RWJUH Hamilton, part of RWJBarnabas Health, has introduced a new helistop to improve emergency patient transport. The helistop provides a designated landing and takeoff area for helicopters on hospital grounds, allowing air transportation as a quicker option for transferring patients who require advanced or specialized care.
Seth D. Rosenbaum, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at RWJUH Hamilton, explained the significance of the new facility: “The helistop at RWJUH Hamilton will help save lives by reducing the time it takes to transport critically ill or injured patients to a higher level or specialized medical facility. It will allow for rapid patient transfers, particularly for trauma, cardiovascular emergencies, and time sensitive neurological cases. Additionally, for patients requiring specialized care elsewhere or patients who need a fast transport to facilities such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.”
A helistop differs from a heliport in that it is generally simpler—consisting of only a safe and marked landing pad without fuel or maintenance facilities.
Rosenbaum highlighted several community benefits: “Faster emergency medical transport. Increased access to advanced or specialized care. Improved readiness for disasters or possible mass-casualty events. Highlights the hospital’s investment in high-quality, lifesaving services, but more importantly, helps transfer patients quicker to save their lives.”
Addressing safety concerns related to helicopter operations near the hospital and residential areas, Rosenbaum said: “Helistops obviously have some noise during landing and takeoff, but these flights are only for emergencies. Landings are typically infrequent and occur only when needed to save lives. Trained crews coordinate landings and patient transfers to ensure safety for patients, staff, and nearby residents. Air crews are trained to observe noise abatement procedures during landing and takeoff whenever possible.”
The helistop will be available around the clock every day of the week specifically for air ambulance services transporting critical patients. Ground ambulances will continue operating as usual; the helistop is intended to complement existing EMS services by providing faster transportation options in situations such as trauma incidents or cardiac emergencies.
A formal unveiling ceremony is planned for mid-November at RWJUH Hamilton.
For additional information about this development at RWJUH Hamilton visit rwjbh.org/hamilton
