Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, recently unveiled its new helistop.
It will provide a designated landing and takeoff area for medical helicopters, including those in RWJBarnabas Health’s LifeFlight fleet, and expand RWJUH Hamilton’s ability to quickly transfer critically ill or injured patients in need of advanced, specialized or trauma care.
“Our system is home to the largest and oldest mobile health operation,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and chief executive officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “We have over 1,700 EMS workers, touching over 200,000 individuals a year.
“When every second counts, the shortest distance between two points is an important thing. If we need to get a patient from here to New Brunswick, the quickest, shortest, fastest way possible is a direct shot, in the air, in a direct line.”
“Saving lives is our business, and this new helistop enhances our ability to respond quickly when time makes a difference. While it is a small addition to our campus, its impact will be profound — saving time, saving lives and strengthening our network of care,” said Lisa Breza, chief administrative officer at RWJUH Hamilton.
“This helistop symbolizes progress and readiness, and is a true testament to our commitment to the community and to providing lifesaving care.”
The helistop will be available 24/7 for critical medical emergencies, working in tandem with the hospital’s ground ambulance team. Designed to reduce the time it takes to transfer emergent patients in need of trauma, stroke, cardiac or other specialized care, the helistop will enable rapid transport during life-threatening scenarios.
