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New technology helps air ambulance rescue Iowa teen in rainstorm

Helicopter relied on Wide Area Augmentation System to navigate through reduced visibility

By EMS1 Staff

DES MOINES, Iowa — An air ambulance helicopter used new flight technology to rescue 15-year-old crash victim in poor weather conditions Tuesday, according to a KCCI report.

Mercy Medical Center officials told the station the Mercy One air ambulance pilot relied on the Wide Area Augmentation System to fly through rainy conditions and reduced visibility of 50 feet.

The WAAS is the latest in air navigation technology, officials said in the report, and the Mercy One is Iowa’s only medical helicopter equipped with the technology.

Officials told KCCI the new technology will allow the air ambulance to safely fly more missions, which could help save lives.