In case of an emergency, patients may not have to wait as long for a helicopter transport to the hospital.

A proposal is on the table to bring airlift services to Coulter Field but the City Council and Texas Department of Transporation still have to approve the plan.

It may sound strange but The Texas Department of Transportation has jurisdiction out at Coulter Field so this project hinges on its approval.

Right now, Petroleum Helicopters Incorporated is proposing running a 24 hour a day service that will operate 365 days a year. The airlift will take patients to either The Med or St. Joseph. A company official says they would like to start by May 1st and sign a 5 year contract. But there is no guarantee all the approvals needed will be in by then.

Currently patients in the Brazos Valley have to wait for a helicopter to come from as far away as Conroe or Temple. Petroleum Helicopters says if the contract is signed it will also provide transports from our local hospitals to others in the state.