CoxHealth investing $4.75M for new helicopter

CoxHealth is investing $4.75 million to purchase and refurbish a used helicopter to double its care in the air.

The health care system’s Cox Air Care program’s current helicopter has been in place for 10 years. Cox Air Care was established in 1989. If well-maintained, helicopters can last for 20 years, according to a news release.

CoxHealth spokeswoman Kaitlyn McConnell said via email $1 million of the $4.75 million will be used to refurbish the aircraft that previously was used by Dutch police in the Netherlands. The health care system is buying the helicopter from Meza, Arizona-based MD Helicopters Inc.

“This purchase reflects a desire to be as cost-efficient as possible,” McConnell said. “This refurbished helicopter will be like new when it’s complete, but stands in contrast to the $8 million or so it would take to buy a brand-new one.”

The helicopter is expected to be ready to serve Ozarks patients in May. The company currently is training staff, including a flight nurse and paramedic, to work with the new aircraft.

“Our new helicopter will allow us to basically double the reach we currently have with Cox Air Care,” said Amanda Hedgpeth, vice president of clinical services at CoxHealth, in the release. “Right now, at times we have to decline flights because we’re already out on another one. This will allow us a much greater ability to accept flights when requested and help us serve even more patients.”

Mercy Hospital Springfield spokeswoman Sonya Kullmann said the health care system has four helicopters in the Queen City: three in flight and a back-up aircraft when maintenance is needed.