11
November
2020
|
11:53 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Updates following helicopter incident at Keck Hospital of USC

On Friday, Nov. 6, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a helicopter crashed on the helipad on the roof of Keck Hospital of USC. The helicopter was carrying a heart for a scheduled transplant.

The two members of the Keck Medicine of USC transplant team who were onboard the aircraft were treated at Keck Hospital. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department used a Jaws of Life to retrieve the organ from the helicopter. The heart was successfully transplanted following the crash, and the transplant recipient is recovering well.

“While saddened that two people on our transport team sustained injuries, we feel very fortunate that they were not life-threatening and we were able to provide our patient with a new heart,” says Mark Cunningham, MD, the cardiac surgeon who performed the transplant surgery. “The Keck Medicine of USC team displayed quick thinking, strong leadership and a steadfast dedication to patient care, ensuring the best possible outcome from this incident.”

Due to HIPAA laws, additional details about the medical condition of those involved in the helicopter incident or of the transplant patient cannot be released. 

The incident did not impact hospital operations. Much of the debris has already been cleared, and the helicopter is scheduled to be removed on Nov. 14.

Keck Medicine continues to work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and other government agencies to investigate the incident.

Statement from Keck Medicine of USC regarding helicopter crash

November 06, 2020

On Friday, Nov. 6, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a helicopter crashed on the helipad on the roof of Keck Hospital of USC.

The passengers aboard the helicopter are being treated locally. Nobody on the ground or in the hospital was injured and patient care has not been disrupted.

Keck Medicine is working closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department to manage and investigate the incident. Norfolk Street between Soto Street and San Pablo Street will remain closed until the area is cleared.

The helicopter was carrying a heart for transplant. The organ is currently being safely transplanted.