University of New Mexico Hospital launches service with Agusta 119Kx Koala

The University of New Mexico Hospital has launched a new helicopter initiative as part of its Lifeguard Emergency Services division. The initiative that starts on 10 May will involve its newest emergency medical transport aircraft a specially equipped Agusta 119Kx Koala helicopter.

The helicopter is owned by SevenBar Aviation and is equipped with medivac and crisis equipment including blood reserves, a ventilator and newly added ultrasound that will help with cardiac and high-risk obstetrics patients.
The crew will include specially trained nurses and paramedics and will also have access to immediate medical direction online from University of New Mexico Hospital physicians.

“Lifeguard is an extension of University of New Mexico Hospitals, so medical crews are trained to carry out advanced procedures using medical equipment not available from other flight programs,” said Margaret O’Donnell, director of Lifeguard Air Emergency Services.

SevenBar opened in 1947 on Albuquerque’s West Mesa, while Lifeguard was the first air medical flight program to begin transporting patients in New Mexico in 1983. The partnership has transported more than 43,000 UNMH patients over 18 million miles.