AeroMD adds medevac plane to Caribbean fleet
AeroMD has put a Cessna Citation Bravo jet into service as its primary and dedicated medevac aircraft.
AeroMD has put a Cessna Citation Bravo jet into service as its primary and dedicated medevac aircraft. The US Virgin Islands-based air ambulance provider said the upgraded plane has been added to its fleet in conjunction with aviation partner Bohlke International Airways. AeroMD highlighted the new plane’s speed and range, which will mean patients more quickly reach specialty centres at greater distances without making a refuelling stop.
Dr Brendan Anzalone, AeroMD president and chief medical officer, said: “We are pleased to introduce the Citation Bravo into our fleet. We strive to continually improve the air ambulance service we offer. This aircraft has state-of-the art medical equipment built in that is essential for successful medevac missions. In sum, this new plane goes faster and further.”
The company said the jet offers a range of up to 1,587 nautical miles; has a top cruising speed of 460 mph and a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 ft. It requires a runway of 5,000 ft for take-off or landing, which makes it ideal for the limited runways at airports in the Caribbean, said the firm. Configured as a medevac aircraft, the interior can accommodate one patient, their travel companion and the AeroMD medical team.
Sam Black, director of operations and pilot for Bohlke International Airways, aviation partner of AeroMD, commented: “This Citation Bravo Jet is equipped with GNS 650 and 750 GPS navigation, with Iridium international weather and satellite telephone communication. This modern avionics package helps our pilots avoid inclement weather. It also gives the AeroMD team the ability to consult with more medical experts and ground resources in real-time.”
AeroMD said that two years into offering air ambulance services to the Caribbean, it has completed more than 400 successful medevac missions airlifting patients from the area. The firm says it is the only air ambulance service in the region accepting Medicare patients.
William R. Bohlke, president and chief pilot at Bohlke International Airways, said: “This streamlined aircraft is an upgrade for AeroMD. It is already equipped with an ADS-B transponder, years ahead of the [US Federal Aviation Administration] requirement. We are proud to play a role in providing this much-needed emergency medical service for the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region.”