In emergency medical services, rapid response is crucial, particularly when delivering urgent care. Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) play a vital role in this process, and the infrastructure supporting these operations can mean the difference between life and death. One such critical facility is the helicopter landing pad at Dale Medical Center in Ozark, Alabama.
Key Specifications of the Landing Facility
Dale Medical Center (IATA code: AL87) operates a professional helicopter landing pad designed to meet emergency medical needs. The pad's technical specifications include:
- Designation: Helipad 1
- Dimensions: 44 x 40 feet
- Surface material: Concrete (CONC)
Geographic Location and Operational Considerations
The helipad is strategically positioned at coordinates 31.4515991°N latitude and -85.631897°W longitude. Located in the Eastern Time Zone (America/Kentucky/Monticello), the facility operates with a GMT-4 offset during daylight saving time, a critical factor for flight coordination and emergency response planning.
While the medical center doesn't provide METAR weather observations, pilots and operators can access critical NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) information through authorized aviation channels to ensure safe operations.
Design and Operational Significance
The helipad's construction and layout prioritize medical emergency requirements, enabling swift and secure takeoffs and landings. This design philosophy directly enhances emergency response times and treatment outcomes. Helicopter transport significantly reduces transit time for critically ill or injured patients, often providing the decisive advantage in life-threatening situations.
As medical technology advances and emergency response demands increase, facilities like Dale Medical Center's helipad serve as essential components in modern healthcare infrastructure. These specialized landing areas not only improve emergency medical capabilities but also optimize resource allocation in critical care scenarios.
Understanding such specialized medical aviation infrastructure enables healthcare providers and emergency responders to maximize the effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services, ultimately improving patient outcomes and saving lives.