Novant Health AirLink

AirLink is the medical helicopter service of Novant Health in North Carolina. It is a hospital system programme. The listing relates to the Wilmington area, where the VitaLink ground transport team works alongside AirLink.

Services

AirLink helicopters fly 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They move critical and injured patients from other facilities. They also fly from the scene to a hospital. The site gives a spinal injury or a serious burn as examples of time sensitive emergencies. The helicopters are licensed to operate in North and South Carolina.

Aircraft and bases

AirLink flies under instrument flight rules with twin engine Airbus 135 and 145 helicopters. The site says they can reach speeds of up to 136 knots. Its partner Apollo provides the aircraft, pilots and mechanics. The bases are listed below.

• Albert Ellis Airport in Richlands, NC
• Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville, NC
• Novant Health Brunswick Novant Center in Bolivia, NC
• Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury, NC

Coverage area

On the coast, AirLink serves New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Sampson, Clinton, Bladen, Robeson, Onslow, Carteret, Duplin, Jones and Lenoir counties. In the central region it serves Rowan, Davidson, Davie, Iredell, Forsyth, Yadkin, Surry, Stokes, Randolph, Stanly, Montgomery and Cabarrus counties. It also covers Horry, Georgetown and Florence counties in South Carolina.

Facts

• Type: hospital system air medical programme
• Owner: Novant Health
• Aircraft supplied by partner Apollo
• AirLink and VitaLink also offer training courses for EMS and hospital staff

Training

The AirLink and VitaLink teams offer courses for hospital and EMS staff. Topics include landing zone safety, airway skills, heart attack care and trauma care. The VitaLink team is an approved continuing education provider through the North Carolina office of EMS.