Ochsner St. Martin Hospital held a dedication ceremony for its newly completed helipad, named in memory of Richard Zuschlag, the late cofounder, chairman and CEO of Acadian Ambulance Service. The new helipad significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to provide critical care and rapid transport for patients in need.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Zuschlag family, Ochsner Health leadership, representatives from Acadian Ambulance and Air Med, and local officials. The helipad will serve as a vital asset for emergency medical services, allowing for faster and more efficient transfers of critically ill or injured patients to higher levels of care.
The helipad was made possible by St. Martin Parish Hospital Service District No. 2 (HSD #2), in partnership with Acadian Ambulance Service.
Acadian Chairman of the Board Fred Mills spoke at the dedication, “Acadian and St. Martin Hospital grew together, and what a fabulous time we have to tell the Zuschlag family and the hospital staff thank you. Without the partnership of Lafayette General and St. Martin Hospital, as well as Ochsner, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Richard Zuschlag was a pioneer in emergency medical services. Under his leadership, Acadian Ambulance grew from a small operation into one of the largest and most respected ambulance services in the nation, known for its innovation and commitment to patient care. His dedication to community service and philanthropic efforts profoundly impacted the lives of many across Louisiana and beyond.
Patrick Gandy, CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General, said, “I’m grateful to be here to be able to honor a member of the Acadiana family — Richard, whose vision and dedication transformed emergency medical services in in Acadiana, in Lafayette, and throughout the whole southeast region, and what he meant to our area and to our organization. And so today we dedicate this new helipad at Ochsner St. Martin Hospital to Richard and his enduring legacy in healthcare across our state and across our regions.”
Burton Dupuis, President of Hospital Service District #2, was also in attendance to reflect on the progress made at the hospital.
The new helipad will play a crucial role in Ochsner St. Martin Hospital’s ability to provide timely and effective care, further strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of St. Martin Parish and the surrounding communities.
About Ochsner Lafayette General
Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (Ochsner LGMC); Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital; Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital; Ochsner St. Martin Hospital; Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics (Ochsner UHC); Ochsner Acadia General Hospital; Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital; Ochsner American Legion Hospital; and several clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines. To learn more, visit Ochsner.org/Lafayette.
About Acadian Ambulance Service
Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.
About Acadian Air Med
Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 13 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.
