The aircraft flown at MedSTAR are custom-configured for operation in the aeromedical environment.  Flown by pilots with thousands of hours of experience, these helicopters connect rural areas with the critical care services available at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center.  The aircraft, engineered by Eurocopter and leased from Keystone Helicopter Corporation, are considered by many to be the "workhorse" of EMS helicopters.  Thanks to its rugged construction, large rear doors, large cabin volume, and multi-mission capabilities, it's designed to make quick work of the most difficult tasks.  The BK 117 can fly in and out of tight LZ's where other, medium twin-engine helicopters have difficulty.  All of which  makes it one remarkably useful machine.