PHI Air Medical staff tour the new helipad atop the Baptist Heart Center.

Patients needing emergency air transport to or from Western Baptist Hospital can take comfort in the safety of the hospital’s new helipad. Len Philpot, lead pilot for PHI Air Medical Services, said the new helipad is the largest rooftop pad in this area, comparable to those in St. Louis, Nashville and Louisville.

“The new pad has incorporated many rooftop safety features,” said Philpot, “but more importantly, it is very well designed in regard to obstacles, emergency exits and wind anomalies.”
Cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., medical director of the new Baptist Heart Center, said quick access for helicopters transporting chest pain patients is vital.

“Time saved is heart muscle saved,” said Dr. Withrow. “By identifying heart attacks in their earliest stages, we’re able to stabilize the patient, reduce damage to the heart and save heart muscle before further intervention.”