Contact:
Leni Kirkman - University Health System - 210-358-2335
Karen May - Baptist Health System - 210-297-1024

September 11, 2001

A date that brings to mind images of destruction and senseless loss. Yet, out of the ashes a new sense of mission and unity was born - across the nation and here in Bexar County. As we remember the 5th anniversary of our country's worst terror attacks, and pay tribute to the heroes and ordinary citizens lost that day - we should also keep in mind the lessons learned, and renew our collective commitment to preparedness. That is precisely what occurred September 11, 2006, as an important new resource to Bexar County's disaster preparedness system was placed into service.

First new Bell 430 lands at University Hospital

(SAN ANTONIO - September 11, 2006) If you live in the Bexar County area, odds are you've heard one and probably even seen one. An AirLIFE Bell 412. They've been saving lives in South Texas for 16 years. But, beginning today, there's a new emergency helicopter in town, the Bell 430. It's replacing the 412 because it's faster and less expensive to fly.

The first of three medically-configured bell 430s arrived at the helipad at University Hospital this morning. “It is highly appropriate that we welcome this life-saving resource to our community on this day, the 5th anniversary of the worst terror attacks in our nation’s history,” said George B. Hernandez, Jr., President/CEO of University Health System. “On this day we honor the lives lost and remember the lessons learned. Here in Bexar County, we are also clearly communicating our commitment to the health and safety of our residents.”

San Antonio AirLIFE is nationally-recognized for its commitment to safety and quality care. More than 30,000 patients have been served well by the 412s over the past 16 years. They are well-maintained and can continue to be flown safely for many years to come, but they are no longer the most efficient aircraft available to transport critically ill and injured patients.

University Health System and Baptist Health System, the joint owners of San Antonio AirLIFE, are replacing the AirLIFE fleet with Bell 430s after careful evaluation and an in-depth comparison of several aircraft capable of carrying out the AirLIFE mission. “Advances in safety, speed and efficiency of operation have enabled the Bell Helicopter company to offer helicopters that will provide an even higher level of safety and quality service,” said Trip Pilgrim, President/CEO of Baptist Health System. “We’re stepping up to that opportunity and we’re pleased to make this investment in the highest quality air medical transportation in this part of the country.”

With a top air speed of 143 miles per hour, the 430 is 16% faster and 21% more fuel efficient than the 412.  In addition to the fuel savings, the per flight hour operating cost for the 430s will be approximately 75% less than the current cost of flying the 412s.

Hospital officials and emergency responders from across the 22 counties that make up Texas Trauma Region P were on hand for the arrival ceremony. The new aircraft will enable critically injured patients from throughout these 22 counties to be transported to the Level I trauma center at University Hospital, Brooke Army Medical Center or Wilford Hall Medical Center more rapidly, thereby improving their odds of survival. San Antonio AirLIFE President/CEO Wayne Hillard accepted the new aircraft and credited AirLIFE’s unique ownership for its success. “In 1991, Baptist AirLIFE was established by Baptist Health System, and in 1994, Baptist partnered with the University Health System to create San Antonio AirLIFE. The strong and supportive relationship of the partners over the years has enabled AirLIFE to become one of the premier air medical programs in the country,” said Hilliard.

The remaining two Bell 430s are in production and expected to arrive over the next six months.

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