UCAN retires Dauphin N
The University of Chicago Aeromedical (UCAN) has announced it is retiring its Dauphin N model helicopter, replacing it with an Airbus EC145, which took to the skies earlier this month.The Dauphin N has been in service since 1990, transporting over 13,000 patients in its years of service. It has also made several television appearances, including on ER and ChicagoMed. “This aircraft makes better use of the internal space,” said Dr Ira Blumen, Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of UCAN. “It has a slightly shorter airframe than our previous helicopter, but it loads like an ambulance, from the rear instead of from the side. The wide clamshell rear doors and collapsible, ambulance-style litter make getting a patient in and out of the helicopter quicker and easier.” The new helicopter was initially configured for corporate travel, but now includes a custom medical interior with advanced cockpit avionics. It will be able to carry three to four members of medical staff and one patient, or in rare cases, two patients. “We could not fit four caregivers in the patient compartment of our previous aircraft,” said Dr Blumen. “The new cabin space has room for additional equipment for patients who require life-sustaining tools. It lets our clinical staff engage more in the patient’s care while they’re flying.”
The University of Chicago Aeromedical (UCAN) has announced it is retiring its Dauphin N model helicopter, replacing it with an Airbus EC145, which took to the skies earlier this month.
The Dauphin N has been in service since 1990, transporting over 13,000 patients in its years of service. It has also made several television appearances, including on ER and ChicagoMed.
“This aircraft makes better use of the internal space,” said Dr Ira Blumen, Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of UCAN. “It has a slightly shorter airframe than our previous helicopter, but it loads like an ambulance, from the rear instead of from the side. The wide clamshell rear doors and collapsible, ambulance-style litter make getting a patient in and out of the helicopter quicker and easier.”
The new helicopter was initially configured for corporate travel, but now includes a custom medical interior with advanced cockpit avionics. It will be able to carry three to four members of medical staff and one patient, or in rare cases, two patients.
“We could not fit four caregivers in the patient compartment of our previous aircraft,” said Dr Blumen. “The new cabin space has room for additional equipment for patients who require life-sustaining tools. It lets our clinical staff engage more in the patient’s care while they’re flying.”