SOUTHSTAR EMERGENCY AIRLIFT
When a traumatic accident takes place, the first sixty minutes after injury is called the "golden hour," because it is this timeframe that is most critical to a successful outcome. For a victim with serious injuries, quick transfer from the accident scene to a trauma center is crucial.
As the southern component of the state Air Medical Helicopter Program, SouthStar provides reliable and speedy transport for New Jersey residents. Based at Virtua Voorhees, the SouthStar helicopter provides airborne emergency medical services 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The helicopter is staffed by two State Police Pilots, a flight nurse and a flight paramedic.
The medical crew is trained and equipped to care for and rapidly transport severely injured patients from the scene of a major accident to one of New Jersey's designated trauma centers. SouthStar also provides necessary transfers of critically ill patients from one hospital to another.
Equipment
The SouthStar aircraft is a Sikorksy S-76B, able to transport a maximum of two patients. Enhanced by an aerodynamic fuselage and retractable landing gear, cruise speed of the aircraft can reach 155 knots, with a fuel range of two hours. State-of-the-art instruments (such as TCAS and color radar) enhance the overall safety of the helicopter.
Communications
Gloucester County Communications Center (based in Clayton, New Jersey) is SouthStar's primary dispatch center. The dispatchers work in a 911 system and communicate with various hospitals, communication centers and ground agencies to coordinate helicopter requests. The Communications Center also maintains radio contact with the flight crew while on the ground and in flight for 24-hour coverage. Flight-following capabilities guarantee that the aircraft is tracked while in flight, so that its position is known at all times.
For more information or to arrange a speaker, call 1-888-Virtua-3.
Learn more
* Critical care in the air and on the scene
Links
Association of Air Medical Services
National Flight Paramedics Association
New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services
New Jersey State Police
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