UVA Medical Transport Network

The UVA Health Medical Transport Network, known as Pegasus, is the emergency transport programme of UVA Health in Charlottesville, Virginia. It uses a helicopter and ground ambulances to bring patients to care. UVA Health says the service has operated since 1984.

Services

The network covers Pegasus Air, Pegasus Ground, the Newborn Emergency Transport System (NETS), Medic V and Special Event Medical Management. The helicopter moves patients from the scene of an emergency. It also moves patients between hospitals, including newborns going to the UVA Health Children's NICU.

Aircraft and crew

The main helicopter is an Airbus EC145e, set up for medical work by Metro Aviation. It has two engines. The cabin can carry patients who need an Impella device, an intra-aortic balloon pump or ECMO. The site says the helicopter uses night vision goggles for night flights, has a single IFR rated pilot and carries color weather radar.

All pilots, mechanics and aviation services come through Metro Aviation, which holds the FAA Part 135 certificate. UVA Health keeps its own maintenance facility with two full time mechanics. A backup helicopter is shared with other medevac programmes in the region. The medical crew is led by a registered nurse.

Who it is for

Healthcare providers request transfers. Anyone in an emergency should call 911.

Facts

• Type: hospital programme of UVA Health
• Base: University Medical Center, Charlottesville
• Helicopter: Airbus EC145e, operated through Metro Aviation
• Ground service: Pegasus Ground critical care ambulance
• Dispatch: Pegasus MedCom