In 1968, Indianapolis and Marion County officials launched the Greater Indianapolis Helicopter program, a pioneering effort to implement aerial ambulance service. Spearheaded by County Council president and Sheriff Lee Eads, the service was designed to provide helicopter evacuation of accident victims from areas remote from local hospitals. Six metropolitan government agencies—Marion County Sheriff, Health and Hospital Corporation, Indianapolis Police and Fire departments, Mass Transportation Authority, and Indianapolis Airport Authority—operated the service with costs shared equally among them.
In August, the program purchased a five-passenger, litter-equipped (rescue basket) Bell Helicopter Jet Ranger, “N 3399.” Indianapolis-based donated the turbine engine for the craft to reduce the initial outlay, and Indiana Helicopter Corporation was contracted to handle all operation and maintenance. Entering service on December 6, 1968, the copter was assigned to regular morning and evening rush hour traffic patrols, offering what was considered the first scheduled aerial ambulance service in the United States. It also remained on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
By 1979, commercial helicopter operators were developing aerial ambulance programs for area hospitals, and 3399 was retired from its regular ambulance runs. During its 10 1/2 years of rescue operations, the craft flew over 300 accident victims to area hospitals. Federal Department of Transportation standards credited the copter with saving some 90 lives and probably saving another 140. More conservative figures from local doctors reported 40 saves and 70 probables. The Indianapolis service was recognized as a national leader in air ambulance work, gaining considerable experience in both medical and flight operations.
Help improve this entry
Contribute information, offer corrections, suggest images.
You can also recommend new entries related to this topic.
