Mercy invests $12M in helicopters

Mercy Springfield Communities has invested $12 million to add three new helicopters.

The addition - three EC135 P2+ helicopters - brings the health system's local chopper count to four, according to Mercy spokeswoman Sonya Kullmann, who noted the fourth helicopter would be held in reserve.

“These new helicopters mean we’ll now be able to fly when there’s reduced visibility and low clouds,” said DJ Satterfield, director of Mercy Life Line Air Medical Service, in the release. “We’ll be able to operate under the (Federal Aviation Administration's) Instrument Flight Rules, just like commercial airlines - allowing the technology to help guide us.”

Mercy has scheduled a helicopter blessing and celebration 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at the parking lot south of Mercy Clinic-Smith-Glynn-Callaway, at the intersection of East Walnut Lawn and South Maryland Avenue.

Mercy Springfield Communities comprises Mercy Hospital Springfield, five regional hospitals in Lebanon, Aurora, Cassville, Mountain View and Berryville, Ark.; and Mercy Clinic.