For over two decades, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) AirCare program has been at the forefront of Helicopter Transport Services in Mississippi, providing rapid and critical care transport to patients across the state. Established in 1996 with its first helicopter in Jackson, AirCare has progressively expanded its reach and capabilities to meet the growing needs for emergency medical services. Today, with strategically located bases in Meridian, Golden Triangle, and Greenwood, alongside the original Jackson base, AirCare ensures comprehensive coverage throughout Mississippi.
The expansion to four helicopters has significantly broadened AirCare’s mission. While UMMC remains a primary destination, AirCare now transports patients to any hospital capable of providing the necessary level of care. This flexibility is crucial in ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment swiftly. Furthermore, the enhanced fleet allows for efficient response to scene calls, including situations requiring transport for multiple patients from a single incident. Since its inception, AirCare has achieved an exceptional safety record, having safely transported over 18,000 patients, encompassing adults, pediatrics, and neonates, across more than 2 million miles without any FAA-reportable accidents. This remarkable achievement underscores AirCare’s commitment to safety and patient well-being in its helicopter transport services.
Advanced Aircraft for Safe and Reliable Medical Transport
UMMC AirCare operates state-owned aircraft under stringent safety protocols. Utilizing single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), AirCare helicopters are equipped to navigate challenging weather conditions, ensuring timely response when every minute counts. Safety is paramount, with all aircraft featuring advanced autopilot systems, color weather radar, and anti-collision instruments. Patient comfort is also considered, with heating and air-conditioning systems installed in all helicopters. For night operations, AirCare employs night vision goggles, enhancing visibility and safety during low-light conditions.
AirCare partners with Med-Trans Corporation, a Part 135 FAA-approved air carrier (certificate #M3XA227H), for the operation and maintenance of its rotor-wing aircraft. Med-Trans maintains full operational control, ensuring adherence to the highest aviation standards in helicopter transport services.
Expert Flight Teams Delivering Critical Care
The strength of UMMC AirCare lies in its highly skilled medical flight crews, composed of critical care nurses and paramedics. UMMC’s neonatal transport team stands out as the only specialized neonatal flight team in Mississippi, working in close coordination with the medical flight crew to provide expert care during the transport of the state’s most vulnerable infants to the Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit at UMMC. This specialized capability ensures that AirCare can provide helicopter transport services for patients of all ages and conditions, from adults to the smallest neonates.
All UMMC flight nurses hold at least one national certification, such as Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), demonstrating their advanced expertise in critical care. UMMC flight paramedics are nationally registered, with many holding further qualifications like Flight Paramedic-Certificate (FP-C) and Mississippi Critical Care Paramedics (MS-CCP) licensure, alongside other essential certifications. AirCare teams are actively involved in education, contributing to the development of prehospital, hospital, and regional healthcare professionals.
Mississippi Critical Care Paramedic (MS-CCP): Elevating Prehospital Care
The Mississippi Critical Care Paramedic (MS-CCP) program represents an advanced level of prehospital care within UMMC’s AirCare Flight Team. MS-CCP training is rigorous, requiring applicants to have at least three years of paramedic experience and certifications including PHTLS or ITLS, ACLS, PALS, and BLS. The year-long intensive didactic program covers advanced procedures such as chest tube insertion, arterial line placement, advanced pharmacology, and ventilator management. Licensed MS-CCPs are authorized to perform potentially life-saving interventions beyond the scope of standard paramedics or nurses, including administering specific medications and placing chest tubes, significantly enhancing the level of care available during helicopter transport services.
MS-CCP graduates must achieve an Associate’s Degree, certification from the Mississippi Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and Flight Paramedic Certification (FP-C) or Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C) through the Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC). UMMC AirCare is the leading employer of MS-CCPs in Mississippi, further highlighting its commitment to providing the most advanced helicopter transport services in the region.
Advanced Medical Equipment and Medications Onboard
UMMC AirCare aircraft are equipped as mobile intensive care units, carrying two units of O-negative blood and fresh plasma. Advanced medical capabilities extend to the insertion and maintenance of arterial lines, central lines, and chest tubes. Capnography monitoring is standard for all intubated patients. In-flight ultrasound exams with FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) protocols and vascular access are utilized, along with portable blood analyzers (iSTAT) for immediate point-of-care testing. Airway management is further enhanced with NIPPV capabilities (BiPAP, CPAP, HFNC). AirCare is also unique in Mississippi for utilizing inline nitric oxide and isolettes for premature and critically ill infants during transport, further demonstrating their commitment to comprehensive helicopter transport services.
Requesting AirCare Services
To request AirCare dispatch, please call 601-984-4367. Flight request coordination and aircraft communications are managed 24/7 by Mississippi MED-COM, located at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. MED-COM is staffed by experienced paramedics and emergency medical technicians, ensuring seamless and efficient communication for all helicopter transport services requests.
Accredited for Excellence in Medical Transport
UMMC AirCare’s commitment to quality and safety in helicopter transport services is validated by its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS). This prestigious accreditation signifies AirCare’s adherence to the highest industry standards, ensuring patients receive the best possible care during critical transport. For reliable and advanced helicopter transport services in Mississippi, UMMC AirCare stands ready to serve.
