MedFlight getting upgrade

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Galion’s area MedFlight is building its first storage facility for the aircraft.

“We didn’t have a storage building for the helicopter.” Facility Maintenance Supervisor MedFlight Rick Leaver said, “We did move it. The helicopter would land on a small platform with wheels and then a small tractor would take it to a small building at the airport. This really increased our response time to take off for a run.”

Due to the aircraft staying outside, responders weren’t able to responded as quickly as needed.

“We missed a lot of flights last winter due to weather and temperature.” Leaver said, “When we miss a flight, we are not taking care of our customers.”The building will increase the time response for MedFlight.

Officials believe the new building will help improve the aircraft’s response time.

“The hanger will be heated in the winter time.” Leaver said. “And temperature affects the operation of the helicopter. We will be able to be ready to go, all times of the year and weather.”

The weather will be not an issue for the aircraft to take off with the new building.

“Really the weather won’t affect our response time.” Leaver said. “Like before when it sat out in the weather. As long as the weather is able for us to fly, will be ready to go.”

The crew who works for MedFlight are excited about the new change.

“We are happy to have it.” RN Flight Nurse Penny Wells said. “It sure will make it quicker and easier. It’s better for our patients all the way around.”

The building is slated to be finished by fall and the final cost is expected to be $110,000.

“It should be completed by mid-October.” Leaver said. “(But) I would like it done by mid-September.”

The crew who based at MedFlight consists of a pilot, a nurse and a medic.

“They are on call 24 hours a day.” Leaver said. “They work 12 to 24 hour shifts and are ready to go anytime.”

Construction is under way for the new MedFlight storage facility. GN Construction puts the roof on the building Friday morning.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/08/web1_medflight1.jpgConstruction is under way for the new MedFlight storage facility. GN Construction puts the roof on the building Friday morning.

By Deborah Elaine Evans

[email protected]

Reach Evans at 419-468-1117 ext. 2049 or on Twitter at @deborahevans31

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