Panda One, which is Michigan’s only medical transport service dedicated to children, is flying out of Bishop Airport

FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – A new medical helicopter geared toward children will be based at Bishop International Airport in Flint.

Panda One is designed to transport critically ill children and newborns in need of immediate medical care. The helicopter is operated by the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, which is part of the Detroit Medical Center.

Officials say housing Panda One in Flint will dramatically improve response times for patients around Genesee and Saginaw counties and the Thumb Region. The helicopter supplements the Panda One ground ambulance service through the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

The Panda One helicopter is Michigan’s only medical air transport service dedicated for young patients. It carries advanced pediatric and neonatal life support technology with a team of specially trained nurses and respiratory therapists.

Detroit Medical Center officials planned to show off the Panda One helicopter at Flint Fire Station No. 1 at 310 Fifth St. at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. However, the event was canceled because the helicopter could not fly due to weather conditions.