MINT HILL, NC – It’s 3:00 pm on Friday, October 22, and the second day of Mint Hill Madness is underway!
Today is your last chance to see the Novant Health Critical Care Helicopter, a flying critical care unit integral both for transporting patients to Novant hospitals and completing inter-hospital transfers. “We’re the helicopter service for Novant; we do a lot of transports from hospital to hospital in their system,” said Flight Nurse and Paramedic Doug Helms. “We’re also available for emergency calls outside of the facility, car wrecks and that sort of thing.”
People tend to associate transporting patients by air with trauma cases, but the Critical Care Helicopter is so much more than a “Sky Ambulance.” Medical Helicopters can improve outcomes for all sorts of non-trauma patients simply by getting them the right treatment faster. Moreover, medical helicopters can facilitate quick transport from one hospital’s ICU to another without ever removing the patient from an ICU setting.
Four-year-old Chloe was one of the first to visit Novant’s Critical Care Helicopter after it touched down on Thursday. “We just came out today to meet people like Chloe and let her hop in a helicopter, enjoy the day, and maybe pique their interest,” said Helms.
The helicopter will be on the lower soccer field today from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm for tours, photos and questions. Stop by and visit Fight Nurse and Paramedic Doug, Paramedic TJ and Pilot Tom!
The helicopter takes flight at 6:00 pm Friday, but Novant Health will be in the parking lot from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Saturday to administer COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shots. Novant will be administering the Pfizer vaccine, so anyone 12 or older is welcome. Guarantee your spot by reserving an appointment ahead of time at https://bit.ly/NH-MHM. Walk-ups are welcome subject to vaccine availability.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free; you do not need an ID or insurance to receive it. Keep in mind the Pfizer vaccine is a two-dose regimen. You will receive directions for receiving your second dose during your visit. Please wear a mask and be prepared to remain at the site for 15 minutes after getting vaccinated. Flu shots are walk up only.
Novant’s Critical Care Helicopter is just one of many fun activities available on Friday at Mint Hill Madness. DJ A-Rod kicks of main stage entertainment at 4:30 pm, and you won’t want to miss the four piece jazz fusion and contemporary pop Marine Corp Band “Sounds Downrange” at 5:15. At 7:00 pm, Groove Machine takes the main stage with their 70s era party and dance music!
Follow the Mint Hill Times on social media for real time coverage of Mint Hill Madness all weekend long!