, and the entire team at AU Health have worked hard to vet the best people and equipment for this vital service to their community. We are humbled and honored to be a small part of this great new season for AU Health.”
The chosen aircraft for the best patient care is the EC145 C2e. According to Chief Medical Officer for AU Health, Dr. Philip Coule, “Its range, speed and superior patient access all allow for a high level of care in flight.”
Additionally, this new air medical program will also improve access to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia for children and infants statewide. While transport teams have always provided a high level of care, Laura Brower, Chief Nursing Officer for AU Health adds, “This helicopter will allow us to arrive and transport the patient more quickly. This can make a huge difference in outcomes.”
