Because action taken during the first hour after a life-threatening injury can increase a patient’s survival rate by up to 50 percent, Parkview launched the Samaritan flight program in 1989. Parkview Samaritan helicopter services can reduce travel time for critically ill or injured patients during this “golden hour” when every minute counts.

Parkview Samaritan combines the medical staff and technology of a trauma unit with the speed and mobility of a helicopter. The program operates two twin-engine Dauphin helicopters, one based in Fort Wayne and one in Rochester, to carry up to three patients. These helicopters have a maximum cruising speed of 185 mph and feature the same type of equipment as in Parkview's trauma unit. Parkview Samaritan helicopters are an integral part of the Parkview Hospital Level II Trauma Center.

Operating 24/7, the Samaritan helicopters are staffed with a flight nurse and paramedic skilled in air-medical transport, and are piloted by specially trained pilots and flight crew. Three full-time, FAA-certified mechanics maintain the helicopters. On the ground, a communications center, staffed 24 hours a day, allows the physician in the emergency room to communicate with the Parkview Samaritan teams. The Parkview Level II Trauma Center maintains constant contact with the helicopters by radio during flight and via cellular phone on the ground.

Serving the Entire Community
The helicopters, operated by Parkview Hospital, serve all medical communities in the tri-state area. Although their primary service area is within 100 miles of Fort Wayne and Rochester, the helicopters are capable of flying 200 miles one-way. Parkview Samaritan cooperates with other hospitals to provide transportation to the hospital that can best serve a patient's medical needs.

Some Safety Guidelines:

• Spectators should stay 100 feet from the helicopter.
• Protect yourself and patients from dust and debris stirred up by the helicopter.
• Approach the helicopter only from the front and only when directed by the flight crew.
• Do not assist crew members in opening doors or loading and unloading equipment.
• If vehicles are used to illuminate the landing zone, place them outside the perimeter.
• When the helicopter is on final approach, turn off headlights or spotlights.
• Do not run or smoke in the landing zone.
• On a slope, approach the helicopter from the downhill side.

When to Call Samaritan
Physicians, nurses, emergency medical services personnel, police and fire officials, and industrial safety personnel are authorized to summon the helicopters.

The decision to summon Parkview Samaritan is based on the judgment of emergency care personnel at the scene of an accident or at area hospitals. No one can foresee all situations where Parkview Samaritan will be needed, but call Samaritan if:

• The patient's condition warrants urgent transportation to a critical care institution.
• The local emergency care system does not provide advanced life support (ALS) or if ALS is unavailable.
• Response by local paramedics would be 20 minutes or more.
• Transportation of the patient is delayed by entrapment, traffic congestion, vehicle failure, weather, or terrain.
• The patient is a long distance from a hospital.
• Transportation by local ambulances would hamper their ability to respond to other emergencies.
• The patient requires advanced procedures not provided by ALS personnel.