Healthnet Aeromedical Services 4 / MedFlight 7

Sitting in Scioto County is a unique helicopter. On the left side, it’s painted in the blue and white color scheme of HealthNet Aeromedical Services, Inc. On the right side, it bears the green and white of MedFlight.

The EC-130 helicopter and flight team is a symbol of the cooperation that brings emergency healthcare transportation to the people of Scioto and surrounding counties.

HealthNet Aeromedical Services, Inc. is a West Virginia-based nonprofit corporation that provides medical transport services in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. MedFlight is a Columbus-based company that provides similar services in Ohio.

“Rather than each organization bringing an aircraft here, which would have been counter productive, these two not-for-profits determined to work together to develop service under a joint model,” Burley said. “It’s the only one of its kind in the country.”

The two companies shared the expense of opening the base and ongoing operations, including training and education for the crew. The companies provide regular education opportunities for local EMS, fire crews and hospitals.

“It has become more than just painting a helicopter in our colors; it’s truly been a testament of partnership to look past the traditional model and do a great service for the community,” said Todd Bailey, director of business development for MedFlight.

The helicopter has sophisticated navigation and safety equipment, including terrain avoidance and traffic avoidance instruments, as well as satellite weather updates. It also has an autopilot that allows the pilot to concentrate on air traffic control or weather information. Pilots are equipped with night vision goggles, which they use for night flights and bad weather.

- www.PortsmouthMetro.com