The new Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Air Medical Unit, in conjunction with the Virginia Beach Police Aviation division officially commences operation this weekend, Oct. 17 and 18, 2009 at the NAS Oceana Air Show. 

The EMS Air Medical Unit has outfitted the Police Department’s new Bell 407 helicopter with specific equipment for Medevac flights.  The crews will be made up of volunteer and career EMS Advanced Life Support providers who have attended more than 120 classroom and in-flight hours of safety and specialized patient care training.  Each Virginia Beach Police Department Pilot also completed the EMS Air Medical training and are approved to fly Medevac missions.  After reviewing the training, staffing, response policies and equipment, the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services issued VBEMS an operations permit for the Air Medical Unit. 

Of special note, the 2009 NAS Oceana Air Show organizers have selected the Virginia Beach EMS Air Medical Unit as the on-site standby Medevac service for the Blue Angeles.  The Air Medical Service is now integrated into the response capabilities of the Virginia Beach Department of EMS as an extension of patient care services within the city.

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