TAMPA, Fla. — AdventHealth launched its AirStar 1 on Monday.

What You Need To Know:

  • AirStar 1 to enhance efficiency of hospital-to-hospital transfers

  • Will be on standby for community 911 responses

  • Cutting-edge helicopter stationed at Lakeland Linder International Airport

The health care system says the cutting-edge helicopter will enhance efficiency and decrease critical-care response times.

"If we’re transporting a patient from Advent Sebring, you’re looking at a two-and-a half to three-hour ground transport,” said Flight Medic Mark Adams. “By air, you’re looking at about 35 minutes to here.”

Adams describes the addition to its emergency response fleet as an emergency room in the air.

The chopper means hospital-to-hospital transports can now be done in-house, getting patients from smaller AdventHealth community hospitals to its larger facilities, faster. AdventHealth West Florida Division previously called on other entities for these transports.

Emergency Room Physician Michael Longley says AirStar 1 will build confidence in patience and medical staff.

"There are few scenarios more stressful than waiting for a sick patient to be moved to a necessary higher level of care, and being able to do that and know that we have this tool at our fingertips is just such a confidence builder," said Dr. Longley.

AirStar 1 will be stationed at Lakeland Lindner Airport and serve Advent Health’s West and Central Florida Divisions.