AirCare chopper to base in Elkin

AirCare now has a new helicopter to be based at Elkin Municipal Airport, thus being able to better serve Alleghany and its surrounding area.

Called "AirCare 2," the helicopter is based in northwest North Carolina. Linda Edwards, who serves as the administrative director of Alleghany Emergency Medical Services, spoke of what having a second helicopter would mean for Alleghany.

"AirCare having a second helicopter will increase the availability of this type of critical care transport for the citizens of and visitors to Alleghany County. Also, because of (its) location will mean a faster response time to Alleghany County." She also pointed out that response time would be cut in half.

For example, to travel to neighboring Ashe Memorial, the current flight time is 30 minutes, however, with the accessibility of the second AirC are helicopter, the flight time cuts flight time to 17 minutes.

Edwards commented, "Availability and quicker response will allow for the most seriously injured and seriously ill to receive the specialized and definitive care they need as quickly as possible.

In emergency medicine, in the field, we refer to the patients ‘golden hour' which is the period of time during which there is the highest likelihood that prompt medical treatment will prevent death."

Edwards also pointed out that AirCare has always been based in Winston-Salem. The second helicopter is currently in Boonville.