Yale New Haven Health Welcomed Its 2nd SkyHealth Helicopter

NEW HAVEN, CT —Yale New Haven Health held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sikorsky Memorial Airport to welcome the arrival of its second SkyHealth helicopter.

Connecticut-based, the helicopter "supports our critical care teams’ lifesaving, ICU-level care for critically ill or injured adult, neonatal and pediatric patients," YNHH noted on Facebook.

All about YNHH's SkyHealth emergency patient transport helicopters

Yale New Haven Health's two SkyHealth emergency patient transport helicopters are staffed by highly skilled medical professionals, including a critical care flight nurse and a flight paramedic. The SkyHealth transport team provides lifesaving treatment for patients with critical medical conditions while en route to the destination hospital, including the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital.

Designed specifically for helicopter EMS use, each SkyHealth aircraft has the latest technology and safety features. Each meets and exceeds all safety recommendations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and includes advanced satellite tracking to monitor aircraft position, air traffic and weather so that every flight is a safe one. The crew is equipped with night-vision goggles for safely flying in the dark.

Clinical capabilities on the SkyHealth helicopters are:

• Full ICU capabilities while en route
• Invasive and non-invasive monitoring
• Multiple channel IV pumps
• Intra-aortic balloon pump
• Advanced airway and ventilation management

Response Time

On average, SKyHealth lift-off is within 10 minutes from when a call is received. Though flight times vary depending on distance and weather, the helicopter can often cover 25 miles in about 10 minutes. SkyHealth travels within a 200-mile radius of New Haven, CT.

Long Distance Transfer

There are times when a fixed wing aircraft capable of transporting patients at a much greater distances is more appropriate. The Y Access Transfer Center can assist you in coordinating long-distance critical care transport. For more information visit AirMed.