BHS Relocating Helicopter Landing Zone to Hillcrest Campus of BMC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has announced that the helicopter landing zone for Berkshire Medical Center is being relocated to the Hillcrest Campus of BMC in order to enhance and improve safety for helicopter crews and patients.
 
This change comes with the support of the Pittsfield Police and Fire Departments and local EMS providers. 
 
The move will be effective on Tuesday, Oct. 1. 
 
"This move is necessary so that we can ensure the safety of the patient and helicopter crew and lessen the travel time from Berkshire Medical Center to the landing zone," said Roberta Gale, BHS vice president of community health. "The Hillcrest Campus of BMC provides the hospital with a consistent and safe landing zone that can quickly be staffed by BHS Security. For patients requiring helicopter transport, minutes are critical, and these flights have saved thousands of lives in the Berkshires."
 
BHS worked with first responders, municipal leaders, and air transport providers to explore multiple options, including continued use of Wahconah Park, Reid Middle School and the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, but all had issues with safety, and access and agreed that the Hillcrest Campus of BMC is the best option for these highly vulnerable patients to ensure safe and rapid air transport.
 
The landing zone at the Hillcrest Campus of BMC is located at the rear of the property in a paved area. Critical patients in need of helicopter transport will be stabilized at Berkshire Medical Center, then transported by ambulance to Hillcrest for the helicopter flight to another hospital with higher levels of specialized trauma care.  The impact on the neighborhood surrounding the Hillcrest Campus of BMC is expected to be limited, based on a historical average of about two or three transports per month.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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