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New helipad unveiled on Ohio medical campus

A new “state-of-the-art” helipad has opened on the roof of MetroHealth’s Critical Care Pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio.

In a Nov. 16 news release, MetroHealth officials described the helipad as “more than a slab of concrete” – it includes technologies that automatically remove snow and ice; is engineered to reduce the impact of noise and vibration, so patients and caregivers inside the hospital won’t notice when a helicopter is landing or taking off; and also provides rapid access to the emergency department, trauma bays and operating rooms.

MetroHealth says it is also “deepening [its] partnership” with Toledo, Ohio-based medical transportation provider ProMedica Air in Toledo. Last year, MetroHealth officials said, they formed a partnership with ProMedica to create a non-profit air medical transport team; and because of the ongoing collaboration, ProMedica Air is adding two upgraded helicopters to its fleet – in October, ProMedica Air added a new Airbus H145 helicopter to its fleet and is expected to add another in December.

“The new helicopters are equipped with the latest life-saving technology and are operated with two fully qualified pilots for additional safety,” the news release said. “The aircraft also boast cutting-edge avionics to assist with navigation and communication.”

Since August 2022, MetroHealth and its Metro Life Flight team have managed all operations for ProMedica Air, which has served Northwestern Ohio and Southern Michigan for 35 years.

This partnership resulted in a system with four air bases – in Lorain, Sandusky, Wayne and Lucas counties – with four helicopters. Over the last year, ProMedica Air, with MetroHealth’s support, has conducted nearly 1,000 transports.

ProMedica Air and Metro Life Flight’s aircraft are operated by Metro Aviation Inc.