Taking Flight

Foundation Raises Funds for New Helicopter

Bill Carriere’s drive from Chico to Sacramento 20 years ago was the longest, most frightening of his life. What started as a routine doctor visit for his toddler son’s flu-like symptoms led to admission at Enloe Health’s Emergency Department and a lifesaving FlightCare transport to Sutter Medical Center for advanced pediatric care.

As Carriere watched his tiny 2-and-a-half year-old son, Sean, being wheeled into the helicopter, he learned that it had no room for him or his wife, Jen, to ride along.

“That’s a feeling I don’t want anyone to have to experience,” Carriere said. Upon arrival at the Sacramento hospital, Carriere learned that Sean was being prepped for emergency surgery to drain fluid between his chest wall and a collapsed lung. The surgery was successful, and today, Sean is a healthy, active young adult. He recently graduated from Arizona State University.

Much has changed in the air ambulance industry since that day. In 2015, Enloe Health purchased a EC130 helicopter that allowed for a parent or caregiver to accompany a patient in the aircraft and included enhanced medical equipment and safety features. The aircraft serves as Enloe’s primary air ambulance. The 22-year-old AStar helicopter that transported Carriere’s son is the organization’s backup helicopter.

That will change in spring of 2024 with the arrival of an updated model of Enloe Health’s current EC130 aircraft. It will allow crews to rotate between the two air ambulances more efficiently, extending the life of both aircrafts.

Donors Help Program Expand

The Enloe Health Foundation has been raising money to help offset the $5.4 million purchase. The Foundation plans to cover the majority of the cost of the helicopter through philanthropic gifts, said Suzanne Watroba, the Foundation’s Director of Advancement. The AStar helicopter will be retired and sold to recoup part of the cost.

“Having two newer helicopters ensures a loved one can accompany pediatric patients for all flights and includes access to the same life-saving equipment and technology,” Watroba said. She explained that community donors have played a significant role over the years in helping expand Enloe Health’s FlightCare program to meet the area’s growing needs.

“These generous contributions enable us to provide top-quality health care for our communities and future generations,” she said.

FlightCare was created nearly 40 years ago to respond to emergencies within a 75-mile radius of Enloe Health. Since then, more than 24,000 patients have been transported from the eight counties the program serves, and the demand increases each year. FlightCare responds to an average of three calls per day.

‘Time Is of the Essence’

“Many of our transports are from rural, remote and hard-to-reach areas,” said Jenny Humphries, Enloe Health’s Director of Emergency Medical Services and Chief Flight Nurse. “When you live in these areas, distance and time are a more serious consideration with time-sensitive medical emergencies. Our flight crews love the opportunity to serve our patients and their families, and we’re incredibly thankful for the ongoing community support of our FlightCare program.”

Carriere, a fourth-generation farmer in Glenn who also serves on the Enloe Health Board of Trustees and various committees, is all too aware of the need for swift emergency response for rural communities.

“You don’t feel like you live in a remote area on a day-to-day basis, but if you have a major trauma situation, every second counts,” he said. Such was the case when Carriere’s 81-year-old uncle, Dick, was air transported to Enloe five years ago after he collapsed from heart issues at his home in Glenn. Emergency open-heart surgery saved his life.

“I get a tear in my eye when I see the Enloe helicopter fly over,” Carriere said. He also says he feels a sense of pride knowing that FlightCare is helping someone in need.

Enloe does a really good job of taking care of our community,” he added.

To help Enloe Health’s new helicopter take flight, make a gift at www.enloe.org/donate.