Written by Kathy Mason, September 15th, 2011

Aero Medical Products is a manufacturer of medical evacuation equipment utilized for transporting patients in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The company is owned by Paul Egan, aircraft owner/pilot and entrepreneur. He owned a ground ambulance company in the early 1970's and as a pilot had a desire to enter the air ambulance industry.  Starting an air ambulance company in 1974 utilizing his own aircraft, Egan discovered the lack of medical emergency air transport equipment available to aircraft owners.  Research conducted by Egan revealed there simply was no type of transport equipment available for such an endeavor. Operators were using backboards strapped down across two seats in the aircraft to transport patients. A very uncomfortable, inefficient, and unsafe way to transport patients. 

Utilizing his knowledge of aircraft and emergency medical transport operations, he went to work to design, engineer and manufacture medical evacuation transport equipment. Aero Medical Products manufacturing was started in 1978 in a mere 500 square foot of rental space. The first unit Egan designed was for a Lear Jet and was made from heavy angle iron. Shortly after this, he reengineered his design using light weight structural steel tubing. Egan then found his business increasing and thus the need to rent more space within the same facility. 

Field approval of units was common practice by the FAA until the early 1980's. The FAA mandated the use of STC's and focused on Egan's company to be the first in the industry to meet this requirement. They ordered STC's to be obtained through their Chicago office. Aero Medical Products became involved with the FAA, working through the processes and procedures for obtaining STC's and assisting them with making the necessary adjustments along the way. FAA engineers had no concept of caring for sick people in transit and Aero Medical Products had little concept of newly created FAA regulations. Thus, this was a learning experience for both parties. Eventually, as they were able to smooth out the processes and procedures, Egan began to authorize end users of their product to reference their STC's, setting a precedent for the industry. 

Between 1978 and 1990 the air ambulance industry was not regulated by FAA Guidance. Recognized by the FAA as an industry expert, in 1990 Paul was asked to participate on a committee with medical and FAA representatives to develop and create a Guide for Emergency Medical Services/Aircraft; the result was FAA AC Advisory 135-35. Egan had again contributed to setting precedent for the industry. Today, this is still a viable guide used by new and existing providers of Aero Medical Services.

Ten years between 1978 and 1988 saw slow market growth. Later, as the business grew, in 1992 Aero Medical Products moved to a larger facility located at the West Bend Airport where he could also utilize hangar space for his aircraft. Soon Egan located space age, honeycomb aluminum and recognizing critical weight factors relative to air transport began utilizing the material to lighten unit weight. This resulted in an order for twelve units from launch customer Piaggio Aero and the Italian Military.  

By 1995 Egan sold his plane to focus all of his attention on the manufacturing business and moved the company to an alternative location in West Bend. Egan's wife, contributing her knowledge as a critical care nurse, was soon assisting him with the business and offering a unique medical view point regarding the design of products and upgrades as well. Her wealth of medical knowledge and expert level of understanding of patient care needs during transport, have allowed the company to provide air ambulance operators with stream lined equipment features.

Egan admits he really never intended to develop into a large firm and preferred to focus on building a high quality, custom crafted product and maintaining product integrity while developing branding.  Aero Medical Products has enjoyed the slow steady pace of growth the business has encountered; recently, increased interest in their product by the global community has prompted the company to increase their staff and facility size to accommodate the influx of new orders.  

Egan commented on the future of Aero Medical Products stating, “We are very optimistic about the future, despite the current national and global economic situation. Our product is needed now more than ever before, as countries develop at a fast pace, due to technological advances and increased trade in global markets generating the ability and need to access health care. Access to emergency health care is imperative and many organizations and governments recognize the increasing need for emergency medical air transport operations. " 

Today, Aero Medical Products is the only custom design and manufacturer of world class aircraft medical interiors. As always, each unit is still hand crafted to client specification in correlation with the aircraft make/model, and of course every unit is FAA and EASA approved and includes an STC. The Medstar base is made of lightweight, honeycomb aluminum that is also superior in strength. The Economy base is a steel frame, lighter than standard tubular aluminum frames. Additionally, the company has FAA STC's and EASA certification for over 2600 aircraft models for medical interiors, divans (couches) convertible to aeromedical service, cabinets, seats with storage and wall mounted consoles. 

This year, Aero Medical Products has moved to a new and larger, state of the art facility dedicated to design and manufacturing of world class aircraft medical interiors. The additional 5,000 square feet will enable them to operate more efficiently and offer customers new products and increased service while decreasing the overall time frame of project completion.  

Recently the company has custom designed, engineered and manufactured new innovative accessories to add safety and comfort for patients and crew during transport. Aero Medical Products now offers a high tech Digital Overhead Control which provides essential information relative to aircraft and life support functions, and is also offering loading ramps that make transferring patients from ground transport to aircraft much easier and safer. 

Paul Egan and Aero Medical Products have been involved in the air ambulance industry longer than any other firm in the market today. He can provide aircraft owners and the like with a wealth of information because he knows all of the ins and outs of the industry. He offers interested parties expert knowledge and over thirty years of experience which is a wonderful resource for both current and future air ambulance operators. Anyone looking to speak with Paul or is seeking additional information regarding Aero Medical Products and services may visit the company website at www.medicalaircraft.com.  Aero Medical: simply the finest Air Ambulance interiors and loading ramps.