Cooper University Health Care’s Air Medical Services is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month, marking a decade and a half of providing rapid, lifesaving emergency transport and critical-care response throughout South Jersey.
Launched on Dec. 4, 2010, the Air Medical Services team has evolved into an essential extension of Cooper’s regional trauma and emergency care system, linking communities directly to southern New Jersey’s only Level 1 Trauma Center—the busiest in the region.
Over the past 15 years, Cooper Air crews have responded to thousands of emergencies, ensuring that critically ill and injured patients receive timely access to advanced care. This includes swift transport for trauma patients and supporting complex inter-facility transfers.
George Norcross III, chairman of the Cooper University Health Care Board of Trustees, emphasized the service’s importance. “Cooper Air Medical Services is more than just the transport of patients, it’s Cooper’s promise to the communities we serve to provide the highest level of trauma and specialty care available in South Jersey,” he said.
Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, co-CEO of Cooper, added that the service’s speed is non-negotiable in emergencies. “Every minute matters in an emergency, and for 15 years this team has delivered exceptional care with unmatched skill and dedication,” he stated.
The success of the program is built on its highly trained staff and advanced fleet. The fleet, which includes Cooper 1 and Cooper 2 (both EC135 Eurocopters), is owned and operated by Cooper’s partner, Metro Aviation, Inc.
The aircraft are meticulously maintained and equipped with advanced safety technology, including:
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Advanced GPS navigation and weather radar
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Aircraft collision-avoidance systems
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Night-vision capability
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Comprehensive satellite-based, real-time in-flight data monitoring
Each flight is staffed by Cooper’s highly trained team of flight nurses and flight paramedics, all of whom hold national certifications, such as CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) and FP-C (Flight Paramedic Certification).
“For 15 years, our crews have responded at a moment’s notice—day or night—to deliver critical care when it matters most,” said Rick Rohrbach, MBA, BSN, RN, CFRN, CCRN, MICP, assistant vice president, EMS and Air Transport Operations at Cooper.
As Cooper University Health Care marks this milestone, it celebrates the dedication of its air medical team and its crucial role in expanding access to lifesaving academic medicine across South Jersey.
