Care in the Air: Funding a New CareFlight Aircraft

Upper Valley Medical Center Foundation, along with the other Premier Health Hospital Foundations, are currently raising funds to purchase a new $13 million CareFlight aircraft.

 CareFlight Air and Mobile isn’t just a mode of transportation, but a flying intensive care unit capable of providing advanced medical care even while soaring through the skies of Southwest Ohio. CareFlight has been a valuable source of hope for more than 40 years, transporting over 90,000 patients.  

The realm of aviation technology has undergone remarkable strides over the past few decades, yielding enhancements in the domains of safety, efficiency, and overall aircraft system capabilities.

The new helicopter, a Leonardo AW169, will not only replace an existing 34-year-old aircraft but will surpass its capabilities in numerous ways, enhancing Premier Health’s emergency and trauma services and ensuring that our community has access to the best possible care.

CareFlight aircrafts are the fastest in the region, with a cruising speed of approximately 180 mph. The newest aircraft purchased by the Foundations would allow for speeds up to 200 mph.

The new AW169 aircraft features safety mechanisms that go beyond our current capabilities. The “APU mode” allows us to stop the rotor blades from moving while on the ground, enabling CareFlight to load and unload patients without the need for rotor shutdown and startup. This improves safety for both patients and medical teams, while saving precious time to get the patient to the hospital.

Premier Health’s Four Hospital Foundations invite you to be a part of this transformative endeavor. Your support will not only bring cutting-edge medical technology to our region but also touch the lives of countless individuals and families in their times of greatest need.

Every dollar contributed to this campaign will be an investment in our community’s health and safety. It’s a chance to be part of a legacy that extends beyond the aircraft itself—your gift will be woven into the stories of lives saved and families reunited.

Join us as we take flight toward a brighter future for critical care in Southwest Ohio.