BECKLEY, W.Va. – Raleigh General Hospital celebrated the addition of a new aircraft to HealthNet Aeromedical Services’ fleet dedicated to better serving patients in Southern West Virginia and beyond.

The new EC145e helicopter is equipped with the latest aviation and medical technology and will bring a higher degree of safety and medical capabilities to the patients transported into and out of Raleigh General Hospital. Its large airframe allows the space needed for complex specialty transports that require additional medical specialists and equipment on board the aircraft.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with HealthNet. This new aircraft will allow our team of medical professionals to receive patients and increase the ability to save lives and create better outcomes,” said Austin Wratchford, Chief Operating Officer of Raleigh General Hospital.

This new helicopter will improve the ability to provide timely treatment during the most critical times for patients in rural areas of the state.

"The addition of this highly equipped and capable aircraft to our Beckley base exemplifies our mission to offer the best service possible to the communities we serve,” said Clinton Burley, president and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services. “This helicopters’ size, power, and safety features will undoubtedly improve patient care and save lives.”

Extra space inside the helicopter allows the capability for two patient transport, the ability to carry extra life-saving equipment, and lessens patient weight restrictions.

The EC145e joins HealthNet Aeromedical Services’ current Airbus-exclusive fleet, consisting of one EC145, five EC135s, and four EC130s.