AKRON, Ohio - Akron Children's Hospital's medical transport helicopter, Air Bear, has assisted 3,556 children in its 10 years of service.

An event was held this week at Perkins Square Park to commemorate the helicopter and its transport team's decade of service to the community.

Thanks to Air Bear, can reduce runs from the hospital from an hour to 20 minutes. The pilot, along with a critical-care nurse, a paramedic and a respiratory therapist are on each call. Equipment on the helicopter is designed for kids and includes four mobile ICU units, along with art, music and videos to help keep kids calm.

Jocelyn Traw, 9, of Mineral Ridge, was transported to Akron Children's Hospital via Air Bear after being hit by a car while riding her bike. Here she poses with crew members MedTrans pilot Bill Knisley, Respiratory Therapist Summer Oney and Pediatric Nurse Sarah Dech.

Distance, medical necessity and weather all play a part in the decision to use Air Bear instead of an ambulance. The service enables the fast transportation of pediatric patients from regional or community hospitals to the more sophisticated services offered at Akron Children's downtown Akron campus, including its pediatric and neonatal intensive care units and pediatric surgery suites.

Air Bear serves the following counties: Summit, Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Mahoning, Columbiana, Trumbull, Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Belmont, Guernsey, Coshocton, Holmes, Wayne, Ashland, Richland, Huron, Geauga, Ashtabula, Muskingum, Knox, Huron, Sandusky, Erie, Lorain and Lake.

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