CoxHealth landing party celebrates new helicopter

The new helicopter – officially N902LC, but affectionately dubbed Elsie II – is a dark blue MD 902 Explorer built by MD Helicopters Inc. of Mesa, Ariz.

During the landing party, to which the community is invited, visitors will be able to inspect the $5.1 million aircraft up close, talk with Cox Air Care pilots, flight nurses and paramedics and hear a patient anecdote. There also will be giveaways and refreshments.

Elsie II replaces a smaller Messerschmitt BO 105 LS air ambulance that Cox Air Care began using in January 1989, according to a news release. That aircraft was named Elsie because of tail lettering that included the initials of former CoxHealth Board Chairman Lester Cox.

“Elsie II … represents a dramatic improvement of technology and design compared to its predecessor,” said program director Susan Crum, RN, in the release. “She’s bigger, roomier, faster, quieter, and is considerably easier to maintain.”

The new helicopter also has night-vision capability, greater fuel capacity and heating and air conditioning systems.

Cox Air Care is based in Springfield and has a satellite base in Branson.

For more on Elsie II – including pictures – and Cox Air Care, see Springfield Business Journal’s June 18 issue, which will include an In Focus section on health care.