(August 1, 2011)--Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s new helipad has received final approval for patient delivery by Cal Trans and the Los Angeles Emergency Medical Services Agency, Department of Health Services on August 1, 2011.

“With the helipad, and working with our local emergency air transporters, we’ll be able to provide life-saving care to our most critical patients in a timely manner,” said Roger E. Seaver, president and CEO of Henry Mayo Hospital. “Oftentimes, prompt treatment for trauma patients can mean the difference between life and death.”

The helipad allows Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital to retain its designation as the only trauma center in the Santa Clarita Valley and will provide immediate and life-saving air transport to medical patients and patients suffering traumatic injuries or illness—thereby giving the best possible chance for survival and recovery.

“Henry Mayo currently receives 50-70 code trauma patients per month,” said David Henry, MD, emergency services medical director. “We estimate 10 to 15 cases will now potentially arrive by air.”

There are 14 trauma centers in Los Angeles County. Henry Mayo is a closed catchment area that services approximately 450 square miles.

In early July, helicopters were provided by the L.A. City and County fireand sheriff’s departments for hands-on training exercises at Henry Mayo.

“We had 99 percent of our emergency and security department responders participate in didactic andhands-on training for personal safety near the helicopter, and safe patient transfers using the gurney and trauma cart from the helipad to the emergency room,” said Teri Sullivan, RN, M.Ed., MICN, CEN, co-training coordinator at Henry Mayo. “That’s excellent.”