New emergency air medical landing zone in Gatlinburg completed

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — The city of Gatlinburg has a new emergency air medical transport landing zone with the help of The University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Lifestar .

The new platform aims to improve speed and efficiency when transporting critically injured patients to other medical care facilities. It’s near the north entrance to Gatlinburg, off Dudley Creek Road, which allows fast access for the EMS crews.

“The completion of this landing zone marks the City’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our community, including our residents and millions of visitors,” Gatlinburg Fire Chief Charlie Cole said. “This facility ensures that individuals have quick access to the emergency medical services provided by Lifestar, with transportation to the University of Tennessee Medical Center.”

The landing zone has several safety measures to protect medical personnel and the public including advanced lighting, signage, and fencing. The city’s Street Department, the Building Maintenance Department, the Fire Department and Blalock’s made sure the construction ran smoothly.

“The City is ecstatic to partner with Lifestar on this critical infrastructure, which will reduce response times and improve patient outcomes by providing timely access to specialized medical care during times of emergencies,” Gatlinburg City Manager Greg Patterson said. “This was a much-needed item and shows the City’s dedication to continually find ways to ensure the health and safety of the Gatlinburg community.”

UT Lifestar flies more than 2,200 patients per year to hospitals across the region and they provide services to East Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. They also maintain 24-hour aeromedical bases in Morristown, Sweetwater, Sevierville, Jacksboro and Rockwood.

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