Governor O'Malley Announces New Additions to Maryland's World-Class Emergency Response

Press Release

Governor Martin O'Malley today gathered with members of Maryland's public safety and medical community at Lee Airport to announce an important step in improving public safety in Maryland that includes replacing the state's aging medevac helicopter.

Earlier today, the Board of Public Works, comprised of Governor O'Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, approved a contract to begin replacing Maryland's aging medevac helicopter fleet. A contract for $72.2 million was awarded to Agusta Aerospace Corporation for six new AW 139 helicopters.

"For as long as Lt. Governor Brown and I have the privilege of serving the people of our State, we will fight to give emergency responders and law enforcement the tools they need to get the job done and the equipment they need to get it done safely," Governor O'Malley said. "Today we fulfill promises we made to the people of Maryland to continue improving public safety even in tough economic times. To move Maryland forward, we must continue the improvement that is underway across our State in public safety and disaster preparedness. We are investing in the latest technologies and equipment so our first responders have what they need to maintain Maryland's world class emergency response system."

"We are fortunate to have the best trauma system in the world here in Maryland," said Speaker Michael E. Busch. "I am proud that the Governor and the legislature had the foresight to continue making critical investments in our public safety infrastructure to support our first responders and help save lives."

The new helicopters contain the latest in avionics and equipment, including terrain awareness warning systems, night vision compatibility, cockpit voice and video recorders, radar altimeters, and advanced instrument flight rating capabilities, all recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration. The new helicopters also provide more space in the patient and cargo areas, enabling medics to have better access to patients and to carry rescue equipment on board all the time.

The Governor also referred to an item that that will be before the Board of Public Works in two weeks which will begin to build the network that will permit police, fire, and EMS personnel to communicate with each other during an emergency. Currently, agencies at the local, state, and federal level operate on different radio frequencies and communications during times of emergency and disaster can be difficult and inefficient. Streamlining communications will save money while expediting emergency services for citizens. The new system will provide a robust network that will be the backbone of interoperability between first responders at the local, state and federal level.

"These new helicopters and a communications system that enables us to immediately cross jurisdictional boundaries are significant improvements to public safety capabilities in Maryland," State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said. "I thank Governor O'Malley for his persistent work and his constant leadership to ensure we are equipped with these new technologies. I thank the members of the General Assembly who spent many hours reviewing the future of Maryland's emergency medical services system. I also appreciate the hard work of members of the Maryland Department of Transportation who coordinated the helicopter bid process. We will use these technologies to make Maryland safer."

The first two new aircraft are expected to be delivered in about 18 months. All six are expected to be in operation in less than two years. The new aircraft will replace the oldest of the current Maryland State Police helicopters. Eight of the 11 helicopters currently in use are more than 20 years old. Increasing age and flight hours result in increasing mandated inspections and maintenance, meaning the aircraft are increasingly unavailable for use.

Maryland's medevac program began in the State Police in March 1970, in cooperation with Dr. R Adams Cowley and the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Since then, more than 130,000 patients have been flown to lifesaving care at one of Maryland's network of trauma and specialty-care hospitals.

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