Twin engines, five rotors. European aircraft manufacturer Airbus introduced the predecessor H145 in 1999 and has built 1,500 in various configurations. The earliest models were for French air rescues. The Mayo craft is one of the first of adapted to U.S. medical gear.
First being stationed in Mankato
MANKATO, Minn. – Mayo Clinic has placed a state-of-the-art Geman-built air ambulance in service at Mankato, the first of three such helicopters due to replace the whole Mayo fleet by December. Next in line will be craft based in Rochester, then Eau Claire. The $11 million Airbus H145-D3 has twin quick-start 1,000-horsepower engines. There is 100% power in one minute. The machines fly 150 mph — 10 mph faster than the 15-year-old craft being replaced. There are five rotor blades, which mean less vibration. “You almost forget you’re on a helicopter because it flies so smooth,” said Rhiannon Osborne, a Mayo flight nurse. You’re able to focus on your patient, your task at hand.”
Air ambulance profile
The Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board says 6,100 emergency flights transported patients in 2022. Nearly one out of four were emergency flights. Yhe rest were hospital transfers. Of those, 2,200 flights were Mayo flights, with 600 using the Mankato-based helicopter. The Clinic says 15% of the runs were emergencies.
Mayo homage
The tail numbers, N483WC, reflect Mayo history. The “N” stands for North America.” “483” honors the four people who founded Mayo in 1883.The “WC’ stands for Will and Charlie Mayo — the sons of William Worrall Mayo, who opened a private medical practice that evolved into the Mayo Clinic.