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FAYETTEVILLE -- UNC Hospitals unveiled its newest helicopter Friday in Fayetteville. Tar Heel 2 replaces a 23-year-old helicopter that was stationed at Cape Fear Valley Hospital.

That’s good news for people in the Sandhills.

After a farming accident involving his leg and an auger, young Jackson Burns’ life was on the line. Once emergency crews arrived, it was a race against time to save him.

A helicopter was brought in to fly Burns to a hospital 20 minutes away. His mother, Kaye Burns, says flight crews talked with her while she drove the hour and a half to the hospital.

"I felt like it was such a team effort, helping keeping me informed," she said. "They just worked beautifully to help Jackson and save his life."

Doctors were able to save the injured man’s life, but not his leg.

Glen Rosen, a flight paramedic, says they are able to save lives by reaching a person during what they call the Golden Hour.

“The first hour, from the moment of injury and on, [is the Golden Hour,]” said Rosen. “Our goal is to have the patient in an operating room within an hour."

Helping to save lives is UNC Hosptials’ newest helicopter. Onboard is the latest avionics and medical equipment. Officials say Tar Heel 2 has some of the latest technology -- like live weather radar, aircraft traffic warning systems, autopilot and a statewide radio system.

"We have the equipment of a regular EMS ambulance and a little more" said Rosen.

With the advanced electronics and the extended range, the new helicopter can serve any emergency calls within a 70-mile radius of Fayetteville.

The unveiling was a chance for a patient and rescue crews to shake hands. Daniel Miles is a flight paramedic and worked on Burns during his emergency.

"It is nice to see him ... up and around and not let anything get him down," said Miles of Burns.

Jackson also wanted to thank the men that saved his life.

"I would like to thank them for everything that they have done; they saved my life basically and I think that is really nice."