VCU Health opens new air ambulance base in South Hill, Virginia
The new base, which is already fully operational, will serve rural communities along Virginia’s southern border
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health has announced the expansion of its LifeEvac air ambulance program to a fourth helicopter base, located in the town of South Hill, Virginia.
The base, known as LifeEvac 5, is now fully operational, and offers rapid access to emergency care for predominantly rural communities along the US state’s southern border, strengthening the program’s existing coverage.
LifeEvac 5 will complement VCU Health’s other existing helicopter bases, LifeEvac 1, 3, and 4, located at Hanover, West Point, and Petersburg, respectively.
“Timing is extremely important in trauma care,” said Sheldon Barr, President of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital. “Working towards a Level III trauma program means patients can receive critical treatment right here in our Southside community, with the support of family and friends, because healing happens best closer to home.”
Elsewhere in the USA, Georgia’s Wellstar Health System recently announced the introduction of a second helicopter to its AirCare air ambulance program.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. 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.