Helipad

PROJECT PROFILE

Advocate Christ Medical Center Helipad and Catwalk Location: Oak Lawn, Illinois Delivery Method: Construction Manager at Risk

PROJECT OUTCOME

Michuda Construction successfully completed the Helipad and Catwalk project at Advocate Christ Medical Center, ensuring continued medivac operations through the construction of a temporary helipad in the hospital's parking lot. This innovative solution allowed for uninterrupted emergency patient transport while major construction activities took place on the hospital roof, demonstrating Michuda's commitment to patient care and operational continuity.

PROJECT SCOPE

Michuda Construction served as Construction Manager at Risk for the Advocate Christ Medical Center Helipad and Catwalk project. The scope involved the construction of a new rooftop helipad, a critical addition to the hospital's emergency transport capabilities, and an elevated catwalk to facilitate safe and efficient patient transfer from helicopters to the hospital.

Key Elements of the Project:

• Rooftop Helipad Construction: Installation of a new rooftop helipad, including structural reinforcements and safety measures to accommodate medivac landings.
  

• Catwalk Installation: Construction of a catwalk to connect the helipad with the main hospital building, providing a direct, secure route for patient transport.
  

• Temporary Helipad Creation: Development of a temporary helipad in the hospital parking lot to ensure uninterrupted medivac operations during construction. This temporary solution was designed with full compliance to aviation and safety standards.
  

• Structural and Safety Upgrades: Integration of lighting systems, safety railings, and access control measures to ensure the helipad and catwalk met all regulatory and operational requirements.
  

• Coordination with Hospital Operations: Extensive collaboration with hospital staff and emergency response teams to minimize disruptions, maintain patient safety, and ensure seamless integration of medivac services.
  

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Maintaining Medivac Operations During Construction:

Challenge: The existing helipad could not be used during construction, posing a challenge for continued medivac services.

Solution: Michuda created a temporary helipad in the hospital parking lot, working closely with hospital staff and aviation authorities to maintain emergency patient transport capabilities.

Complex Rooftop Construction in Occupied Facility:

Challenge: Construction on the hospital roof required safety measures to prevent disruptions to patient care below.

Solution: Michuda implemented protective barriers, scheduled work to minimize noise and vibrations, and maintained open communication with hospital departments to ensure safety and efficiency.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance:

Challenge: Meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards for helipad construction and patient transport infrastructure.

Solution: Michuda collaborated with architects, engineers, and regulatory agencies to ensure all work adhered to the highest standards for safety and operational functionality.

VALUE-ADDED HIGHLIGHTS

Operational Continuity: The creation of a temporary helipad ensured that patient care and emergency services remained uninterrupted during construction.

Seamless Integration: Coordination with hospital staff ensured that the new helipad and catwalk were fully integrated into the hospital’s emergency response protocols.