December

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1996: UMMC lands flight transportation program

Published on Monday, December 30, 2024

By: Gary Pettus, gpettus@umc.edu

During its 69-year history, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has made contributions to the state, and the world, in medicine, science and education. Each month, we’ll recognize at least one of these major accomplishments.

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AirCare-1.jpg
UMMC's AirCare program began operating in 1996. All of the helicopters in the flight program have autopilot systems, color weather radar, anti-collision instruments and night vision goggles.

With its first helicopter, Jackson-based AirCare 1, UMMC began flight transportation services for patients. Over the years, the flight program added AirCare 2 in Meridian, beginning in 2009; AirCare 3 in the Golden Triangle (Starkville/Columbus/West Point), beginning in 2016; and AirCare 4 in Greenwood, beginning in 2017. This expansion meant AirCare serves the entire state of Mississippi and patients could also be carried to hospitals other than UMMC. For the safety of the patients and crew, the UMMC aircraft feature autopilot systems, color weather radar, anti-collision instruments and night vision goggles. Staffed by specially trained nurses and critical care paramedics, AirCare is able to care for patients of all ages, including newborns; it offers the only neonatal flight team in the state. On board each aircraft are two units of O-negative blood and fresh plasma, and such services as ultrasound exams, advanced airway management and much more. AirCare’s guide to action is found in this watchword: “More than flying people to care; flying care to people.”