Soaring to New Heights

FlightCare Helicopter Arrives

Jenny Humphries, Enloe Health’s Director of Emergency Medical Services and Chief Flight Nurse, addresses supporters who helped bring the new Airbus H130 to Enloe.

FlightCare, Enloe Health’s air ambulance program, has been part of the North State’s history for nearly 40 years. Whether it’s at a scene of an accident or transporting a patient from the medical center to another facility, it has assisted more than 25,000 patients and their families during some of the most stressful times of their lives.

May 31 marked another milestone in FlightCare’s history: the arrival of a new Airbus H130 aircraft for the fleet. The arrival was celebrated during a presentation and dedication ceremony at the Chico Air Museum. The new helicopter was manufactured in France, arrived in Mississippi and traveled to Colorado to be retrofitted into an air ambulance. FlightCare’s leadership was involved in every step of the process, making all the choices from exterior design to the electronic systems and equipment used on the aircraft.

“It has been a big, nearly yearlong project. So it’s really special to see it in person and then be airborne,” said Jenny Humphries, Enloe Health’s Director of Emergency Medical Services and Chief Flight Nurse. “All the work and all the things that we considered, and discussed, and decided on came together for this finished product.”

The new helicopter is an updated model of FlightCare’s current H130 aircraft, which will now serve as a backup. Both have additional space to accommodate lifesaving technologies, such as a temperature-controlled incubator for newborns and specialized equipment to transport complex heart patients.

One key feature of these helicopters is the possibility for a loved one to accompany the patient during transport, which provides a sense of relief to families. That is something that the retiring helicopter, the 23-year-old AStar, doesn’t have. Having two helicopters of the same configuration will allow the crew to transition without difficulty between them during scheduled maintenance periods.

“The crews are excited about the new aircraft’s arrival and for it to be in service,” Humphries said. “We believe the community is going to be very happy with it, too. Ultimately, it helps us to continue to do what we love to do.”

Serving With a Mission

The community played a key role in the acquisition of this new aircraft. Generous donations to the Enloe Health Foundation helped cover the majority of the $5.4 million price tag. Fundraising is still ongoing to fully fund the purchase and operations. To honor the community support, the helicopter proudly bears a special message: Donated by our generous communities.

“It was important for us that anywhere we go that that’s visible and known,” Humphries said. “It’s a rarity to have the kind of community support that we have.”

The Enloe Health Foundation has been a strong supporter of the program for decades, helping purchase the first H130 in 2015.

“Hearing our supporters share how our FlightCare team has personally touched their lives is truly inspiring,” said Suzanne Watroba, the Foundation’s Director of Advancement. “Their remarkable gifts enhance our ability to deliver lifesaving care. It reflects the powerful sense of community among our supporters. Their generosity continues to lift us higher and push us further in our quest to provide exceptional care for all we serve.”

As one of the busiest air ambulance programs in the country, FlightCare remains proudly hospital-owned and -operated, integrated into a comprehensive EMS system encompassing ground, air, and an emergency dispatch center. It’s a unique find.

“The community can trust that we are here for them, whether it be by ground, air or a dispatcher over the phone to help them get the resources they need,” Humphries said.

The new aircraft will officially begin operations this summer.