PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has announced that the helicopter landing zone for Berkshire Medical Center is being relocated to the Hillcrest Campus of BMC in order to enhance and improve safety for helicopter crews and patients.

 

This change comes with the support of the Pittsfield Police and Fire Departments and local EMS providers. 

 

The move will be effective on Tuesday, Oct. 1. 

 

"This move is necessary so that we can ensure the safety of the patient and helicopter crew and lessen the travel time from Berkshire Medical Center to the landing zone," said Roberta Gale, BHS vice president of community health. "The Hillcrest Campus of BMC provides the hospital with a consistent and safe landing zone that can quickly be staffed by BHS Security. For patients requiring helicopter transport, minutes are critical, and these flights have saved thousands of lives in the Berkshires."

 

BHS worked with first responders, municipal leaders, and air transport providers to explore multiple options, including continued use of Wahconah Park, Reid Middle School and the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, but all had issues with safety, and access and agreed that the Hillcrest Campus of BMC is the best option for these highly vulnerable patients to ensure safe and rapid air transport.

 

The landing zone at the Hillcrest Campus of BMC is located at the rear of the property in a paved area. Critical patients in need of helicopter transport will be stabilized at Berkshire Medical Center, then transported by ambulance to Hillcrest for the helicopter flight to another hospital with higher levels of specialized trauma care.  The impact on the neighborhood surrounding the Hillcrest Campus of BMC is expected to be limited, based on a historical average of about two or three transports per month.