Kind Reader, Cal Star Helicopter is known for its exceptional air medical services in California. With over 30 years of experience, Cal Star Helicopter has established itself as a trusted and reliable provider of emergency medical transportation. From accident scenes to remote locations, Cal Star Helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly trained professionals to provide critical care to those in need.
History of Cal Star Helicopter
Cal Star Helicopter is an air ambulance service provider based in California, founded in 1983 by an emergency nurse, Helen Tarman. The initial idea behind the creation of Cal Star was to provide emergency medical transportation to patients who lived in remote areas and were unable to receive timely medical care. Cal Star started with one helicopter providing services to Northern California but has evolved rapidly and now operates eight bases all over California and Southern Oregon.
Expansion of Services
In 1994, Cal Star acquired an air ambulance service in Merced, which was the beginning of its expansion in Central and Northern California. In 1999, Cal Star started a partnership with Reach Air Medical Services, which allowed the company to expand to Southern California. The company continued to grow, and today, Cal Star has over 200 employees and provides air medical transportation to over six million Californians.
Acquisition by REACH Medical Holdings
In 2016, Cal Star was acquired by REACH Medical Holdings, which is one of the leading air medical transport companies in the United States. This acquisition enabled Cal Star to expand its services and offer more resources to its patients. Cal Star operates under the REACH Medical Holdings brand, which allows the company to benefit from a larger network of resources and support to provide exceptional air medical transport.
Cal Star Helicopter Fleet and Services
Cal Star Helicopter has a diverse fleet of aircraft that can accommodate different types of medical transports. The company has helicopters that are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and a team of highly trained medical professionals who can provide patients with the highest level of care and service.
Aircraft
Cal Star Helicopter’s fleet includes various helicopters with different ranges, capabilities, and equipment. The company has three models of helicopters, which are Airbus H125, Airbus H135, and Learjet45XR. The Airbus H125 and H135 are light-twin helicopters that are often used for transport in the rural and urban settings, while the Learjet45XR is ideal for long-distance transport.
Services
Cal Star Helicopter offers various air medical services, including basic life support, advanced life support, neonatal transport, critical care transport, and long-distance medical transport. The company’s team of medical professionals includes registered nurses, paramedics, neonatal nurses, and respiratory therapists. Cal Star Helicopter adheres to strict safety protocols and complies with the highest standards of aircraft maintenance to ensure the safety of its patients and team members.
The History of Cal Star Helicopter
Cal Star Helicopter history started in 1984 when a group of emergency medical personnel created the company to provide aeromedical services in California. Initially, they had only one Bell 206 helicopter, but over the years, they expanded their facility, services, and fleets. The service facility and administrative office are located in McClellan, California, while its base locations span across California and includes a partnership with Sierra Lifeflight in Nevada. Today, Cal Star has a fleet of 17 rotor-wing aircraft that provides services to about 11.5 million Californians.
The Characteristics of the Cal Star Helicopter Fleet
Cal Star helicopter fleet consists of medically equipped rotor-wing aircraft, including:
| No | Helicopter Model | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agusta A109 (five helicopters) | High altitude and independent rating, twin-engine, instrument flight rule (IFR) certified, and capable of air ambulance and search and rescue missions |
| 2 | EC-135 (seven helicopters) | High altitude and independent rating, twin-engine, IFR certified, and capable of air ambulance missions |
| 3 | AW 139 (three helicopters) | High altitude and independent rating, twin-engine, IFR certified, and are available for air ambulance and search and rescue missions |
| 4 | Bell 407 (two helicopters) | High altitude and independent rating, single-engine, IFR certified, and capable of air ambulance and search and rescue missions |
Advantages of Cal Star Helicopter
Cal Star Helicopter has many advantages that make them unique and preferred over other medical helicopters in California. Some of these advantages include:
- Experience: Cal Star has been in operation since 1984, making them the most experienced medical helicopter provider in California.
- Availability: Cal Star has 10 operating bases across the state, which makes them the most available med helicopter provider in California.
- Fleet: Cal Star has the largest medical helicopter fleet in California, with 17 aircraft, which provides flexibility and versatility in responding to different emergencies.
- Excellent Medical Team: Cal Star has a team of highly skilled and experienced medical personnel, including registered nurses and paramedics, who work together to provide the best possible care to patients.
| No | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cal Star Helicopter provides air ambulance and medical transportation services. |
| 2 | The company operates in California. |
| 3 | The fleet consists of over 15 specialized helicopters. |
| 4 | Cal Star Helicopter is accredited by CAMTS and considered a leader in the air medical industry. |
| 5 | The company has over 30 years of experience in medical transportation. |
| 6 | Cal Star Helicopter is committed to providing safe and reliable transport to their patients. |
Cal Star Helicopter Services and Coverage Area
Cal Star operates a fleet of helicopters that are fully equipped with medical equipment including ventilators, defibrillators, and cardiac monitors, as well as airframes that are designed for patient transport. The helicopter service company operates in Northern California and has several bases that are distributed throughout the region, ensuring that patients have prompt access to the best emergency care when they need it most.
Helicopter Services
Cal Star provides helicopter medical transportation services that include medical and critical care transport, traditional aviation transport, and rescue services agreements with the primary receiving hospitals. The medical transport service is designed for critically ill or injured patients, those in need of organ transplants, or those requiring specialty care not found in their local hospitals. The traditional aviation transport refers to non-medical patient transport. Cal Star also offers a comprehensive rescue agreement plan to hospitals within its coverage region, ensuring that the patients get prompt and efficient helicopter transportation services when they need it.
Coverage Area
The Cal Star service coverage area includes 19 counties in Northern California, covering an area of over 63,000 square miles. This wide coverage area makes it possible for the helicopter medical transport service company to deliver timely assistance and save countless lives. With nine bases covering various regions in the coverage area, Cal Star helicopters can respond in a matter of minutes to any emergency incidents.
| No | Cal Star Helicopter Service Coverage Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alameda |
| 2 | Amador |
| 3 | Calaveras |
| 4 | Contra Costa |
| 5 | Mariposa |
| 6 | Merced |
| 7 | Monterey |
| 8 | Napa |
| 9 | San Benito |
| 10 | San Joaquin |
| 11 | San Luis Obispo |
| 12 | Santa Clara |
| 13 | Santa Cruz |
| 14 | Shasta |
| 15 | Siskiyou |
| 16 | Solano |
| 17 | Sonoma |
| 18 | Stanislaus |
| 19 | Tuolumne |
Cal Star Helicopter Membership Programs
Cal Star offers membership programs that provide air medical transport service to members who are not covered by insurance or whose insurance does not fully cover the cost of emergency air medical transport. With a membership, the cost of a flight is covered, and members will not be responsible for any additional out-of-pocket expenses. Cal Star has different programs to fit individual needs, including a family membership, senior citizen discount, and first responder discount.
Family Membership
Cal Star understands how important it is for families to be together during emergencies. The family membership is designed to provide air medical transport for a member’s spouse, domestic partner, unmarried children under 26 living in the same household, and any other qualified dependents. The cost for a family membership is affordable and provides a safety net for families during difficult times.
Senior Citizen and First Responder Discounts
Cal Star offers senior citizens a discount on their membership. Members must be 60 or older at the time the application is submitted and must maintain their membership to continue receiving the discount. The first responder discount is offered to firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who reside in Cal Star’s service area. To receive the discount, the applicant must provide proof of employment. These discounts help make the membership program accessible to even more people who need air medical transport services.
Cal Star Helicopter Fleet
Cal Star Helicopter is equipped with a modern fleet of helicopters that meet the highest safety and operational standards. Their pilots are highly trained, with a minimum of 2,000 hours flying experience and a comprehensive training program to ensure their skills are always up to date. The Cal Star fleet includes various types of helicopters, each with a specific set of capabilities.
AgustaWestland AW139
The AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium-sized helicopter with a range of up to 573 nautical miles and a top speed of 193 miles per hour. It is an all-weather helicopter that can operate in a variety of conditions, making it ideal for emergency medical transportation.
AgustaWestland AW109
The AgustaWestland AW109 is a smaller helicopter that is also used for emergency medical transportation. It has a range of up to 599 nautical miles and a top speed of 177 miles per hour. It is a versatile helicopter that can operate in a variety of environments, making it ideal for search and rescue missions.
MD HIAC
The MD HIAC is a larger helicopter with a range of up to 411 nautical miles and a top speed of 147 miles per hour. It is often used for inter-hospital transfers and can accommodate up to two patients on board.
Bell 407
The Bell 407 is a smaller helicopter with a range of up to 368 nautical miles and a top speed of 140 miles per hour. It is often used for search and rescue missions, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Super Puma AS332L
The Super Puma AS332L is a larger helicopter with a range of up to 450 nautical miles and a top speed of 162 miles per hour. It is often used for offshore transportation, including transporting oil rig workers to offshore platforms.
EC135
The EC135 is a medium-sized helicopter with a range of up to 395 nautical miles and a top speed of 178 miles per hour. It is often used for emergency medical transportation and can accommodate up to two patients on board.
Sikorsky S-76
The Sikorsky S-76 is a larger helicopter with a range of up to 414 nautical miles and a top speed of 178 miles per hour. It is often used for offshore transportation, including transporting oil rig workers to offshore platforms. It can also be used for executive transportation.
| No | Cal Star Helicopter Fleet Summary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cal Star Helicopter fleet is equipped with modern helicopters that meet the highest safety and operational standards. |
| 2 | The fleet includes various types of helicopters, including the AgustaWestland AW139, AW109, MD HIAC, Bell 407, Super Puma AS332L, EC135, and Sikorsky S-76. |
| 3 | Each helicopter has a specific set of capabilities, making them ideal for various missions, including emergency medical transportation, search and rescue, offshore transportation, and executive transportation. |
Cal Star Helicopter Fleet
Cal Star’s fleet consists of 14 medically-equipped helicopters, including six AgustaWestland AW139s, six Sikorsky S-76s, and two Airbus H125s. The AW139s are the newest addition to the fleet, featuring advanced avionics systems and a spacious cabin, while the S-76s have served the company since the early years. The H125s, on the other hand, are used for mountain rescue operations in Northern California.
AgustaWestland AW139s
The AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium-sized rotorcraft that has become popular in the EMS industry due to its large cabin, advanced avionics, and superior performance. Cal Star’s AW139s are equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, along with a full suite of medical equipment. With a range of up to 573 nautical miles, these helicopters are ideal for long-distance patient transportation.
Sikorsky S-76s
The Sikorsky S-76 is a twin-engine helicopter that has been in production since 1977. It has proven to be a reliable and versatile platform for EMS operations, with a spacious cabin and good range. Cal Star’s S-76 fleet has been upgraded over the years with the latest avionics and safety systems, and it remains a workhorse of the fleet, serving both urban and rural areas.
Cal Star Helicopter Fleet
Cal Star Helicopter has a fleet of helicopters that varies in size and capability to meet their customers’ needs. From small, single-engine aircraft to large, twin-engine helicopters, Cal Star Helicopter has a helicopter that is right for any job.
Single-Engine Helicopters
Cal Star Helicopter has several single-engine helicopters in their fleet. These helicopters are used for a variety of tasks, such as sightseeing tours and personal transportation. The Robinson R44 is one of the most popular single-engine helicopters used by Cal Star Helicopter.
Twin-Engine Helicopters
Cal Star Helicopter also has several twin-engine helicopters in their fleet. These helicopters are used for more complex operations, such as aerial firefighting and search and rescue missions. The Sikorsky S-76 is one of the twin-engine helicopters used by Cal Star Helicopter.
| No | Types of Helicopters | Specification | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robinson R44 | Seats up to 4, max weight 2,000 lbs, max range of 300 miles | Sightseeing tours, personal transportation |
| 2 | Sikorsky S-76 | Seats up to 12, max weight 9,000 lbs, max range of 400 miles | Aerial firefighting, search and rescue missions |
Regardless of the type of helicopter, Cal Star Helicopter has highly trained and experienced pilots who are dedicated to providing their customers with safe and reliable service.
Cal Star Helicopter FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Cal Star Helicopter:
1. What is Cal Star Helicopter?
Cal Star Helicopter is an emergency medical transport service that provides air ambulance services to patients in need.
2. How do I contact Cal Star Helicopter?
You can contact them through their hotline number at (800) 752-4195 or visit their website at calstar.org.
3. What areas do Cal Star Helicopter cover?
Cal Star Helicopter serves patients in California, Nevada, and even parts of Oregon.
4. How skilled are the medical staff on board Cal Star Helicopter?
Cal Star Helicopter employs highly skilled medical professionals that are trained to handle a range of medical emergencies and situations.
5. What types of medical emergencies are suitable for Cal Star Helicopter’s services?
Cal Star Helicopter services are suitable for a range of medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and serious traumas/accidents.
6. Does Cal Star Helicopter only cater to medical emergencies?
No, Cal Star Helicopter can also provide transport services for non-emergency medical situations like routine hospital transfers.
7. Can Cal Star Helicopter fly during all types of weather conditions?
No, Cal Star Helicopter cannot fly during extremely hazardous weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds.
8. How long does it take for Cal Star Helicopter to arrive on scene?
Response times vary depending on the location of the patient and the weather conditions. However, Cal Star Helicopter aims to provide quick response times to all emergencies.
9. Will I be charged for Cal Star Helicopter’s services?
Yes, Cal Star Helicopter’s services can be expensive, but they do accept various health insurance plans which can help cover the costs.
10. Can I request a specific type of medical transport service from Cal Star Helicopter?
Yes, Cal Star Helicopter offers a range of medical transport services that can be tailored to your specific needs.
11. Can I make a special request for a particular medical professional or crew on board Cal Star Helicopter?
Unfortunately, Cal Star Helicopter cannot guarantee the availability of specific medical staff for each call.
12. Can I track the location of the Cal Star Helicopter that is en route to my location?
Yes, Cal Star Helicopter provides a tracking service that allows you to see the real-time location of the helicopter.
13. Is Cal Star Helicopter available 24/7?
Yes, Cal Star Helicopter operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
14. Will Cal Star Helicopter services be available outside the United States?
No, Cal Star Helicopter only operates within the United States and certain parts of Canada.
15. Does Cal Star Helicopter provide any additional services aside from air ambulance and medical transport services?
No, Cal Star Helicopter is a specialized medical transport service provider and does not offer any additional services.
Learn about the emergency medical services provided by California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) with this informative article on CALSTAR helicopters.
Until we fly again, Kind Reader
It has been an extraordinary adventure to explore more about CALSTAR Helicopter. We hope you feel as informed and as fascinated as we do about the services they provide, their history, and their team of professionals. It is always an honor to share stories that inspire and celebrate the human spirit. We want to thank you, Kind Reader, for taking the time to visit and read our article. We hope to greet you back soon with more captivating stories. Remember, CALSTAR Helicopter is always ready to serve and assist in any emergency situation. Keep safe, and let us embrace every opportunity to soar!
