Aero Med Accident at Spectrum Health

Aero Med Accident Update
May 29, 2008
5:45 p.m.

The Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital emergency department is now open for all emergencies, both adult and pediatric.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Aero Med Accident Update
May 29, 2008
4:00 p.m.

Following the Aero Med accident this morning, all hospital patients and their families are safe.

Several floors in the building were evacuated in the interest of patient safety. Most patients were moved to other areas within the facility. Some were moved to the Grand Rapids Community College field house, but all of those patients have been returned to Butterworth Hospital.

The emergency department has been re-opened to pediatric emergencies. We expect to re-open for all emergencies later this evening.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Aero Med Accident
May 29, 2008
12:30 p.m.

This morning, one of our Aero Med helicopters experienced an accident at our helipad at Butterworth Hospital. The cause is still under investigation.

Two individuals were on board at the time of the accident. They are being evaluated in the emergency department.

Several floors at Butterworth Hospital were temporarily evacuated. Patients have now been returned to hospital rooms. These patients experienced no injuries as a result of the helicopter accident.

All surgeries have been temporarily cancelled, and roads leading to the hospital were closed to allow greater access for emergency vehicles. Surgeries are expected to resume later today. Roads will be open as soon as possible.

Patients who were ready for discharge are waiting in the first floor of the hospital until roads are reopened.

Electricity was temporarily down; however, our back-up generator system is in place and functioning. The emergency preparedness plan was immediately put into effect. We appreciate the quick response from local emergency responders to this incident.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.