December 7, 2018 at 5:21 p.m.
Ascension adds fixed wing aircraft
'Spirit 3' will be based at Lakeland Airport
Ascension adds fixed wing aircraft
This new service - "Spirit 3" - will enhance medical transport services by transporting patients to cities inside and outside of Spirit's service area, according to an Ascension press release.
International Air Charters, Inc., will provide all aviation services including the aircraft, pilots and maintenance, the release states.
"We are excited to add the first fixed wing base in north central Wisconsin," said Charlie Kotke, regional manager, Ascension Wisconsin Spirit Medical Transport.
"The airplane allows us to provide the continuity of care for patients as they move from one hospital to another, or for longer transports due to the enhanced range and speed of the aircraft," he added.
The airplane, a Cessna Conquest II twin engine, is a medically-configured twin-turboprop based at Lakeland Airport in Arbor Vitae.
It can fly at speeds of more than 350 mph, the release notes.
The Spirit medical crew will consist of a critical care registered nurse and a critical care paramedic. The airplane has been outfitted with the lightweight and compact Spectrum Patient Loading System.
Spirit's first fixed wing transport recently traveled from Eagle River to Rockford, Ill., to meet the specific request of a patient.
Ted Ryan, director of Ascension Wisconsin Spirit Medical Transport, said the Conquest II will support the mission of "meeting the needs of patients in a rural setting along with the challenging weather of north central Wisconsin when seconds count."
"This essential element adds to our comprehensive approach of providing exceptional critical care medical services in the communities we serve, and beyond," he added.
Spirit's 24 hours a day, seven days a week regionally-based communications center coordinates the fixed wing transport of patients from the hospital to the airport and from the airport to the receiving hospital. Spirit's critical care crew members accompany the patient during each leg of the transport until the patient is safe and secure at the receiving facility. The fixed wing service is available on a part-time basis to back up Spirit's two medical helicopters, Spirit 1 and Spirit 2.
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