New Medical Helicopter Pad Opens in Jerusalem

The Israeli organization "Hatzalah Air" launched a new medical helicopter landing pad, Herzog Pad, in Jerusalem over the weekend. Located within the Herzog Medical Complex, the facility is designed for medical helicopter operations, including patient evacuation and transport. The pad will primarily operate the Sikorsky S-76 medical evacuation helicopter.

The 5-dunam (approximately 1.2 acres) facility represents an investment of around 5 million shekels, covering infrastructure, buildings, equipment, and operational readiness. The funding came from donors, including David and Judy Eger. Adjacent to the pad, Hatzalah Air established its Jerusalem operations center, equipped for command, control, coordination, and crew facilities.

The landing pad will be operated by flight crews, medical personnel, and ground staff in collaboration with Magen David Adom (MDA), Brook Aviation, Herzog Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, and other entities. Hatzalah Air stated the base aims to serve Jerusalem and its surroundings, and with necessary approvals, can extend its reach to Beit Shemesh, the Lachish region, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Judea and Samaria.

Hatzalah Air, a US-based non-profit founded in 2018 by American-Jewish philanthropist Eli Rowe, has conducted over 1,800 missions in more than 24 countries, including medical transport and rescue operations. Rowe expressed his vision of bringing medical aid to those in need, regardless of distance, and highlighted the Jerusalem base as a step towards building local capacity in Israel.

Dr. Aharon Adler, Hatzalah Air's director and medical director, described the "Lev Ha'aretz" helicopter as an additional option for critical cases such as severe trauma, cardiac events, strokes, and situations requiring urgent transfer for advanced care. He emphasized that while not every patient needs air evacuation, the capability should be available to residents of Jerusalem and the surrounding area in full cooperation with MDA and hospitals.