Wisconsin hospital gets new helipad
The Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, in the US state of Wisconsin, has opened a new landing zone
The helipad is located near to the hospital’s emergency department, between the hospital and the Riverview Expressway. Aspirus stated that the new landing site should offer shorter transport times between the helicopter and the hospital, as well as reducing costs for patients.
Previously, patients had to be taken to and from the hospital by ground ambulance to meet an air ambulance helicopter at the Alexander Field-South Wood County Airport, approximately 2.4km (1.5 miles) away.
“In an emergency, every minute is critical,” said Charlie Kotke, Aspirus MedEvac’s Regional Manager. “This new capability enables us to get patients enroute to the advanced care they need much faster than ever before. There is also cost savings for the patient, as they will not be billed for an ambulance transport to the airport.”
In Ireland, Cork University Hospital began construction of its own new helipad 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.