Feb. 16, 2010 — Mountain Lifeflight’s newest aircraft, an AStar 350 B3 helicopter, Mountain Lifeflight 5 went into service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, bringing its first patient to Banner Lassen Medical Center.    

The helicopter is available for 911 scene calls and inter-facility transports.

Moments after MLF5 was placed into service Mountain Lifeflight’s Program Director Monique Hubanks sent out a company-wide e-mail telling crewmembers thank you for their commitment to Mountain Lifeflight.

“On behalf of the patients you will help, I say ‘Thank you’ for your bravery and your willingness to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves,” she wrote. “Together, we will exceed the standards and together we will continue creating the finest Rural EMS Air Service in the Country."

With its increased speed and range, coupled with being based at the Susanville Municipal Airport, the helicopter will provide Lassen County with faster response and transfer times. Mountain Lifeflight continues to provide fixed wing airplane service for inter-facility transports, both short and long distance. Mountain Lifeflight’s helicopter and fixed-wing airplane both provide critical care transport, staffed with a critical care transport crew consisting of a Flight Nurse (RN) and a Flight Paramedic.   

Mountain Lifeflight’s management team placed MLF5 helicopter into service after extensive preparation.   

“Our pilots have been to Eurocopter factory school in Fort Worth, Texas for additional training on the B3 and are up to speed on the powerful capabilities of our new aircraft,” said Gray.   

The interior of the aircraft is among the finest in the industry, according to Mountain Lifeflight’s General Manager Brian Gray.    

“It’s a Lifeport interior with carbon fiber construction, a very lightweight system. Essentially, it’s the best product for the least possible weight, giving us enhanced carrying capabilities,” he said.    

The medical interior is by Lifeport Interiors based in Washington, and incorporates the patient transport system into the aircraft with specialized medical seating, medical equipment mounting and a biohazard resistant sealed floor.    

“This system,” said Gray, “turns the interior of a helicopter into a small flying emergency room.”   

According to Hubanks,  Mountain Lifeflight 5 has been anxiously awaited by community members and the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming.   

“We have experienced so much kindness, friendship and support from this wonderful community. We are so glad to be able to continue to provide air ambulance response to this area. This is our home and we look forward to continuing to provide quality emergency medical and critical care services to the rural communities of Northeastern California.”