New Medical Evacuation Helipad Established at Jerusalem's Herzog Hospital

A new medical evacuation helicopter pad has been established at the Herzog Medical Center in Jerusalem with an investment of approximately 5 million shekels. Built by the "Hatzalah Air" organization, the helipad spans an area of about 5 dunams and is designed, among other things, to operate a Sikorsky S-76 medical evacuation helicopter.

Operational Infrastructure and Coverage

Alongside the helipad, the organization's Jerusalem operations center is being established, including infrastructure for operational activity, command, coordination, and facilities for the teams. The goal is to create a base that combines a helicopter, ground infrastructure, and professional teams in the Jerusalem area.

"Our vision is to bring medical help to anyone who needs it, even when distance makes the path to treatment complicated," said Eli Rowe, president of Hatzalah Air.

According to the organization, the base will also be able to provide a response to the Beit Shemesh and Lachish regions, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Judea and Samaria, and other areas, subject to the required approvals and coordination.

Partnerships and Fleet Capabilities

The helipad will be operated by flight crews, medical personnel, and ground and operations teams, in cooperation with Magen David Adom, Brook Aviation, the Herzog Medical Center, the Hadassah Medical Center, and other bodies. The investment in establishing the complex, which includes infrastructure, buildings, equipment, and operational readiness, was made possible with the assistance of donors, including David and Judy Hager.

• Non-profit organization established in the United States in 2018.

• Operates an international fleet of medical jets including a Gulfstream G550 and Citation models.

• Participated in casualty evacuations from Ukraine and around the Gaza envelope during the Iron Swords war.