AUSTIN (KXAN) — STAR Flight has grounded their four helicopters a day after one of their rescuers died after falling from a hoist on one of their aircraft. Kristin McLain, who served as a flight nurse and rescuer on the chopper, was part of a team responding to a rescue Monday in the Barton Creek Greenbelt when she fell from the helicopter.
The National Transportation Safety Board grounded the helicopter involved in the incident, and STAR Flight elected to suspended operations for their other three choppers. There is no estimate on how long their helicopters will be grounded.
In the meantime, STAR Flight will rely on three other companies to help fill the void. AirLife out of San Antonio and New Braunfels, AirEvac in Burnet, and PHI in Bastrop County will provide air EMS services for the area served by STAR Flight.
An NTSB crew has arrived in Austin and a review of the incident will begin Wednesday.
AirLife steps in, sings STAR Flight’s praises
“[They’re] just good people, I tell you; they train for the fight and they do a good job,” said Shawn Salter, the President and CEO of AirLife.
Salter started the San Antonio-based air ambulance service more than 20 years ago. He got a call Monday night soon after the Star Flight accident in Austin.
“They are part of a small family, and our heart goes out to them and also the family and co-workers of Ms. McLain,” Salter explained.
Salter knew Kristin McLain because AirLife has trained with and covered emergency situations with STAR Flight.
“They are industry leaders. Their experience and their professionalism is known internationally,” said Salter.
He says STAR Flight is unique in its ability to perform hoisted air rescues — one of only three organizations doing it in Texas.
“It requires a lot of training, a lot of extensive financial support, and so, usually it’s reserved for those areas where it’s going to prove to be a benefit,” said Salter.
STAR Flight crews are needed for flooding and wildfire emergencies and rescues from the more hilly areas. Salter says Star Flight first responders are as unique as their mission.
“The individuals, I’ve found, who take on these type of roles are very passionate individuals and are very dedicated individuals,” said Salter.
And McLain, he says, was just that.
AirLife is one of the companies that will be covering for STAR Flight while its fleet is grounded. AirEvac out of Burnet and PHI out of Bastrop County are assisting as well.
