Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation (CCPT) invites the community to join them as they throw a “retirement party” for the Bell 412.Friday, April 17th from 5pm-7pm.
o See the Bell 412 up close.
o Take photos with the Bell 412.
o Meet the CCPT flight crews.
o Enjoy food, fun and music provided by Q-99.
o Children are especially welcome.
We are also accepting guests on Saturday, April 18th from 9am-11am.
Since the Carilion LifeGuard medevac program launched in 1981, no aircraft has served the region longer than the Bell 412 helicopter flown as “Life-Guard 10”. From 1990 to today, the 412 has safely flown almost 10,000 patients to their destination and faithfully served her pilots and crew.
For almost 20 years, people in Western Virginia have associated the unique shape of the 412, the low rumble of the twin Pratt & Whitney engines and the distinctive “whomp-whomp-whomp” of the four rotor blades, with a commitment to saving lives.
After a careful review, CCPT determined that patients' future needs would be best served by purchasing a new helicopter to replace the Bell (which is leased from Air Methods).
While CCPT staff will miss the Bell 412, they understand that the new helicopter -- a Eurocopter 145 -- will ultimately be an improvement for patients, with state-of-the-art safety and medical technology on board. The new Life-Guard 10 will also be a bit smaller and faster leading to slightly faster response time and improved safety when landing at the scene of an accident or heart attack.
The Bell 412 will not be scrapped or mothballed! The 412 will be completely refurbished by Air Methods and continue to serve as a civilian transport helicopter.
Read more about Life-Guard at http://www.carilionclinic.org/Carilion/Carilion+Clinic+Life-Guard.
