New Survival Flight helicopters on the way to University of Michigan Health System
This rendering depicts a Eurocopter-155 model aircraft ordered for the Survival Flight air ambulance service at the University of Michigan Health System.
Courtesy of American Eurocopter
The University of Michigan Health System has ordered three new helicopters to replace aging aircraft in its existing Survival Flight fleet, according to the choppers’ France-based manufacturer, Eurocopter.
The company says the choppers are the first Eurocopter-155 models put to use in emergency medicine in the United States, though they are commonly used in Europe.
Three Bell 430s have been used for the last dozen years at U-M and are no longer being manufactured, said health system spokesman Ian Demsky.
The decision to replace the older craft was made based on the ability to get parts and maintain the choppers, as well as their years of service. The Bell 430s are leased, and the E155s will be too, he said. Cost details were not available last week.
This Bell 430 Survival Flight aircraft is one of three that will be retired after the University of Michigan Health System leases three new helicopters in the fall.
UMHS photo
Eurocopter manufactures the aircraft, and tests and disassembles them before shipping them to Metro Aviation in Shreveport, La., said Jeff Dronen, a spokesman for American Eurocopter, the parent company’s subsidiary.
There, plant workers assemble and fly the helicopters before delivering them to UMHS. The first E155 shipped to Louisiana in June and is scheduled to arrive at UMHS in October. The next two will follow within the next year, Dronen said.
In a news release, the company said its “multi-purpose” aircraft is fast, designed to provide a smooth flight for crew and patients, and loaded with safety and technological innovations. Dronen said there are only a handful of EC-155s in the United States today.
The Survival Flight fleet includes three helicopters, a Cessna Citation fixed-wing aircraft and ground services provided by Huron Valley Ambulance.
The service transports injured and critically ill patients from hospitals across the state to UMHS for specialized care. It also aids in rescue operations and transports harvest teams for organ donation. In its 25 years in operation, it has flown more than 30,000 patient transports.
The University of Michigan Health System’s Survival Flight recently announced it would take over air ambulance services for St. Joseph Mercy Health System’s seven southeastern Michigan hospitals, beginning in September.
The end of the air ambulance service Midwest Medflight at St. Joe’s will save that health system $1.6 million, but cost 24 employees their jobs, including nurses, dispatchers, paramedics, pilots and mechanics.
The decision to replace the three Bell 430s used by Survival Flight was made in 2009 and was not related to the new service arrangement, said the health system's spokesman.
Juliana Keeping covers general assignment and health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter
Comments
Lynn
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 8:30 a.m.
I chose my user name because UMHS has literally TWICE saved my husband's life since 2000, and I find it hard to express my gratitude in words. I care deeply about the Survival Flight Team and their program as Terry is now an organ transplant recipient. Neither one of us gave one single second of thought as to where the helicopter or jet was made as we made our way through the transplant program and, as we waited for the transplant after receiving notice that an organ was available. Seriously, all the manufacturing/nursing/union issues are meaningful to those directly affected, but to those who are sick and dying, all that matters is that there are dedicated teams who are provided the best equipment/supplies budgets allow. My sister works as an EMT in a remote area with very limited resources to help them preserve life, and I hear often of how a person would/could have survived if only the emergency personnel had the money for more equipment to make sure that would happen. So please stop with the vitriol and be grateful to know this technology is available to you where you live as it may someday save the life of someone you love. Thanks for reading.
Lynn
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 8:41 a.m.
My sister, my husband and I were given an opportunity to tour the Survival Flight facilities and one of the current helicopters. It was very apparent that replacements were long overdue, especially as I listened to my sister's conversation with the crew member. All I could think about was how many more lives will be improved and saved. Oh, and for those of you who complain about the noise from the current helicopters, I doubt you'll care if someone you know is so terribly sick or injured; think about that.
Lynn
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 8:32 a.m.
Well, I thought my user name would show: GratefulforUMHS
Jim Pratt
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
The Bell 430's aren't made in the USA- they are made in Canada. There really aren't any U.S. made helicopters in this performance class. Everything has been moved overseas. Sikorski S-76 production has been moved to PZL-Mielec factory in Poland. By the way- a ride in the survival flight chopper may now run as much at $40K. Is it worth it? 9 out of 10 flights on Survival Flight would have made it fine with ground transportation instead. We won't get medical insurance costs under control until survival flights are only used for those medically necessary.
Dal
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 10 p.m.
It must be nice to have so much money to spend on foreign made products. And to have SO much money to build a new Mott's Hospital. I just feel sorry for all the patients who will be going there and getting third world country care because you DON'T have the money to keep the current nurses benefits as they are? Was U of M planning on the helicopters and the new building and thinking they will just take it out of the nurses benefits? Here, let's spend a billion dollars and to pay for it we'll just cut the nurses benefits and wages! I hope they ALL quit and find jobs at REAL hospitals that actually care about their workers. Let the doctors learn how to draw blood! (like THAT would ever happen)
Dave
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
Why are you people complaining about where they are made??? Most of you drive cars not even assembled here...and even if they are, the parts come from places other than here. Your cell phone, TV, DVD player, whatever....get real. I just hope they are quieter. I live near the airport and the current fleet shakes my windows.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 11:43 a.m.
I don't think the guy with 3rd degree burns all over his body on his way to U of M hospital cares much about where the helicopter was made. By the way, that marketing photo is clearly Photoshopped. The lighting betrays a controlled, indoor shot, and the rotors aren't moving. Good Night and Good Grief
M1687
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.
Wow, if these Bell 430's are part of the "aging" fleet, I would hate to see what that Cessna looks like? How long have they had that thing? I'm a big fan of the Bell Helicopter and I hate to see U of M acquire these Euro's. I'm sure there is all kinds of factors in how they determine which ones to buy/lease/operate etc.
Wilford John Presler IV
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
Priorities ..... #1 Safety of the Rescuer #2 Safety of the Victim #3 Rapid Extrication and Response to the Emergency Room Lives saved.....$Priceless$ The Eurocopter EC-155 is a lot of Bird for the Buck!
Oregon39_Michigan7
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 3:43 p.m.
Who's paying for these new helicopters? The Nurses? Are the current ones not functioning anymore or unsafe to use?
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
Yes, all they got together for a meeting and somebody said, "Let's get new helicopters and stick the nurses with the cost," and the rest of them all agreed. These aircraft fly multiple missions per day. The number of hours of flight time they accrue must be very high. I would guess these get four times as much use as traffic or corporate/taxi helicopters. Good Night and Good Grief
John B.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
Um, the leases on the current ones are expiring, they have lots of years/hours on them, and the model they use now is no longer made. Additionally, UM is picking up the business serving St. Joe's, so I would assume they want a fresh fleet to do that with. Normal business practices.
Mr. Ed
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
Paid for on the backs of the Nurses.
asymptote
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
Why does it matter where the helicopter is made? It's not like everything you have and use is made in the United States.
firecracker
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
Why did this article have to repost that Medflight will no longer serve our community? There's no need to mention this and to rehash all the hurt and anger that is already being felt by many. Survival Flight isn't aquiring these new ships just because Medflight is ending, they were coming before the any of this was even happening. Way to reopen wounds that are trying to heal.
pawky
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
It's amazing how people blow off concerns about buying foreign-made products - until their job is eliminated and they are applying for food stamps. Wake up!
eagleman
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
The problem with your post is that you assume most peoples' jobs are impacted by imports. They aren't because we most jobs are service-related. Our economy is based on services, not manufacturing. The only people negatively by imports are those in the manufacture of goods.
5c0++ H4d13y
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
Michiganders are so provincial.
mimisays
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
When you are on the side of the highway bleeding to death, which helicopter would you want them to fly? A. The fastest, most agile craft with the interior configurations accommodating all of the life-saving equipment needed for your survival, or B. One with "USA" stamped on every part Just asking.
ClaytonB Johnson
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 1:49 p.m.
Most of this conversation is meaningless prattle, with the exception of Chewie's Ghost with whom i totsaslly agree: I hope these can fly their routes with a little less "shaking my house to the foundation" when they go by. I have never heard such load helis as the ones they currently use. Friday and Saturday nights when the drunks are out I can almost count on being rattled out of bed around 2:30am.
John B.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
I'll bet the Eurocopter is quieter than the current 'copters, too.
1bigbud
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
When they come to pick u up Tell them no thanks I will wait for one made in the USA Or one painted Green and White
Phil K.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_EC155" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_EC155</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_430" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_430</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-76#Civil" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-76#Civil</a> The Eurocopter has superior range (UM seems to be picking up more medflight business), speed, and capacity than anything Bell is currently producing, and is far ahead of the S-76 in terms of speed and range. Bell and Sikorsky both appear to be focused on their military contracts, rather than civilian business. Buy American, but also buy the right tool for the job. There seem to be some compelling reasons to go with the Eurocopter over what Bell & Sikorsky are making for the civilian market.
Lynn
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 8:56 a.m.
You're correct that the extended range and speed and room for the crew to move about the patent to provide proper care, is necessary. This was part of the discussion my sister (a highly skilled EMT in the UP who has earned commendations and deep respect among emergency personnel throughout MI, because she saves lives with little technology) had with the SF crew member.
zip the cat
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.
So are all of the above whiners and complainers going to whine and complain when your laying along side the road and need imediate medical attention about where the chopper was made. Wow get a life. Who cares where it was made 99% of what is in your house and on your person from your nose to your toes came from another country. Better do your homework,as that american made vehicle setting in your garage contains lotsa parts made in CHINA and MEXICO
bluemax79
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.
one would hope they bought the BEST helo for the job available. these things are to save lives not worry aobut union politic's.
snoopdog
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.
Another American made helicopter company Bell is owned by Textron Corporation, they would certainly have a model to compete with this EU-155. Though these new EU-155's being bought by the U of M were not manufactured here is the US, American Eurocopter the subsidiary of Eurocopter is based in Grand Prairie TX and does actually manufacture helicopters in Columbus, MS for the US military. Good Day
John B.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
The comparable Bell is out of production. Like Sikorsky, they prefer to sell to the military in larger volumes - it's easier to do.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 12:09 p.m.
Wahh-wahh, how about UM purchased the best helicopter at the best price point? To simply "Buy American" does not always foster competition and innovation. May the best product win!
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
I hope the new ones are not as loud as the Bell 430s.
Townie
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
The hospital 'arms' race continues... At least the number of local hospital choppers was reduced with the departure of St. Joe's, but there's a need to make the distribution of these expensive resources more efficient and based on need. Does UM have certificates of need filed and approved by the state for all 3 of their choppers?
Townie
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:21 p.m.
OnThe Right - it's an easy query... From: <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/2010_CON_Brochure_306457_7.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/2010_CON_Brochure_306457_7.pdf</a> And right at the top of the list. I will now send a certified letter to DOH; last time I asked UM only had them for 2 of the 3... Services that Require CON The Certificate of Need regulatory program is intended to balance the cost, quality, and access of Michigan's health care system. Services and facilities are regulated to make sure they meet the needs and costs requirements of the state. The following types of projects must obtain a Certificate of Need: Increase in the number of licensed beds; relocation of licensed beds from one geographic site to another geographic site; replacement of beds Acquisition of an existing health facility Opening of a new health facility at a site that is not currently licensed for that type of health facility Initiation, replacement, or expansion of covered clinical services Initiation of a short-term nursing care program (Swing Beds) Make a covered capital expenditure above the threshold in a licensed health facility (clinical service areas only). The current threshold, effective January 1, 2010, is $2,942,500. A Certificate of Need is required for the following clinical services: Air Ambulance (Helicopter) Bone Marrow Transplants Cardiac Catheterization (includes diagnostic, therapeutic, angioplasty, and electrophysiology) Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners Heart/Lung, Liver Transplantation Hospital Beds Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Megavoltage Radiation Therapy (MRT) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nursing Home and Hospital Long-Term Care Unit (NH-HLTCU) Beds Open Heart Surgery Pancreas Transplantation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanners Psychiatric Beds- Acute Inpatient Surgical Services- Hospital and Freestanding Urinary Lithotripters I'll send a certified letter to the MI
OnTheRight
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 6:59 p.m.
CON not required for assets like helicopters.
SonnyDog09
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
Once again, UofM is tone deaf. They should have found a helicopter that was manufactured in America.
John B.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
Hardly...
DDOT1962
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
Why are comments about where the helicopter was manufactured so predictable?
John B.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:26 p.m.
+1
stunhsif
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:22 a.m.
Sikorsky ( a divison of United Technologies Corp a multi billion dollar USA based company) manufactures helicopters in Bridgeport Connecticut, seems they would have had something to compete with this Eurocopter ?
SMAIVE
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
Really, there are no US manufacturers?
John B.
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
I wish the Bell model that they use were still made, but it isn't. The Eurocopter is apparently far superior to the currently-available US-made competitors' models, as those US companies concentrate on their military 'copters. It's not UM's fault that Bell and Sikorsky gave up on the private-use market niche.
Pat
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.
Why is UM acquiring foreign made helicopters? Who are the patients? Who are the taxpayers? When UM receives their payments and funding from Europe then go out and acquire European made helicopters