Chico’s FlightCare program fundraising for helicopter
The Enloe Medical Center in Chico, California, is looking to raise $5.4 million to acquire a new air ambulance helicopter
The hospital’s FlightCare program currently operates a single Airbus H130 as its primary aircraft. The new rotorcraft is expected to be added to its roster sometime in 2024, and will enable the retirement of the program’s 22-year-old backup helicopter.
FlightCare has provided aeromedical emergency services across 10 counties in northern California, including serving the cities of Reno, Sacramento, and San Francisco.
According to FlightCare’s Director, Jenny Humphries, the service transported 1,040 patients in the past year – the program’s busiest year in its 38-year history. Approximately 30 per cent of FlightCare’s missions are emergency callouts, while the remaining 70 per cent are interhospital transfers.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.