Table of contents:
Table of contents:
Initial Problem ∙ The Solution ∙ Overcoming Challenges ∙ Rethinking Helipads ∙ Helipad Design Future ∙ Parkview Hospital ∙ FAQs ∙ Get Started
In emergency medicine, every second counts. The difference between life and loss often hinges on the speed and efficiency of air medical transport. That’s why hospitals across the country are rethinking their hospital helipad setups—not just as logistical necessities, but as strategic assets in saving lives.
At Parkview Hospital in Pueblo, CO, the challenge wasn’t just about placing a hospital helicopter landing pad. It was about designing one that maximized speed, safety, and cost-efficiency. When FEC Heliports was called upon to solve this complex infrastructure puzzle, we executed a groundbreaking solution that’s setting a new standard in hospital helipad design.
The Problem: Ground-Level Limitations and Lost Time
Parkview had an existing ground hospital helicopter landing pad located in a parking lot across a public street from the main campus. While technically functional, this setup required ambulance transport from the pad to the emergency room and was located on the opposite side of the facility. This added minutes to every emergency transfer, a delay that could be critical in trauma cases.
When the hospital began exploring options to relocate the helipad, the rooftop seemed like the obvious choice. But reality quickly complicated the plan. Every potential rooftop location was eliminated due to:
- Existing mechanical equipment obstructing space
- Lack of elevator access to the roof
- Prohibitive costs associated with extending elevator shafts and reinforcing rooftop structures
Ultimately, Parkview faced a critical challenge: how to position a hospital helipad that maximized patient safety and minimized transport time without incurring prohibitive costs or construction obstacles.
The Solution: Freestanding Elevated Helipad Design
Thankfully, the FEC team was fully equipped to handle this issue. Relying on three decades of experience in helipad design, we performed a comprehensive site visit and proposed a bold alternative: a freestanding elevated helipad. This tabletop-style structure was engineered to align with an existing window on the hospital’s façade.
That window was converted into a doorway, providing direct access to a corridor that led to an elevator servicing the emergency room. This design eliminated the need for rooftop construction and costly elevator extensions, saving Parkview Hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The new helipad location cut 5–6 minutes off patient transport time, dramatically improving helicopter EMS response efficiency and patient outcomes. In many cases, patients were airlifted to the hospital and transferred directly to the ER without delay.
Overcoming Regulatory and Community Challenges
One major hurdle remained: the new helipad spanned a public access street, raising regulatory concerns and requiring special approvals. Fortunately, the community rallied behind the project. Local leaders, hospital staff, and residents recognized the value of a safer, faster solution—and their support helped secure the necessary permissions.
The project became more than an infrastructure upgrade; it was a symbol of community-driven innovation, where public support helped overcome bureaucratic barriers to deliver a life-saving air ambulance transport solution.
Why It Matters: Rethinking Hospital Helipads
This project required rethinking the concept of where hospital helipads can be placed. Traditional rooftop pads often come with high costs, complex engineering challenges, and limited accessibility. Ground-level pads, while easier to build, can introduce dangerous delays in air medical transport.
FEC’s freestanding elevated solution offers a third path—combining the accessibility of ground-level pads with the proximity benefits of rooftop locations. It’s a model other hospitals can replicate, especially those facing similar logistical constraints.
Expert Insight: The Future of Helipad Design
As leaders in hospital helipad design, FEC Heliports understands that every site is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why our approach is consultative, collaborative, and informed by both aviation standards and hospital workflows.
Key considerations in designing a hospital helicopter landing pad include:
- Proximity to emergency departments
- Elevator and corridor access
- Structural load capacity
- FAA compliance and airspace regulations
- Community impact and public safety
FEC’s ability to navigate these factors—and deliver custom-engineered solutions—is what sets us apart in the industry.
Spotlight: Parkview Hospital Pueblo, CO
The success at Parkview Hospital is a testament to what’s possible when expert design meets community collaboration. The new helipad not only improves patient outcomes but also serves as a blueprint for other hospitals seeking smarter, safer hospital helipad solutions.
FAQs About Hospital Helipads
What is a freestanding elevated helipad?
A freestanding elevated helipad, or tabletop helipad, is an independent structure raised to align with hospital access points. It’s ideal when rooftop space is limited, offering a compact footprint with vertical sides and usable space beneath. Often built with a steel frame and aluminum deck, it’s especially effective in tight areas like parking lots.
How does a hospital helipad improve patient outcomes?
By minimizing the time it takes to move patients from the landing pad to the ER, a hospital helipad can dramatically improve survival rates in trauma and critical care cases. Whether a patient is arriving via air ambulance transport or helicopter EMS, every minute saved during transfer can be the difference between life and loss. These pads streamline emergency workflows and reduce delays in treatment.
What makes Parkview Hospital’s helipad unique?
Parkview Hospital’s helipad spans a public street and connects directly to the ER via an existing elevator. This is an innovative solution that bypasses rooftop limitations. Its setup allows patients airlifted to the hospital to be transferred directly to care without additional ground transport. The project also benefited from strong community support, making it a model for hospitals seeking smarter infrastructure for helicopter EMS operations.
How is air medical transport coordinated with hospital helipads?
Hospitals work closely with air medical transport providers to ensure rapid coordination between flight crews and emergency teams. This includes pre-arrival communication, designated landing protocols, and streamlined patient handoffs to minimize delays.
What safety features are built into hospital helipads?
Modern helipads include fire suppression systems, perimeter lighting, wind indicators, and reinforced surfaces to support helicopter landing operations. These features are essential for safe landings and takeoffs, especially in urban or high-traffic areas.
What are the benefits of elevated helipads vs. ground-level pads?
Here’s a clear comparison table outlining the key differences between elevated and ground-level helipads:
Feature | Elevated Helipad | Ground-Level Helipad |
|---|---|---|
Access to ER Department | Direct access to upper-level departments | Requires internal transport (elevators, corridors, etc.) |
Patient Transfer Time | Faster/minimized delays | Slower/additional steps involved |
Space Efficiency | Freestanding design allows use of space below | Occupies valuable ground space |
Installation Complexity | More complex structurally | Easier and quicker to install |
Ideal Use Case | Urban hospitals, limited rooftop space | Facilities with ample open land |
Weather & Security Exposure | Minimal/protected transfer routes | Higher/outdoor exposure during transfer |
Impact on Outcomes | Potentially better due to reduced transfer times | May affect outcomes in critical cases |
Ready to Elevate Your Helipad Strategy?
Whether planning a new facility or upgrading an existing hospital helipad, FEC Heliports brings unmatched expertise in design, compliance, and custom engineering. Let us help you place your helipad where it matters most. Contact us today to learn more!