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Ocala
Tuesday, April 2, 2024

AdventHealth unveils new helicopter serving Ocala, Marion County

AdventHealth unveiled a new helicopter that will help with its operations in its west region, which includes Ocala and Marion County.

This week, AdventHealth West Florida Division unveiled the AdventHealth AirStar 1, a new helicopter that it hopes will enhance the “efficiency and safety of hospital-to-hospital transfers,” according to a press release.

AdventHealth AirStar1
The AdventHealth AirStar 1 was unveiled this week by hospital personnel during a special ceremony. (Photo: AdventHealth)

This state-of-the-art twin-engine Airbus H135 P3H is stationed at Lakeland Linder International Airport in order to serve AdventHealth facilities throughout West and Central Florida.

“AdventHealth AirStar 1 marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to delivering high-quality, whole-person care,” said David Ottati, president and CEO of the AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This innovative addition to our emergency response fleet will not only elevate clinical outcomes but provide physicians with a more efficient and safer way to transfer patients swiftly between medical facilities.”

AdventHealth AirStar 1 (2)
AdventHealth AirStar 1 (Photo: AdventHealth)

According to the company, the helicopter is manned by a team of 12 highly trained medical professionals, including registered flight nurses and certified fight paramedics.

The aircraft is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, according to the hospital. It is equipped with “state-of-the-art” instrumentation and safety features and will provide “rapid medical assistance for trauma, stroke, and cardiac alert patients.”