New dual helipad for Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wisconsin
The double helipad was built close to the hospital’s emergency department to allow for the rapid admission of emergency patients
US-based healthcare provider Aspirus Health has announced the opening of a new dual helipad at its facility in Wausau, Wisconsin.
The helipad, located at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, is expected to significantly expand capacity for emergency air transport at the site, and support faster access to medical care for patients from across north central Wisconsin.
The double helipad replaces a single landing space, and relocates helicopter access closer to the hospital’s emergency department.
The landing pad also features a heated snow melt system to ensure that the landing surface remains clear throughout the winter, as well as pilot-controlled lighting and GPS flights to enhance visibility,
The new helipad was developed in response to growing demand for air ambulances in the region. Aspirus stated that it regularly received more than 600 helicopter transfers each year, including patients in urgent need of medical care.
“As volumes increase, it is important that we do not have to wait for one aircraft to move before another can land,” said Jason Keffeler, System Director of Medevac and Trauma at Aspirus. “This investment improves efficiency and supports the highest level of care for our region.”
The Saudi Red Crescent conducted a test landing on a new helipad at the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, earlier this year.
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.