UNC Carolina Air Care

06/15/2026

At UNC Carolina Air Care, our teams respond to scenes across North Carolina to provide critical care transport. One of the everyday realities we face is the presence of wires, power lines, telephone cables, guy wires, and more, around potential landing zones.

Wires can be impossible to spot from the air. They are thin, blend into backgrounds like trees or sky, and may not be marked. Even experienced pilots and crew members stay extra vigilant during takeoff and landing, when we operate at lower altitudes and slower speeds.

When landing we always:
1. Scan carefully for wires, poles, antennas, and other overhead obstacles before approaching a landing area.
2. Choose landing zones that are open, level, and free of known hazards when possible.
3. Communicate with ground teams who guide us to safety.

Wire strikes are a known hazard in helicopter operations worldwide, but proactive planning and teamwork help keep our missions safe.

If you're part of a fire, EMS, or law enforcement team that works with us, thank you for your partnership in setting up safe landing zones. Simple steps like marking hazards and providing clear radio updates make a big difference.

Safety is our top priority, every flight, every time.
📷 Andy Mills

06/12/2026

Not saying we look exactly the same, but we're aging remarkably well.

Recently, we accidentally recreated a photo from the early days of Carolina Air Care. While our aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and uniforms have changed over the years, our mission has remained the same. Carolina Air Care has been honored to serve communities across North Carolina through safe, compassionate, and expert patient transport.

I hope you're enjoying our 40th countdown as much as we are!

📷 Andy Mills and Unknown

06/11/2026

You are part of a critical care transport team activated for an interfacility transfer. Your patient presented to a community emergency department with:

- Sudden onset severe headache
- Altered mental status
- Progressive neurologic decline
- Hypertension and irregular respirations

Vital Signs:
Heart Rate: 54
BP: 196/118
RR: 24 Irregular
Oxygen Saturation: 97%
GCS: 9 (Baseline: 15)

CT head imaging as shown. What do you see?

This transport will take 1 hour from referring to receiving. What are your top three transport priorities for this patient? Comment below with your answers.

06/09/2026

At UNC Carolina Air Care, we’re proud of the lifesaving work we do every day, but what truly makes us special is our incredible crew.

These are the dedicated faces behind the scenes. The team who shows up with heart, skill, and teamwork no matter what the day brings. Whether they’re preparing for a critical transport or out in our communities, they’re always working together to care for the people who need us most.

We couldn’t do it without this amazing group of humans. Thank you! You are the heart of Carolina Air Care!

Swipe/scroll through to meet some of the wonderful people who make our mission possible.

06/08/2026

Monday mornings look a little different when your office has the best views in North Carolina!

As our crew heads back into the skies and onto the roads this morning, we’re soaking in the beauty of the state we’re so proud to serve. From breathtaking sunrises to sweeping horizons, they’re reminders of why we do what we do.

Swipe through to see some of our team’s favorite “office views” captured from the aircraft and ambulances across North Carolina!

What’s the best view you’ve seen on your way to work lately? Drop it in the comments, we’d love to see!

Here’s to a safe, strong, and beautiful week ahead.

06/05/2026

✈️ Flashback Friday ✈️

We’ve taken a big pause this year as we approach 40 years in the industry. We’ve reflected on the things that make us Air Care. As we look back, we’ve compiled photos of our aircraft through the years. These birds logged countless hours, responded to critical missions, and carried crews through all kinds of conditions.

Here’s a look back at three key airframes from our fleet:

BK117
A versatile twin-engine helicopter widely used for utility, medevac, and inter-facility transports. Known for its rugged design and performance in challenging environments.

EC135
A twin-engine light helicopter recognized for its quiet operation, excellent visibility, and safety features. A common platform for both EMS and passenger transport.

Bell 429
A modern twin-engine helicopter valued for its speed, agility, and advanced avionics. Popular for its performance and cabin configuration.

These airframes aren’t just equipment; they are part of our story. They carried our teams to where they were needed most and helped shape who we are today.

Which of these aircraft brings back the strongest memories for you? Drop your stories in the comments 👇 We’d love to hear them!

06/04/2026

Did you know that today is World Bicycle Day? 🚲

Dust off those wheels, feel the sunshine on your face, and get out there to enjoy the ride! Whether you're cruising around Chapel Hill, hitting a scenic trail, or just pedaling for fun, today is the perfect excuse to celebrate the joy of biking.

Just remember helmets on, your brain deserves the best protection out there! We'll wear ours too.

And if the unexpected happens, UNC Carolina Air Care has your back. We're always ready to respond with speed and care when you need us most.

Ride safe, ride happy, and make today an awesome one!

05/31/2026

Great shot Pittsboro Fire-Rescue!

Earlier today, Pittsboro Fire Department personnel responded to a single motor vehicle collision in the Asbury community. Due to the patient's medical needs and the distance to the nearest Level I Trauma Center, air medical transport was requested.

A landing zone was established at Pittsboro Fire Department Station 3, where Tar Heel 2 safely landed and transported the patient for further care.

We appreciate the efforts of all responding agencies and the seamless coordination that helped ensure the patient received timely access to advanced medical treatment.

UNC Carolina Air Care

05/29/2026

Flashback Friday! ✈️

Here’s a great throwback for you, do you recognize these two Air Care leaders?

In this photo, we have our current Director, Leanne Reaves, and our current Tarheel 1 Base Supervisor, Justin Whitfield. You can spot the old BK117 on Leanne’s flight suit as well!

Leanne joined Air Care in 2006 and has held nearly every role over the years, from Orientation Coordinator to Base Supervisor and beyond. Justin has been part of the team since 2011 and has led our Tarheel 1 team since 2017.

While we’ve upgraded our fleet over the years, from the BK117 to the EC135 and now our Bell 429s, our commitment to training, teamwork, and exceptional patient care has never wavered.

Drop your favorite Carolina Air Care memory or throwback photo in the comments! We love hearing from you as we count down to our 40th anniversary. ❤️

05/28/2026

At UNC Carolina Air Care, our dedicated Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team stands ready to care for our smallest and most vulnerable patients. Each transport is staffed by a specialized Registered Nurse (RN) and Respiratory Therapist (RT), delivering advanced ICU-level care directly to the bedside.

This team completes over 900 transports annually by both air and ground. With bases in Burlington and our newest base in Goldsboro (opened last fall). This team is able to reach rural North Carolina patients who may otherwise face limited access to specialized pediatric care. The Goldsboro base has significantly reduced response times in eastern North Carolina, ensuring critically ill children receive timely, life-saving support.

Whether in the air or on the ground, our neonatal/pediatric specialists provide compassionate, expert care and bring the full capabilities of a children’s hospital ICU to every patient.

📷 Andy Mills