Florida Keys Receive New Leonardo AW139 Trauma Star Helicopters

New Helicopter Fleet for Florida Keys

• 🚁 The Florida Keys are receiving a new fleet of Trauma Star helicopters, Leonardo AW139s, to replace their aging aircraft.
• 💡 The new helicopters are larger, faster, and have more lift capacity than the previous models.
• 🗓️ Funding for the new fleet was approved two years ago, and they are expected to be operational by October.

Critical Role of Air Ambulances in the Keys

• 🏥 With no trauma hospitals in the Keys, the island chain relies heavily on helicopters to transport patients quickly.
• 🗺️ The 100-mile-plus island chain is considered one of the busiest air ambulance programs in the US, serving a significant population.
• ⏱️ The current helicopters can take approximately 47 minutes from the Lower Keys to Ryder Trauma Center; the new fleet is expected to reduce this travel time.

Advanced Features of New Helicopters

• 🚑 The new helicopters are designed to accommodate paramedics and a flight nurse for critical care delivery.
• 📸 Equipped with a high-tech camera on the tail, they can provide enhanced situational awareness of surrounding areas.
• 🖥️ Internal screens simulate surrounding terrain, aiding navigation and operations.
• 💰 Monroe County approved over $52 million for the new fleet, aiming to bring modern aviation capabilities to the region's emergency medical services.