Drivers can take two routes into town from the Natchez-Adams County Airport. One winds and bumps the whole way; the other stops and starts quite a bit.

Neither is any fun for someone who is in pain. For someone whose life depends on seconds, the outlook isn&8217;t good.

For some time now, emergency helicopters airlifting patients to Natchez Regional Medical Center have been forced to enter town via the airport &8212; 12 miles from a full staff of doctors and nurses.

Not that many patients actually had to experience the drive since the University Medical Center in Jackson took Natchez Regional off its list, sending critical patients to other towns.

But in a few months, Regional can service the area like it should once again.

State transportation officials joined local and hospital leaders Wednesday to officially break ground at the site of a new helipad next to the hospital. Once complete, helicopters can fly right over the airport and land next to Regional.

More patients will mean a greater economic benefit for the county&8217;s hospital, but most important the helipad will save seconds, minutes and lives.