North Memorial Receives New Helicopters
The largest hospital in the northwest metro now has new equipment that’s designed to improve patient care and help save lives.
North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale responds to more than 2,600 emergencies per year via helicopter. Now, they have two brand new helicopters to add to their Air Care fleet.
“We felt that they’re the most modern technology for what we needed,” said Scott Sampey, North Memorial’s vice president of ambulance services. “They’re very similar to an ambulance. They serve our population well.”
North Memorial recently acquired two Airbus H135 helicopters. They’re considered the market leader in emergency medical service helicopters.
Officials from the hospital say the new helicopters have ample room for patient care, they have some of the lowest operating and maintenance costs of other twin-engine helicopters, and they’re also among the quietest.
The interior of North Memorial’s new Airbus H135 helicopter.
Now Nine Helicopters in the Fleet
North Memorial uses air transport throughout Minnesota and the upper Midwest. They’re primarily used in emergencies such as motor vehicle crashes, strokes and heart attacks.
Representatives from Airbus and North Memorial say the acquisition of these helicopters will also help improve safety for patients and the Air Care team.
“It’s an aircraft that’s designed for EMS missions, with a flat floor in the back, clam shell loading in the back,” said Cyndi Carter, EMS market specialist with Airbus helicopters. “So it’s very easy to load your patient. It’s quick and efficient.”
“So many safety features,” said Sampey, with North Memorial. “Things that can help with the pilot flying, decrease their stress and some of the ease of aviation, help the crew in the back to have room and ways to take care of patients. And that’s been much more efficient for the job we do.”
North Memorial now has nine helicopters in its Air Care fleet. In addition to the new helicopters, they also have a new training simulator. Pilots can use it to help enhance their skills.
Related: Osseo, Robbinsdale Students Write Thank-You Notes to North Memorial Health Care Workers
