Orlando Health Air Care has officially introduced a powerful addition to its air ambulance fleet: a larger, state-of-the-art Airbus H145D3 helicopter designed to transport critically ill patients, both children and adults, across Central Florida faster and more efficiently.
Stationed in Apopka, the new helicopter strengthens the healthcare system’s ability to deliver lifesaving care by air to patients being transported to Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC)—Central Florida’s only Level One Trauma Center—and Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
“Our new Air Care helicopter is incredibly special because our patients are at the heart of this design,” said Kelly Nierstedt, president of Orlando Health ORMC and senior vice president of the Orlando region. “The larger cabin space enhances our ability to transport specialty equipment for both children and adults, and the greater lift capacity means we can travel longer distances for our patients.”
The new helicopter is a gamechanger in three critical ways:
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Extended Range – As a larger class aircraft, it can reach critically ill patients over greater distances more quickly.
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Enhanced Cabin Space & Lift Capacity – It can accommodate more flight personnel and advanced medical equipment, ensuring rapid, specialized care during transport.
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Custom Medical Interior – Tailored to pediatric needs, the helicopter can safely transport neonatal incubators and other child-specific medical devices.
Justin Williams, president of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, emphasized the importance of this upgrade: “It significantly enhances our ability to reach critically ill and injured children faster than ever before, providing them with immediate access to the specialized care they need, no matter where they are.”
For parents like Chris and Anne Benway, the importance of rapid air medical response is deeply personal. Last September, their six-year-old son Grayson was transported by Orlando Health Air Care after a near-drowning incident in Eustis.
“Knowing that Air Care was coming to get him and how quickly we were going to get there—I wouldn’t trade that for the world,” said Chris Benway. “It goes back to the comfort of knowing he was with the right people, coming to the right facility.”
The Orlando Health Air Care Team, which marks its 40th year of service, operates across a vast region including Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Polk, Volusia, Brevard, and Marion counties. Each helicopter carries a highly trained crew consisting of a pilot, a critical care paramedic, and an advanced certified flight nurse.
“When we see our patients, it is often the worst day of their lives,” said flight nurse Scott Halquist. “It is an honor to be by their side, helping them get the critical care they need to get back home.”
Orlando Health partners with Air Methods, a national leader in emergency air medical services, to provide aviation support. Air Care helicopters are ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring Central Florida residents receive rapid, specialized transport during emergencies and critical transfers.
For more information on Orlando Health Air Care, visit orlandohealth.com.
