BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Medical transport company, Lifesaver, has eqipped its helicopter pilots with new equipment they say not only helps in saving patients, but it also also makes their job safer.

Pilots and crew members are now wearing helmets with mounted night vision goggles.

THIS SATURDAY 8/28 ,SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE WHILE YOU GET YOUR HAIR TRIMMED, PERMED, CUT, STRAIGHTENED, COLORED OR BUZZED. $1 OF EVERY HAIRCUT GIVEN WILL BE DONATED TO LIFEFLIGHT OF MAINE.

When their phone rings, something is wrong, very wrong. "They don't call us unless it's bad," said Don Donahoo.
He is a helicopter pilot who works with Air Evac Lifeteam, an air medical company of pilots, nurses and paramed ics that provides emergency medical care and transportation for serious inju­ries or medical problems in the River Re gion.
He's been a pilot for more than 30 years and spent much of that time flying for the Army. During the Vietnam War, he flew Hueys, primarily on military in telligence assignments. After leaving ac tive duty, he joined the Alabama Nation al Guard and was part of the 1133rd Air Ambulance Company.

Janice McKay leaned in and spoke softly to her patient under the roaring din of the helicopter blades. As green fields and gray waters unfolded far below, the nurse eyed the clear liquid in a hanging IV bag and the numbers on a monitor over the stretcher. Her patient was calm and stable.

A tragic accident involving a 10-year-old gird will be turned into smiles for the victim, Joy Kendall because of Life Flight Network. On May 3, Joy was struck by a car in Damascus, Oregon. Boring Fire District and Clackamas Fire District #1 responded to the scene and a Life Flight helicopter transported the little girl to the hospital where she remained in critical condition for several weeks, according to Holly Love, a spokeswoman for Life Flight Network.

You could say there is a new parking spot for medical helicopters at one hospital in Clinton County.

Transportation Reporter for the New York Times Christine Negroni Reports -

Please don't call them "heroes" or "fallen angels" or any of that other pap. Last Thursday, pilot Allan Dale Harrison and flight nurse Ryan Duke were killed in the crash of an air ambulance in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Their flight paramedic was injured.

Don Wilson, flight paramedic for Addison, Texas-based Omniflight, has received the Paramedic of the Year award from East Alabama Region II. Wilson works with Omniflight subsidiary Alabama LifeSaver in Rainbow City, Ala. He is also an EMS supervisor for the Gadsden Fire Department.

The McMinn County Air Evac Lifeteam crew has welcomed a new addition to its base. A very big addition, in fact. The rural air ambulance provider has added a new Bell 206L4 to its base at 100 Robinson Street in Etowah. The new aircraft is a more powerful model than the previous 206L1 in use, and is outfitted with Night Vision Goggles. Its benefits include increased range, lift capability, and improved high-altitude operations.