An open house will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Fulton County Airport for the new Leonardo AW169 helicopter added to the Samaritan Flight program fleet. Photo provided by Parkview Health.

News Release

ROCHESTER — Recently, Parkview Health announced the addition of a new medical helicopter to its Samaritan Flight Program fleet. The new aircraft — a Leonardo AW169 — has arrived at its base in Rochester, and area residents are invited to an open house from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, to get to know the helicopter that will become a familiar presence in the skies.

At the Fulton County Airport, guests will be able to meet the crew, be present for a traditional blessing of the aircraft, and learn about its advanced technology and design features that will enable caregivers to do the crucial work of tending to life-threatening injuries and medical conditions.

The arrival of the new helicopter coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Samaritan Flight Program’s service to the region. Aircraft safety and operational efficiency have advanced considerably across the decades, and the Leonardo’s next-generation capabilities and patient-centered design will further support caregivers’ expertise as they provide focused medical care in rapid response situations.

The Leonardo can travel up to 166 miles per hour and allows medical professionals ample room to provide critical care in the cabin. Up to two adult patient stretchers may be positioned two ways, with 360-degree access. Up to four seats are available for caregivers, with wide doors for safe, easy loading and unloading.

Other safety-oriented features include high-clearance main and tail rotor blades; onboard weather radar; satellite navigation; auxiliary power to keep climate control, radios and medical equipment operating even when the helicopter is at rest; and better cockpit visibility for the pilot.

Currently, about 40% of flights by Samaritan 1 and 2 are to pick up patients from the scene of an injury and 60% are to pick up from facilities referring patients to Parkview Regional Medical Center. Both helicopters are deployed by dispatchers at the Parkview Logistics Center, located at Parkview Hospital Randallia.