Our Story...SouthStar Aeromedical Helicopter

When a traumatic accident takes place, the first sixty minutes after injury is called the "golden hour," because it is this timeframe that is most critical to a successful outcome. For a victim with serious injuries, quick transfer from the accident scene to a trauma center is crucial.

As the southern component of the state Air Medical Helicopter Program, SouthStar provides reliable and speedy transport for New Jersey residents. Based at Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees, the SouthStar helicopter provides airborne emergency medical services 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The helicopter is staffed by two State Police Pilots, a flight nurse and a flight paramedic from Virtua Health.

The medical crew is trained and equipped to care for and rapidly transport severely injured patients from the scene of a major accident to one of New Jersey's designated trauma centers. SouthStar also provides necessary transfers of critically ill patients from one hospital to another.

The SouthStar aircraft is a Sikorksy S-76, able to transport a maximum of two patients. Enhanced by an aerodynamic fuselage and retractable landing gear, cruise speed of the aircraft can reach 155 knots, with a fuel range of two hours. State-of-the-art instruments (such as TCAS and color radar) enhance the overall safety of the helicopter.

REMCS in Newark, New Jersey is the 911 communication center that communicates with various hospitals, communication centers and ground agencies to coordinate helicopter requests. The Communications Center also maintains radio contact with the flight crew while on the ground and in flight for 24-hour coverage. Flight-following capabilities guarantee that the aircraft is tracked while in flight, so that its position is known at all times.