North Carolina’s first pediatric-only medical helicopter is ready for liftoff, Greenville, N.C.-based ECU Health said Feb. 6.
ECU Health is launching the aircraft, which is designed as an intensive care unit and equipped with specialized neonatal and pediatric equipment, according to a news release. The helicopter is dedicated solely to pediatric patients, as one-third of the children ECU Health transports are premature or neonatal infants.
The system said the helicopter will reduce critical time to treatment.
“Used exclusively for hospital to hospital transfers, the helicopter expands regional capacity and strengthens resource allocation across ECU Health’s service area,” the release said. “The aircraft also enables providers to fly out to support deliveries and neonatal resuscitations, bringing critical expertise directly to local hospitals when seconds matter.”
The system operates nine hospitals, reaching more than 1.4 million people across 29 counties.
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