Today the building is used byAMR after they Purchased Mercy Ambulance Service's entire Operations in Michigan, Indiana, Las Vegas, and Virginia
AMR IS NO MERCY
During this period Mercy also utilizedseveral "Sub Stations" that were located through out Kent and Ottawa Counties.
The Brady's always had equipped the Company with the most Advanced and high tech vehicles and medical equipment that was on the market, as shown here as they purchased this Custom Built Ambulance in 1974 becoming one of the 1st Modular Units in EMS.
(below the white background on the ambulance reads"Life Support Unit") To the left in the Background you can see One of the Three Suburban high top Ambulances that had been added to Mercy's continued growing Fleet of EMS Units.
Ron Brady, The man who started and built Mercy Ambulance is shown here in this Picture. He is the 2nd man to the left short and slightly stocky.
As Mercy's business grew, so did Mercy's Fleet. Since Mercy's Conception Ron Brady always Purchased the most Advanced and Sophisticated Ambulances Built.
As Mercy continued to grow, so did the Brady Families Participation. Young Scott Brady, Ron's son was a Paramedic in the early days of EMS.
Scott seen here to the left accepting receipt of two new Cadillac's that would join the many Cadillac Ambulances in Mercy's Fleet. Scott Brady eventually became the President and CEO of Mercy Ambulance which continued to grow and became a Nationally Known Private EMS Service.
Mercy was a very well known and a popular Private Ambulance Provider, in the 60's & 70's Mercy's rival was "Buds Ambulance Service," which competed heavily with Mercy. Buds went out of business twice once in the late 70's and finally closed it's doors for good in 1984. In 1981 Life EMS opened. Mercy continued to grow and diversify thru 1994, when AMR bought the Company.
Mercy Purchased Four "Road Rescue," Type III Ambulances. This 1994 Rig was then Final Unit added by the Brady's before they Sold thier thriving Company to AMR in late 1994. The sale was a sad day for Kent County. AMR has failed in maintaining the Reputation that MercyAmbulance and the Brady's had Built in thier 46 Years of Service to our Community.
Growth and Standards in EMS influenced the the style and safety features that have evolved in the way that Ambulances are manufactured TODAY
State of Michigan
In Memory of Mr. Ronald Brady Founder of MERCY Ambulance Service who has passed away.
GRPD Cruiser Courtesy of Sgt Merril
Copyrighted GRPD
God Bless The Brave Men and Women of EMS that are Deeply Dedicated to Preserving Life!
1980's Kent County Police Emergency Unit
Non-Transport ALS Units
A Early Seventies Mercy ALS Unit shown here on the Scene of a Fatal car vs Train Accident
In the picture below Grand Rapids Police Department Paramedics along with Paramedics from Mercy Ambulance frantically tried to revive a police officer that was gunned down after responding to a robbery in progress. GRPD Officer Herman Gloe was fatally shot, despite the Paramedics attempts, Officer Gloe was pronounced dead at the hospital. Officer Gloe left a wife and three children behind. The Suspect was fatally wounded in the gun battle.
1972 MERCY'S FLEET OF CADILLAC'S
A Kent County E-Unit Deputy with a drug box
For more detailed E-Unit Data
Scott Brady Former Paramedic and CEO of Mercy Ambulance Service
E-Unit Patch
A 1991 Mercy Ambulance State of the Art Vehicle, built by McCoy Miller
WEST MI LOCAL EMS HISTORY
In order to become certified and licensed as a Paramedic you must first complete Levels Emergency Medical technician-Specalist Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. Medical Frist Response (MFR) is required by Fire Fighters and other First Responder Personnel who staff First Response Units
Your first step is to enroll in EMT training. EMT requirements are as follows:
1. It must be a state approved EMT program.
2. You must have a high school diploma or GED and be 18 yrs of age.
3. You must be able to pass a physical examination and be signed off by a physician as having sufficient health to do the responsibilities of an EMT.
4. Be free of Felony, drug, or DUI convictions.
5. Pass the schools prescribed EMT course with usually an average of 80%
After meeting those requirements, an applicant will need to enroll in a Paramedic training course given by many institutions (Community Colleges) for admission to the Paramedic program.
Emergency Medical Services is provided by Volunteer EMS,Private EMS Such as Life EMS, American Medical Response, Municipal EMS Agencies, as well as Some Police Departments and Many Fire EMS Divisions. In addition in the State of Michigan ALL Firefighters are trained to the Level of Medical First Responders and provide 1st Response medical attention prior to ALS Arrival.
This patient was Later pronouced Dead on Arrival
EMS FLAG
Click the Patch
1968 TO 1994 ALL ALS 1994/CURRENTLY ENDED AS OF JANUARY 2005
This was the First GRPD E-Unit
AMR SOLD
American Medical Response Inc, along with EmCare a division of AMR has been sold to Onex Partners LP out of Toronto. Onex paid a purchase price for AMR along with EmCare for an approximately $1 billion price tag. A reported equity investment consisted of approximately $270 million giving Onex a 98% ownership interest. The equity investment was funded through Onex Partners LP along with a certain portion of its limited partners.
AMR is the largest U.S. provider of ambulance transport services, which is currently operating 4,400 vehicles in more than 260 locations through out 34 states and currently employs approximately 18,200 employees. EmCare which is a leading provider of out sourced for hospital emergency department physicians along with staffing and management services in the United States. EmCare presently has contracts with over 300 hospitals in 38 states which employ an approximate 4,100 employees and clinicians.
This is the fourth investment in healthcare Onex has completed since the beginning of 2004.accoring to a February press release by Onex.
There is currently no indication of change in services or employee status
BUDS AMB UNIT 128
A Officer Down from a fatal gunshot wound
THE HISTORY OF THE KENT COUNTY POLICE EMERGENCY UNITS
Mercy Paramedics and G.R. City Police E-Unit Officers work a Cardiac Arrest on a city bus.
Mercy Operated out of a Converted Gas Station in the late 60's which also housed it's Administrative Offices and Dispatch Center.
EMS FLAG
NAVIGATION MENU
Mercybuilt this High Tech Headquarters which was dedicated and Opened in 1990.
RON BRADY
1950's Mercy's First Fleet
1960's Mercy's add's to it's Fleet
Mercy shown taking receipt of two new "Custom Built Cadillacs," in 1970-(Mr. Ron Gritter then General Manager for Mercy durning the early1970's) stands between the two of its newest units.
Photo by Chris Ritter
Me Working on a Pt.
E-Unit Patch---->
GRPD Cruiser Courtesy of Sgt Merril
Copyrighted GRPD
LOCAL EMS ACCIDENTS & HAZARDS
EMS ACCIDENTS AND DANGERS PAGE CLICK "GO"
A LITTLE HUMOR
1972 ACCIDENT CREW SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES
1989 ACCIDENT CREW SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 1ST NON-TRANSPORT
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT UNIT (ALS) 1968
WEST MICHIGANS CURRENT & FORMER EMS AGENCIES
In 2000 EMT’s and paramedics held about 172,000 jobs. Most career EMT’s and paramedics work in metropolitan areas. There are many more volunteer EMT’s and paramedics, especially in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. They volunteer for fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), or hospitals and may respond to only a few calls for service per month, or may answer the majority of calls, especially in smaller communities. EMT’s and paramedics work closely with firefighters, who often are certified as EMT’s as well and act as first responders.
EMT’s and paramedics employed by fire departments work about 50 hours a week. Those employed by hospitals frequently work between 45 and 60 hours a week, and those in private ambulance services, between 45 and 50 hours. Some of these workers, especially those in police and fire departments, are on call for extended periods. Because emergency services function 24 hours a day, EMT’s and paramedics have irregular working hours that add to job stress.
Full and part-time paid EMT’s and paramedics were employed in a number of industries. About 4 out of 10 worked in local and suburban transportation, as employees of private ambulance services. About 3 out of 10 worked in local government for fire departments, public ambulance services and EMS. Another 2 out 10 were found in hospitals, where they worked full time within the medical facility or responded to calls in ambulances or helicopters to transport critically ill or injured patients. The remainder worked in various industries providing emergency services.
This individual is being carried to the local trauma center after he was ambushed and shot, unable to find a phone this Good Samaritan was seen peddling code-one (lights and sirens) to the nearest hospital. Despite the hospitals efforts the patient was pronounced dead. Name names were released and Local DNR officials were unable to identify this patient as of yet if you have information regarding this shooting call 1-555-555-5555.
Candace Evelyn Bieri Otte Ingram, 63, of Lapeer Mi
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt went home to be with her Lord on June 21, 2007. She had an adventurous career in nursing and teaching for forty years. She was very devoted to her family and believed in higher education. Even after retiring she found herself continuing her service at Ferguson’s Nursing Home in Lapeer.
She leaves behind her husband; Geoff Ingram, children; Lynn Irelan, Steven Otte and Jeffery Otte, 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, brother; Michael Bieri, sisters; Suzanne Waugh and Connie Bieri, also 7 nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.
A memorial service was held at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, MI
1944-2007
Candace Otte's Obituary
Candace Otte was more than a Nurse or Administrator, she was an outstanding Instructor who extracted enthusiasm, knowledge, and self esteem from those who she worked with and taught too. Dr C. Mark Vasu was known as the architect of Kent County Michigan’s EMS System. Candace was chosen by Vasu to help build an outstanding and nation leading program together they did that, when the concept of cross trained Police officer/Paramedics went from the drawing board to reality in the late 1960’s it was Candace Otte who trained the first class of Paramedic Students made up of both Grand Rapids Police Officers and Kent County Sheriff Deputies. As time went by Candace became the Director for then Grand Valley Colleges Emergency Medical Service Training Program.
Both the Police E-Unit and Grand Valley State College became the National blue print for The Federal Department of Transportation, and for many other States. In the early 1980’s Davenport College took over the Emergency Medical Services program from Grand Valley, Candace Otte was asked to continue on as the Administrator, Dr. Vasu remained the Programs Medical Director. They continued to expand the program and set EMS standards higher and made EMS personnel true professionals. Both Grand Valley and Davenport College attracted student from all over the United States, as well as over sea’s.
Candace Otte was not just an administrator she was a nurse, an instructor, and a much respected member of the Emergency Medical Service community. She was respected and loved. Her death has saddened everyone who knew her, but she has left a legacy that will never be forgotten. To Candace Otte’s Family and her children we in the current and former EMS Services extend our deepest sympathy for both your loss as well as ours.
Aero Med’s Helicopter Crashes Atop Hospital Landing Pad in Grand Rapids Michigan
Grand Rapids Michigan May 29, 2008 – Spectrum Health’s Aero Med helicopter has crashed atop Spectrum Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids, at 11:02 a.m. two people suffered minor injuries, a senior Aero Med pilot and an FAA official.
Grand Rapids Police spokesman Lt. Ralph Mason stated that both the pilot and a FAA official, were involved in the crash. They managed to escape from the downed helicopter and seek shelter despite thier injuries. The hospital’s floors 7 thru 9 were evacuated, and patients were evacuated from the Level one Emergency Center.
Witnesses said that the helicopter appeared to wobbling around after reportedly striking a roof Antenna before it landed on it’s side and burst into flames. The crash and subsequent fire completely destroyed the entire EMS Helicopter leaving only burned remannents of the 14 year old Helicopter. Aero Med has a brand new helicopter that has yet to be placed in service. Aero Med began in the late 1980’s and has had only one prior event in 1989 the helicopter on scene of an eastern Kent County car crash broke free and rolled down a slight road embankmant. No one was injured and the helicopter a Daulphin suffred minor damged. FAA cited that cause as pilot error in failing to properly securing the helicopter.
This site is currently withholding the name of the Pilot and FAA Offical but will add after families are notified. NTSB info on the Aero Med Fleet NTSB
Dave’s EMS Headquarters will continue to update this news.
Dave’s EMS First reorted this incident within 4 minutes of the crash.
Monday June 16, 2008 Aero Med has Resumed Flight Operations
NEW AERO-MED HELICOPTER AND PAINT SCHEME
New Temp Helo Pad Activated on August 7, 2008 WoodTV8 News
JULY 28 2008
Aero Med Pilots Prepare for Newly Designed Helistop
Grand Rapids – November 15, 2008: On the roof of Spectrum Health's Butterworth Hospital, scene of a fiery helicopter crash six months ago, workers were preparing to remove a radio tower Friday and putting final touches on a new landing pad.
Spectrum's Aero Med helicopters will begin practice landings on the pad most likely late next week, hospital spokesman Bruce Rossman said. Spectrum officials had hoped to begin the practice landings Monday, but the removal of the tower, a wind sock and other equipment on the top of an adjacent elevator shaft is taking longer than anticipated, he said.
After each of the eight pilots becomes familiar with the landing pad, Aero Med will use it to bring patients to Butterworth's emergency room, probably within a matter of days, Rossman said.
Aero Med halted the rooftop landings after one of its helicopters crashed there and burst into flames May 30 while lifting off. The pilot and a Federal Aviation Administration official escaped with minor injuries.
A preliminary report by a National Transportation Safety Board investigator said the crash occurred after the helicopter's tail rotor clipped the radio tower. That tower is being replaced by a new one atop the nearby Meijer Heart Center. The tower is used for pagers and other wireless communications in the hospital area.
Bigger, safer
The new pad -- technically called a helistop -- is larger than the old pad, allowing for two 60-by-60-foot landing zones. It is elevated several feet above the roof and extends beyond the edge of the building. That design cuts down on turbulence, since wind coming up the sides of the 10-story building is channeled under the pad, Rossman said.
It includes two metal stairways and emergency exits to a floor below and is surrounded by aluminum safety netting. A fire suppression system can be activated at those exits and from inside the elevator tower.
Time saved
The new helistop will cut 10 to 20 minutes off the time it takes to transport patients by ground ambulance from the current temporary landing zone on Plymouth Avenue and Michigan Street a few miles east of the hospital, Rossman said.
On May 29, 2008 about 1101 eastern daylight time, a Sikorsky S-76A helicopter, N176SH, operated by Aero Med Spectrum Health, was destroyed by post impact fire after the tail rotor struck a tower while departing from the heliport (MI97) on top of the Spectrum Health Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The airline transport (ATP) certificated pilot and the ATP certificated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector received serious injuries. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight departed the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Grand Rapids, Michigan, at 1041. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and a company flight plan was filed.
The pilot reported the flight was a FAA Part 135 check, which included an annual Sikorsky proficiency check and a 6-month helicopter instrument proficiency check. The flight departed GRR and flew the FAA-approved Global Positioning System (GPS) "point in space" approach to the termination point just south of the hospital. The flight then proceeded visually to the Spectrum Health Helipad and landed on the north spot. When the helicopter landed, the nose was pointed about 340 degrees. Before takeoff, the pilots discussed the construction cranes that were operating on the north side of the hospital and their effect on the approach and departure routes to the pad. The pilot reported that he lifted the helicopter straight up during the takeoff. The torque was about 94 percent and "everything was nominal." The helicopter was about 40 feet in the air when the pilot heard a "pop", and the helicopter started to yaw to the right and vibrate. The pilot reported that he instinctively added left pedal to counteract the right yaw, and it seemed that he had some tail rotor authority. Then the rate of the right yaw increased rapidly. He attempted to land back on the helicopter pad by using the cyclic and lowering the collective, but the main rotor blades impacted the 32-foot high brick structure located east of the helicopter pad. The helicopter fell straight down impacting the hospital roof.
The FAA inspector, who was sitting in the left seat, reported that the helicopter lifted up normally in a vertical takeoff to about 40 - 50 feet. He stated that the helicopter went straight up. He reported that he was observing the construction cranes and looking out and down during the takeoff. About 40 feet, he heard a "pop" and saw the pilot moving the cyclic. The helicopter started turning right and descending, and then the main rotor blades hit the building. The helicopter went straight down and impacted hard onto the roof. He exited the helicopter by screwing the copilot's pedals all the way aft and "shimmying" out the copilot's chin bubble on his back. He helped the pilot get out of the helicopter through the chin bubble, and they got behind a heating duct on the roof until the fire fighters arrived. A fire had started during the initial impact, and soon after the pilots exited the helicopter, it was consumed by fire.
A hospital nurse reported that she heard the helicopter and went to the window to watch it takeoff. She saw the helicopter as it lifted off the pad and as it flew backwards toward the brick hospital structure and the radio towers on top of the structure. She saw the helicopter's tail rotor hit a tower.
A witness observed the accident from a 7th floor window across the street from the helicopter pad. He reported that the helicopter's tail rotor clipped the radio tower about mid-span and the tail rotor immediately disintegrated.
A hospital security video camera, which was located near the top of the brick structure and overlooked the helicopter landing pads, recorded a portion of the accident flight. It showed the helicopter as it came in for landing from the south and landed on about a 340-degree heading on the north landing spot. The helicopter stayed on the deck for about 3 minutes before it departed. The video showed the helicopter as it lifted off the north landing spot and as it flew backwards toward the brick structure while the nose of the helicopter remained pointing to the northwest. It showed the helicopter as it went out of view of the video recorder as it continued to climb. Since it was a sunny day, the shadow of the helicopter and the towers on top of the brick structure were visible on the helicopter pad below. The shadow of the helicopter's tail rotor appeared to strike an object on one of the towers. The tail rotor immediately shattered and the helicopter went into a right yaw. The helicopter came back into the view of the video recorder as the main rotor blades impacted the brick structure. The video recording stopped and did not record the helicopter hitting the hospital roof.
A camera that was mounted on one of the towers was removed for inspection. The camera body and its support frame exhibited impact marks. Carbon fibers were found lodged in a crevice of the camera body. The support structure that supported the camera exhibited impact marks.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
The pilot was a 61-year-old airline transport pilot with single-engine and multi-engine airplane land and helicopter ratings. He held instrument ratings in airplanes and helicopters. He held a second-class medical certificate issued on March 18, 2008. He had about 7,260 total flight hours, which included about 6,760 hours flown in helicopters. He flew about 25.8 hours in the make and model in the last 90 days. His most recent training was at Flight Safety International on May 4, 2008. His most recent Part 135 airman competency/proficiency check was successfully accomplished on November 1, 2007.
The FAA inspector was a 57-year-old airline transport pilot with single-engine and multi-engine airplane land and helicopter ratings. He held instrument ratings in airplanes and helicopters. He held a second-class medical certificate issued on January 24, 2008. He had about 7,000 total flight hours, which included about 1,200 hours in helicopters. His annual helicopter check, required for participants in the FAA's flight program, was successfully accomplished on July 7, 2007.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
The helicopter was a Sikorsky S-76A, serial number 760260, manufactured in 1984. Two Allison 650 shaft horsepower 250-C30S engines powered the helicopter. The helicopter was purchased by Aero Med and configured for emergency medical services (EMS) in 1997. The cockpit was equipped with dual electronic flight information systems (EFIS) and dual digital automatic flight control system (DDAFCS) instruments. It was equipped with instrument flight rules (IFR) capable instrumentation and was certified for IFR flight. The cabin was fitted with a custom EMS interior with two aft facing and two forward facing seats, with a center-mounted stretcher.
Aero Med maintained the aircraft in accordance with an FAA approved aircraft inspection program (AAIP). The computer based program tracked all flight and maintenance actions, and was backed up by corresponding paper logs. An FAA inspection of the maintenance records indicated that the logbooks were current and in order, and that the helicopter was in an airworthy condition for the flight.
According to the aircraft flight logbook, the helicopter had logged 5,195.4 hours and 19,153 cycles of total time prior to the accident flight. The operator reported the mission takeoff fuel load was 1,200 pounds. The gross weight and center of gravity (CG) at takeoff were reported to be 9,762 pounds at 200.3 inches, which were within the CG limits.
METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
At 1053, the surface weather observation at GRR, located about 8 nautical miles south of the accident site, was: Winds calm, visibility 10 miles, ceiling broken at 22,000 feet, temperature 18 degrees Celsius (C), dew point -7 degrees C, altimeter 30.25 inches of Mercury.
HELIPORT INFORMATION
The accident site was the Spectrum Health Hospital Heliport, which is situated on top of the 10-story hospital building. It consists of two landing pads, oriented north and south, at an elevation of 880 feet about mean sea level. There is an elevator penthouse approximately 32 feet high located directly to the east of the helipads. On top of the penthouse is a windsock on a 14-foot pole, and a large triangular lattice truss-construction antenna, extending about another 40 feet high, as well as a small Doppler radome and various other small antennae. A TV camera was attached about mid-point on the 40-foot antenna.
Numerous large construction cranes were located within the immediate vicinity (within about several hundred feet) of the helipad. The three closest cranes were located due west, northwest, and north of the helipad. They extended less than about 50 feet above the helipad.
FLIGHT RECORDERS
The helicopter was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or flight data recorder (FDR). The FAA did not require the helicopter to be equipped with either a CVR or FDR.
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The airframe was largely consumed by fire. The only structure remaining was remnants of the left side cockpit and cabin doors, and a portion of the lower tail cone and vertical pylon. All three landing gear were in the down position. The transmission, engines, tail rotor drive shafts, intermediate gear box, the input and center sections of the tail rotor gearbox remained in their relative positions. The outer housing of the tail rotor gearbox, with the tail rotor hub still attached, was found on the helipad about 12 feet from the vertical pylon. All four main rotor blade spindles remained with the main rotor head. All four main rotor blades were broken into several segments as a result of impact with the penthouse structure. Pieces of the main rotor blades were found in surrounding areas north and northwest of the impact site. Several fragments of the outboard tail rotor blades were found scattered around the accident site, however, with the internal sections missing or burned, they could not be matched to their respective tail rotor blades.
The post crash fire destroyed the majority of the flight control system. All three primary servos remained attached to the main gearbox; however, their aluminum parts were consumed by fire preventing any continuity checks. The upper deck mechanical mixing unit, flight control tubes, and "broom closet" were all destroyed by fire. The stainless steel tail rotor control cables were intact aft of a break at about Station 300. The break was consistent with an overload condition associated with ground impact forces.
The on-site inspection of the engines revealed that there was no leading edge damage to the first stage compressor impellers. There was no visible impact damage to the engine casings. Both engine turbine modules appeared undamaged when viewed externally, and the 4th stage turbine wheels appeared intact when viewed from the exhaust collectors. The post crash fire damaged both engine fuel control units.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
An accident investigation officer from the Grand Rapids Police Department provided the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) a report based on the laser measurements taken at the accident site, and his analysis of the security video taken of the accident flight. Based on his analysis, the helicopter traveled a straight-line distance of about 61 feet at an angle of about 41 degrees relative to the helicopter pad as the helicopter traveled backwards to where the tail rotor blades impacted the camera mounted on the tower. The time from takeoff to impact with the camera was about 11.37 seconds.
According to the Astronomical Applications Department of the U.S. Naval Observatory, at the time of the accident, the sun's azimuth angle was about 109.7 degrees, and the sun's elevation angle was about 50.6 degrees above the horizon. The security video showed the helicopter as it lifted off the pad and yawed to the left on a heading of about 315 degrees while it gained altitude. The shadow of the helicopter on the pad remained nearly stationary, which indicated that the helicopter was climbing rearwards nearly parallel to the sun incidence line of about 51 degrees relative to the helicopter pad.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In September 2008, Aero Med implemented an enhanced safety management system (SMS) program as part of the company's integrated approach to safety. The helicopter pad, MI97, at Spectrum Health Hospital was closed until both helipads were enlarged, and enhanced fire suppression systems were installed for each pad to compliment the original fire suppression system. The 40-foot antenna and Doppler antenna were relocated, and the other antennas and windsock were moved to the east side of the penthouse.
GRAND RAPIDS MI BASED LIFE EMS NEW SAFETY SCHEME IS NOW BEING PHASED IN
ONE OF TWO GR MI LIFE EMS RIGS TO BE RETIRED
AMR of West Michigan is utilizing two New Ambulances as shown below:
Built on Dodge Chasis.
Manufactured by AEV as New AMR Concept Rig. Photo Source: AMR News Release
MICHIGANS EMS SYSTEM, GUIDELINES, LAWS, INFORMATION, LEGISLATIVE BILL & MORE
YOUR ASSITANCE REQUESTED WEST MICHIGAN MEDICS
West Michigan EMS Personnel, Managers, Office Personnel, your Assistance Needed Please!
Dave’s EMS Headquarters is requesting your assistance if you have older pictures showing EMS Units, Personnel for West Michigan EMS Agencies such as but not limited to Bud’s Ambulance, Dejonges EMS, Mercy Ambulance, Life EMS, City and County Police Emergency Units, ProMed, Wright-Tallmadge Fire ALS Rescue and ETT Ambulance over the late 1960’s, 1970’s and early 1980’s. Please consider sharing your pictures, memories, and stories on this Web Page “Dave’s West Michigan EMS History.”
Full credit will be displayed with each picture, story, and memories. Please click icon for submission, questions. I thank you for your consideration ahead of time and thank you for your service, dedication and professionalism to Kent, Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Ionia Michigan, residents.
Respectfully,
Dave, “Webmaster and Owner Dave’s EMS Headquarters”
06-14-2009
New AeroMed Helicopter Damaged after Landing at Two Car Pin-In
Grandville MI-05-10-2009 Aero Med’s helicopter sent to the scene of a wrong-way Sunday morning crash was damaged this morning, a Grandville firefighter at the scene said a vehicle backed up into the helicopter, apparently damaging one of the main rotor blades.
Two people were injured, at least one of them seriously, the accident was reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. Sunday May 10, 2009, Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to a Grandville Police Department Sergeant. Both drivers had to be extricated from their vehicles by both the Grandville Fire & Georgetown Fire departments.
While Aero Med Flight crew assisted at the scene, a vehicle backed up towards the helicopter, and damaged one of the four main rotor blades. It was decided to have the patients transported by Ground EMS Units
with the Flights Doctor and Flight Nurse accompanying the patients in the ambulances.
The area of the head on accident is under construction, with the regular eastbound lanes closed and one eastbound lane temporarily open on the westbound lanes. Grandville Police said they received reports of an eastbound vehicle driving the wrong way on westbound I-196 near the Ottawa County Line in the city of Grandville. Within seconds, dispatch advised a Dodge Ram pick up and a gray Oldsmobile had crashed head-on.
Police stated that the driver of a pick-up a white male in his 30s and the driver of the Oldsmobile 88 a white female in her 20s were both pinned in their respective vehicles, and AeroMed was requested.
A mechanic driving a white pick-up truck with the Aero Med logo with a Mechanic arrived on scene shortly after the incident, repairs were completed some three hours after. The FAA is currently investigating the incident.
EMS SERVICES LOCATED IN MICHIGAN
Life EMS' Ambulance Breaking Ground on New Kalamazoo Michigan Central Facility
Kalamazoo MI 06-15-2009 Life EMS Ambulance will have a ceremonial ground-breaking Tuesday for its new $2 million central support facility, located on North Street. Expansion work and improvements at the service's 517 E. North St. location will more than double the garage used to house ambulances, add maintenance bays and increase space used by staff, medics and training and education programs, said the Grand Rapids Based EMS Agency Owner and President Mark Meijer. Life EMS relocated into an old building at 517 E. North St. in 1993 and has out-grown the space. It relocated to in April 2009, to the nearby vacant former Rose Street Fire Station over the course of the construction. The project will not add any ambulances to its 13-vehicle fleet but makes increasing the number of emergency response vehicles possible in the future, Meijer said. He expects the expansion project to be completed by the end of 2009. Construction crews have already begun excavation and internal demolition work at the site. Life EMS Ambulance and CSM Group, the general contractor on the project, hope to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, certification for the facility. A ground-breaking ceremony will take place at the North Street site at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday June 16, 2009.
