The Life Flight Helicopters consist of an American Eurocopter built BK-117 aircraft, a Sikorsky built S-76 and a new EC-145.

All aircraft are powered by twin turbine engines for greater reliability and safety along with the capability of single pilot instrument flight. This means added safety for the crew and patients.

All helicopters are equipped for night operations and landing in unconventional areas.

Radio communications are capable over the full frequency ranges. The helicopters are routinely set up for scene calls, but can quickly be converted for cardiac, neonatal, and other patients needing specialty care. Each helicopter can transport two patients.

Equipped to handle any emergency situation, each helicopter's fixed mount equipment includes a volume ventilator, oxygen, and a suction unit.

Portable equipment includes cardiac monitors, defibrillator, suction unit, cervical immobilization device, adult and pediatric MAST trousers, intravenous infusion pumps, external and internal cardiac pacemakers, transcutaneous pulse oximeters and a full range of advanced life support drugs.

The new EC-145 is equipped with state-of-the-art features, including:

• GPS tracking capabilities
• Auto pilot capability to fly under instrument conditions
• Increase in take-off weight allowances
• Able to receive up-to-the-minute weather updates
• Night vision goggle certified aircraft with NVG coming in the fall of 2008