Eye on Health - New Chopper

When critical medical care is needed time is of the essence. And time is what doctors have gain...  More »

When critical medical care is needed time is of the essence. And time is what doctors have gained at Trinity Hospital in Minot with the arrival of a new tool. It's a tool that won't be in a doctor's hands...but a pilot instead. Here is Perry Olson with this week's Eye on Health. (Perry Olson - KX News) It has wider doors, a bigger cabin...and the ability to save lives better than the chopper it is replacing... Trinity Hospital's new helicopter has arrived...and done so with a splash, already having flown missions. (Art Haskins - Lead Paramedic) As paramedics we love new toys and this is exciting mainly because of how much faster and better this is for the patients. It is really important to us. (Perry Olson - KX News) Flying at speeds up to 160 miles per hour, the new chopper is much faster...taking about 20 minutes off a round trip flight to Williston. (Art) Makes a big difference for patients who are having heart attacks and are coming here. We have the area here for the heart and we are the only provider in the region. People from Williston need to get here as fast as they can. (Perry Olson - KX News) That power not only translates into faster trips, it means safer flying. With four blades spinning instead of two with the previous helicopter, it can do more with more on board. (Art) The lift capabilities of the chopper allow us to keep a full load of fuel on board and allows us even when it is very hot and not much wind we can take off without a problem. (Art) As far as the medical care, we are the same. Same crew with the same experience that we have always had.  « Less