Just two weeks into January and CalvinAir Helicopters is already continuing its commitment in providing medical emergency evacuation service as mandated by its Chairman, Ambassador Calvin Ayre. Ayre, a businessman and philanthropist, is also the Founder of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, which funds the cost for the emergency flights.
Ruan Roberts, the Urlings fisherman who was recently medically airlifted to Guadeloupe by CalvinAir Helicopters has returned home. CalvinAir Helicopters picked up the patient, who had undergone treatment for decompression sickness at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe, late Saturday afternoon, right after he had completed the last round of treatment.
After performing the emergency medical evacuation of an Old Road resident, just over a month ago, CalvinAir Helicopters was once again taking the exact half-hour flight route to Guadeloupe for the same purpose. On this occasion, the patient on board was 32-year-old Ruan Roberts, a local entrepreneur and fisherman from Urlings, who was diagnosed with acute decompression sickness by doctors at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC).
On any other day, CalvinAir Helicopters Chief Pilot, Steve Gray, would be wearing his uniform and preparing for takeoff. But last Thursday he was dressed in his bright red Santa costume – complete with his sack of gifts – and rehearsing his Ho, Ho, Hos in front the mirror.
His mission? To bring Christmas cheer and gifts to the children and residents of both the Friends Foundation and the Care Project, all of whom he says were on his “good” list.
The search for missing Willikies teen Shamar Harrigan was yesterday joined by helicopters scouring Antigua’s east coast from the air.The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) volunteered the use of CalvinAir Helicopters, manned by experienced search and rescue pilots, to assist with locating the 19-year-old who has autism and has been missing since November 14.
A 42-year-old man is now recovering at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) after allegedly receiving a stab wound to the lower right abdomen on the sister-isle over the weekend.
The patient was medically evacuated to seek further surgical attention on the mainland.
When disaster strikes at sea, every second counts in bringing those on board to safety. Locating boat passengers quickly – especially in choppy seas – can mean the difference between life and death. Fisher folk, sailors and cruisers alike will be better protected on the water thanks to the launch of a new helicopter service.
CalvinAir Helicopters has pledged to lend a hand to the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) in the event of an emergency.