AIR AMBULANCE TO BE STATIONED AT VIEJAS IN ALPINE

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East County News Service

December 28, 2015 (Alpine) — Response time is critical during medical emergencies — and for residents in rural areas of East County, that response time has now been improved,  thanks to an air ambulance  stationed at the Viejas Indian reservation in Alpine.

 

The air ambulance helicopter, provided by REACH Air Medical Services,  will serve  tribal members as well as the surrounding region, including residents and motorists in San Diego’s East County.

Placement of this helicopter is the result  of planning between REACH, headquartered in Northern California, the leadership of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and their Fire Department.

Tribal Chairman Robert J. Welch says, “Our community health and safety has always been a top priority for the Viejas Tribal government. REACH offers our tribal community as well as our neighboring rural communities the necessary life-saving transport services vital to critically injured and ill patients.”

Fire Chief Don Butz states, “The culmination of these efforts means that many thousands of residents and visitors in this area will have improved access to critical care air transport services. We look forward to this partnership bringing an improved quality of life to our community.”

The aircraft chosen to serve this area is an AirBus EC-135 helicopter with dual engines and IFR capability, which allows it to fly when some aircraft are grounded due to weather.  It flies with speeds up to 150 miles per hour and has capacity to carry a flight crew and patient, as well as a family on board whenever possible.  The crew has night vision goggles to enhance safety for flights after dark. This helicopter will serve as a backup to REACH air ambulance bases providing service from San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties.

 


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