N.J. Clears Way for Private Choppers to Respond To Crashes

New rules clear the way for private helicopters to be first on the scene of major accidents in New Jersey. But it will cost patients and their insurance companies more.

Previously, the companies could only respond if State Police helicopters were unavailable.

MONOC in Berkeley Township will cover southern Monmouth County and most of Ocean County. Atlantic Health is handling portions of Sussex and Morris counties.

State Police choppers are based in Somerset County and Camden County.

It costs more than $1,300 to transport a trauma patient on a State Police helicopter. Patients flown by private choppers are charged $7,000 or more.

Source: Asbury Park Press