About 5 a.m. today, TraumaOne flight services responded to the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 95 near County Road 210 in Saint Johns County. Upon landing, the TraumaOne crew heard a loud popping noise coming from the aircraft.
Out of an abundance of caution, the aircraft was grounded at the scene and inspected by a certified mechanic. Three crew members were aboard the helicopter: a pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic. It was determined that a plastic trash bag caught on the blades during landing, causing the noise.
The patient was transported by ground ambulance to Shands Jacksonville.
The TraumaOne helicopter flew back to Shands Jacksonville, where it was given a full inspection. The inspection determined that TraumaOne was safe and could resume regular service.
Shands Jacksonville President and CEO Jim Burkhart issued a statement this morning, stating “I compliment the highly trained pilots and crew who are well-prepared for these situations. Our first and primary objective is always safety.”
The TraumaOne helicopter had been inspected prior to leaving Shands Jacksonville Friday morning, as is required before every flight.
TraumaOne’s manager of flight services is available for media interviews.