Bigger, faster helicopter joins Lifesaver fleet

The latest addition to the Lifesaver Air Medical Helicopter fleet, a new Astar 350 Eurocopter, will replace the Bell 206 LongRanger previously used.

“The larger, faster Astar helicopter will give us greater lifting capabilities and accommodate larger patients,” said Lifesaver Flight Nurse Paramedic Charlie Couey.

Lifesaver helicopters are used to transport injured people from accident scenes of various types and to move patients between medical facilities.

“The Astar has a top cruising speed of about 140 miles per hour, can cover 300 miles on a tank of fuel and accommodate a four-person crew,” said Lifesaver pilot Tom Wall.

It takes only about five minutes from the time an emergency call comes in to have the Lifesaver helicopter in the sky, he said.

Lifesaver helicopters have had a base at the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport since 2005, Couey said.

However, Lifesaver helicopters have been in service throughout the state for 28 years, service that was established by Carraway Hospital before being bought by Omniflight Helicopters Inc.

The purchase of the new $3 million helicopter is part of Omniflight updating its fleet with bases in Auburn-Opelika, Birmingham, Gadsden and Sylacauga.

Since it was officially put in service last week, the new helicopter has already been on five service flights, Lifesaver registered nurse Jamie Deason said.

While the equipment may change, Couey said, the goal of Lifesaver remains the same.

“Our goal as a helicopter crew is to get the injured patient to the appropriate hospital in the fastest way possible so they can receive the best medical care,” Couey said.

For more information about Lifesaver Air Ambulance, contact Charlie Couey at 205-288-0029.