The Gundersen helicopter is based in Decorah and can get to Fayette County in about 15 minutes. With the Auto Launch program, the initial calls for the aircrew get the helicopter in the sky faster to treat patients. (Megan Molseed photo)
AutoLaunch program in Fayette County could save lives
By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com
Last month, Fayette County introduced a new program that has already started saving lives.
“This gives us an advantage and allows us to focus on what we need to in a call,” said Samantha Rumph one of the Fayette County Dispatchers.
“With the old system we would have to take time away from the call to find the help that was needed,” she continued. “This new program lets us save time in that process.”
This new program, Auto Launch, the dispatchers are able to get a medical helicopter to a scene with one simple phone call.
“Before the Auto Launch program, the ground crews would arrive on the scene and determine whether a medical helicopter was needed,” explained Fayette County sheriff Marty Fisher.
The Gundersen helicopter is based in Decorah. It can get to Fayette County in about 15 minutes. The initial calls get the helicopter in the sky faster to treat patients, even when it's not needed.
