LEBANON, PA, Aug. 27, 2024 – Air Methods’ WellSpan WellFlight air medical program is partnering with the American Red Cross for the upcoming “Communities Coming Together” blood drive on Aug. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their base located at the Lebanon Emergency Dispatch Center, 1805 Cornwall Road in Lebanon, PA.

The WellSpan WellFlight team carries whole blood on every flight, enabling their industry-leading trauma clinicians to provide additional pre-hospital care when every minute counts. However, in July, the Red Cross blood declared an emergency blood shortage as supply dropped significantly.

“Our national inventory plummeted more than 25 percent with this summer’s record-setting heat being a significant contributor to recent blood collection challenges,” said American Red Cross Account Manager Tiffany Brown. “With heat affecting drives in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood. It has further compounded other typical seasonal obstacles to blood donation, such as vacation travel and summer activities.”

With high temperatures expected through the month of August, the WellFlight team and its Red Cross partner hope the back-to-school routines will help to drive up blood donations.

“It’s the gold standard for providing lifesaving care,” said WellSpan WellFlight Clinical Base Lead and Flight Nurse Bob Salvatico. “When used, it has proven that moderately to severely injured patients, including those with head injuries, particularly benefit from whole blood transfusions.”

As WellFlight carries their own blood supply, it allows their clinicians to administer it when needed while preserving hospital stock. Having blood products to administer at the scene of a traumatic event or in flight, coupled with rapid air transport, can tremendously improve the outcomes of critically ill or injured patients, which makes the need for a strong blood supply so critical.

“We appreciate the partnership with WellFlight to help increase awareness and drive the need for donors to increase our blood supply,” said Brown. “Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. It’s the blood on the shelves now that helps during an emergency.”

Donors will be given a $20 Amazon.com gift card via email. To streamline the donation experience, visit the Red Cross Rapid Pass website.

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Salmon, ID – Aug. 26, 2024 – Recognizing the importance of emergency air medical care, the Salmon community joined the Air Idaho Rescue crew for a special gathering at the Salmon City Park on Thursday, Aug. 22 to mark the base’s fifth anniversary. Guests included representatives from Steele Memorial Hospital, Challis Area Health Center, Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office, Lemhi County EMS, Salmon Search and Rescue, Lemhi County Fire Protection District, and Lemhi County Probation.  

“Five years ago, we sat down and looked at a map and said, ‘Where can we do the most good?’ Salmon was one of those areas where we thought we could help the most people, and it has definitely been proven that our services are needed,” said Mike Jenkins, area manager for the Air Idaho Rescue program. “We really appreciate the partnerships we have built and the way you’ve welcomed us into your community.” 

Among the many guests who spoke at the celebration was Lemhi County Sheriff Steve Penner, who talked about Air Idaho Rescue’s role in the EMS community and the impact the program has had on the emergency care residents receive. 

“They have really acclimated well and became part of the first responder family and are part of the community,” said Penner. “But more importantly, there have been a few times when their [fast] response time really benefitted the outcome of the patient, if not saved their life, and that is what it is all about.”  

CEO of Challis Area Health Center Steve Rembelski remarked on the program’s value to the people of Lemhi County given the remote nature of the area and the distance to higher levels of medical care.  

“When we talk about time sensitive emergencies, minutes truly make a difference,” said Rembelski. “Prior to Air Idaho being in Salmon, it could take up to an hour and thirty minutes to get an aircraft to our facility, and I have truly seen patients on their knees praying for every minute. Now, we’ve had Air Idaho show up in 28 minutes. They are an amazing crew, always put safety first, they are skilled, kind, caring, and compassionate.”     

Approximately 40 guests enjoyed a casual lunch as the Air Idaho Rescue crew from West Yellowstone, MT flew in for the event so attendees could take an up-close look at the helicopter while the aircraft serving Salmon was out on a call. Family members of former patients expressed their appreciation, and Lenny Skunberg and Ilona McCarty, who lease the hangar and crew quarters to Air Idaho, shared their gratitude for the program. 

Not only are residents thankful to have Air Idaho Rescue in their backyard, but the crew is grateful to be part of such a warm and welcoming community and is proud to offer the highest level of emergency air medical care. 

“Our clinicians really are amazing at their jobs,” said Alex Waldron, a pilot with Air Idaho Rescue. “They love to do it, love to fly, love to help the community, and it is awesome to watch someone that is so good at their job. I’m lucky to work here, and the community is lucky to have the nurses and the medics working for Air Idaho here.” 

Air Idaho Rescue is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the United States. It is equipped with an AS 350 helicopter ideally suited for the climate and elevation of Lemhi County and the surrounding areas. This flying ICU carries the equipment and medications needed to save lives in emergency situations, along with industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, high-risk obstetric emergencies, and more. They carry whole blood on board and can administer it in flight to patients suffering from severe blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and their visitors and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance or the state they may be visiting from, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.   
 

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GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO, Aug. 21, 2024 – Air Methods, the leading air medical services provider, announced today that it has been awarded the Customer Impact Award from Workato, the leading enterprise orchestration platform, in recognition of its commitment to setting a higher standard for enterprise orchestration and integration.

“We are thrilled to receive the Customer Impact Award from Workato,” said Air Methods CEO JaeLynn Williams. “This recognition underscores our dedication to continuous improvement and our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations.”

In 2024, Air Methods integrated Workato into its efforts to optimize operational efficiency and seamlessly integrate maintenance and backend systems, ensuring full compliance with FAA regulations. This integration further empowered Air Methods’ dispatchers to keep pilots informed about equipment status in real-time, enabling quicker and more effective emergency medical services.

“The rapid success of this initiative can be attributed to the close collaboration between our Safety and IT teams, and the support of Workato,” said Air Methods Interim SVP of Safety Doug Downey. “The Safety team’s clear vision coupled with an iterative approach to prioritizing and achieving outcomes, enabled the project to be successfully delivered.”

In January, Air Methods began using Workato to develop initial SMS processes, achieving a live implementation within just a few months. Currently, Air Methods is in the process of migrating additional SMS processes into Workato, which is expected to further reduce costs and enhance long-term capabilities. These efforts reflect Air Methods’ ongoing commitment to safety and operational excellence.

“Congratulations to Air Methods for winning the Customer Impact Award for Employee Experience at this year’s Automate Conference,” said Dan Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Global Customer Success and Technical Services at Workato. “Air Methods has seamlessly integrated maintenance and backend systems for FAA compliance and seen a 25 percent increase in Safety and Correction Action Reports because of the speed in orchestrating these processes using Workato.”

Workato was selected by Air Methods for its ability to meet the technical demands essential for swift and efficient business operations, such as the capability to build, deliver, and enhance workflows and applications, and support the Safety Management System (SMS) both in the short and long term. Likewise, Workato provided Air Methods the ability to consolidate data across these processes, ensuring streamlined operations and providing advanced security features to keep data and processes secure.

This award highlights Air Methods’ role as an industry leader in adopting innovative solutions that drive significant operational impact, setting a new benchmark for excellence in air medical services. For more information about Air Methods and its commitment to excellence in clinical education, please visit airmethods.com.

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West Yellowstone, MT – Aug. 21, 2024 – Providing 10 years of emergency air medical care is something worth celebrating, so Air Idaho Rescue 3, based in West Yellowstone, held a special gathering at their base at Yellowstone Airport on Tuesday, Aug. 20 to mark the anniversary. Guests including representatives from Hebgen Basin Fire District, Yellowstone National Park EMS, and West Yellowstone Police Department joined the Air Idaho crew for the celebration. 

“The growth of this base over the past 10 years is amazing,” said Mike Jenkins, area manager for the Air Idaho Rescue program. “From our great beginnings with the airport, to the partnerships with ground EMS, the fire department, the police department, and the other trusted relationships we’ve built, here we are today with 10 years of service and over 1,000 patients transported. That is over 1,000 people impacted because of what we’ve been able to build here together.” 

Among the guests who spoke at the celebration was Yellowstone National Park EMS/Search and Rescue Director Jim Warren. He remarked on the program’s value to the park’s visitors. The need for high-quality air medical care is critical from May through September when approximately four million visitors head to the park, so Air Idaho Rescue is there to answer the call. 

“One thing I really appreciate about working here in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem is the quality and the availability of our air assets, and for us, Air Idaho has been at the forefront of that,” said Warren. “When we call for your help, our objectives are largely the same. We want to take care of injured people and get them to the hospital as quickly and efficiently as we can. Air Idaho is always there for us, and we really appreciate it.” 

Yellowstone Airport Manager Jeff Kadlec, who helped the base get established with the airport, also spoke at the event.  

“The investment in the infrastructure here at the Air Idaho base has really anchored this resource for our community,” said Kadlec. “I’m personally so glad you are here because I know if my family ever needs your service, you can get them to medical attention a lot faster than they can go by ground. I thank Air Idaho for being in partnership with us and for continuing to provide excellent service to the West Yellowstone community.”  

Guests enjoyed a casual lunch, and the Air Idaho Rescue fixed wing crew from Idaho Falls and the rotor wing crew from Driggs flew in for the event so attendees could take an up-close look at the two types of aircraft serving the program. 

Air Idaho Rescue is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the United States. It is equipped with an AS 350 helicopter ideally suited for the climate and elevation of Yellowstone National Park, Hebgen Basin, and the surrounding areas. This flying ICU carries the equipment and medications needed to save lives in emergency situations, along with industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, high-risk obstetric emergencies, and more. They carry whole blood on board and can administer it in flight to patients suffering from severe blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and their visitors and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance or the state they may be visiting from, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary. 

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In the fast-paced world of air medical services, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One way to ensure that we meet and exceed industry standards as an organization is through simulation education, a method that mirrors real-life medical scenarios for training purposes. Recently, Air Methods achieved a significant milestone by earning Simulation Center Accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Air Methods was the world’s first air medical program to earn this prestigious accreditation. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what simulation education entails, how we use it, and the importance of this accreditation for Air Methods and within the industry.

What is Simulation Education?

Simulation education at Air Methods uses realistic scenarios to train clinicians. It involves various methods, such as virtual reality (VR), didactic learning, cadaver labs, and physical manikins of varying fidelity. These simulations offer a risk-free environment where professionals can practice and hone their skills, preparing them for real-world clinical situations.

“Healthcare simulation is a vital tool that allows air medical programs to prepare for the complexities and high-stakes scenarios our clinical teammates face every day.” said William Belk, Director of Medical Simulation and Innovative Education, “By replicating real-world situations in a controlled environment, we can practice, refine, and master the skills needed to deliver critical care in the HEMS environment. This level of preparation is essential for ensuring that our teams are ready to respond effectively to any patient encounter.”

Simulation training is invaluable in healthcare because it provides hands-on experience without patient risk. Practitioners can make and learn from mistakes in a controlled setting, ensuring they are better prepared for clinical situations. This form of education enhances critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and procedural skills through deliberate practice and guided self-reflection.

Understanding SSH Accreditation

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) accredits programs that adhere to the highest standards in simulation education. Accreditation ensures that a program follows best practices and maintains a high level of standardization, which is crucial for learner safety and ensures the program is delivering high quality education.

The accreditation process under SSH is rigorous. In 2020, we began revamping our simulation education program, rewriting policies and procedures to align with the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practices published by the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning, as well as other published standards and industry best practices.

Now that we are fully accredited, Air Methods is committed to maintaining these high standards. The accreditation is valid for five years, but we must submit annual reports to SSH to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to best practices.

Significance of Accreditation with SSH

Air Methods is the first air medical program to receive SSH accreditation, aligning itself with experts across the healthcare field, including hospitals, and major universities. This accreditation signifies quality assurance and credibility, validating that Air Methods’ practices are on par with those of industry leaders.

A critical aspect of SSH accreditation is creating a psychologically safe learning environment. Air Methods encourages open communication, where learners can ask questions and acknowledge what they don’t know without fear of failure. This approach contrasts with traditional clinical training methods, fostering a more supportive and practical educational experience.

Air Methods’ achievement sets a new benchmark for the industry, encouraging others to follow suit. By raising the bar, we aim to create the best possible learning experiences for our students, ultimately leading to better-prepared healthcare professionals who can save lives.

“Our recent SSH accreditation is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the entire clinical education team at Air Methods. Over the past several years, we’ve worked tirelessly to elevate our simulation-based education, refining our practices and enhancing the learning experiences for our employees and customers,” said William Belk, Director of Simulation and Innovative Education at Air Methods. “This achievement is not just a milestone but a reflection of our commitment to excellence in critical care transport education.”

To be the first air medical program to achieve Simulation Center Accreditation is more than just a badge of honor; it’s a commitment to excellence in clinical education. Our simulation training programs are designed to provide clinicians with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their field. By setting a high standard, we are enhancing our training programs and inspiring the entire industry to strive for better practices.

Our Simulation Facilities & Training Methods

Air Methods has established four state-of-the-art simulation education facilities in Georgia, New York, Colorado, and Arizona. Each facility offers comprehensive training programs for clinicians that include multi-day sessions. These programs cover various aspects, such as trauma care, invasive procedures, and advanced medical topics in critical care transport.

Air Methods brings out its clinicians at least once a year for an extensive training session, where they run through educational simulations and receive updated training. An annual needs assessment is also conducted to evaluate our training requirements and the industry’s needs. The assessment ensures that the training provided is relevant and updated to align with needs of our providers and patient population.

The facilities offer a wide range of training methods, including:

• Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive experiences that replicate real-world scenarios.

• Didactic Learning: Traditional classroom-based education.

• Cadaver Labs: Hands-on anatomical training on human tissue.

• Manikin-Based Simulation: Realistic practice on task trainers and high-fidelity patient simulators.

Through the Air Methods Ascend program, we extend these training opportunities to not only our partners but also clinicians outside our network. This inclusivity allows a broader range of healthcare professionals to benefit from our advanced training methods.

“By setting a high standard of care and continuously striving for excellence, we not only benefit our organization but also set an example for the entire industry,” said Air Methods VP of Clinical Services, Stephanie Queen. “Through our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care, we push the boundaries and help drive the industry forward towards a brighter future.”

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Tremonton, UT, Aug. 9, 2024 – Providing Utahns with fast, reliable air medical services during emergencies is a challenging task that demands seamless collaboration between local agencies on the ground. When every second counts, teamwork is crucial.  

On Tuesday, AirLife Utah honored several area first responders with a special award for their outstanding work in the field. Among the agencies recognized for their exceptional skills, dedication, and teamwork were the Tremonton-Garland Police, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, and Fielding Fire/EMS. 

“The agencies that provide emergency services to the people of this region all depend on each other to make sure the best care is available when every minute counts,” said James Vanotti, a flight nurse with AirLife Utah in Brigham City. “We are grateful for Tremonton/Garland Police, Fielding Fire/EMS, and the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding skill, communication, and coordination amidst the challenges of stressful accident scenes. They also do an excellent job of securing landing zones for us so we can safely put the helicopter down and transport patients to the hospital as quickly as possible.”  

Officers Grayson Jackson and Jon Hansen with Tremonton/Garland Police; and Deputy Matt Green and Sergeant Shawn Blauer with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office were recognized with the Lifesaving Award in a ceremony held at the Tremonton/Garland Police Department headquarters on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Members of the Fielding Fire/EMS team will be honored at a separate ceremony. 

“The partnership between EMS, law enforcement, and air medical teams provide the best possible turnout for patients,” said Fielding Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Garn. “Together, we work to bring a great outcome for the patient. We couldn’t do what we do without the partnership of each agency.” 

AirLife Utah is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopters are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, stroke, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death. They work closely with first responders around northern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country. Additionally, its patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.  

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 Roswell, NM, Aug. 9, 2024 – When the Roswell Police Department and Roswell Fire Department hosted a National Night Out event at the Aquatic Center on Aug. 6, the Native Air emergency air medical crews from Roswell and Carlsbad were there to show their support and meet the community. 

“We look forward to National Night Out because it gives us a chance to promote strong partnerships between first responders and the community,” said Evelyn Thompson, flight nurse with Native Air 29 in Carlsbad. “The neighborhood camaraderie we build helps make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work.” 

In addition to providing a close-up look at their medical helicopter, the Native Air team offered guests the opportunity to see the mannequin heads used to practice intubations and other skills. Attendees even tried their hand at intubations, while some of the paramedics visiting the booth even enjoyed a friendly contest to see who could do it the fastest. Guests were also able to check out a blood pressure monitor, flight suit and helmet, and participate in a raffle for prizes. 

Among the guests were a Boy Scout pack and the Goddard High School cheerleading squad, who enjoyed learning how Native Air’s emergency air medical service takes care of the people of eastern New Mexico.   

“We love getting to meet people from our community and showing them a little bit of what our jobs entail,” said Thompson. “It is also great to see people from the other agencies we work with in a less stressful environment. Catching up with each other while we are on a call isn’t possible, so we enjoy seeing them at events like National Night Out.” 

Native Air is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, stroke, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country. Additionally, its patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.  

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Sylacauga, AL, Aug. 6, 2024 – America’s pastime was in full swing on Saturday, Aug. 3 when teams representing 17 different EMS, fire, police, and hospital departments gathered at the Sylacauga Parks and Rec fields for Life Saver’s 8^th Annual Customer Appreciation Softball Tournament. The family-friendly event was sponsored by Life Saver’s emergency air medical bases in Sylacauga and Cusseta to thank those who partner with them to serve the people of central Alabama with emergency care.  

“We want our EMS partners to know they are greatly appreciated,” said Jake Slick, flight paramedic with Life Saver 4 in Sylacauga. “This tournament is not just about sports; it’s about building a supportive network and celebrating our mutual dedication to serving the community. It’s an opportunity to unwind, connect outside of work, and strengthen professional relationships that ultimately benefit patient care.” 

Participating agencies included Alabaster Fire, Alex City Fire, Center Point Fire, Coosa Valley Medical Center, Emergency Medical Transport, Lee County Heat, Lincoln Fire Department, Oxford Fire, Regional Medical Center, St. Clair Sheriff’s Office, St. Vincent’s East Hospital, Sylacauga Ambulance, Sylacauga Fire, Talladega Sheriff’s Office, and Vestavia Fire.  

“I look forward to the Life Saver tournament every year,” said Lieutenant Josh Forbus with Sylacauga Fire. “We are all family that share a bond based on a love and passion for helping our neighbors in their most difficult times. Everyone talking, laughing, catching up on what our children are doing, and enjoying each other’s company is what I love the most on this day.” 

The community was invited to come cheer on the teams while enjoying a day at the park. With teams representing agencies around central Alabama, the tournament trophies went to Talladega Sheriff’s Office for the upper bracket and Life Saver for the lower bracket. The event started in 2016 and has been held each year except 2020. The tradition has become a meaningful point of unity among those who provide emergency care for Alabamians.

“I’d like people to understand how different agencies work together seamlessly to provide great patient care,” said Slick. “By participating in events like this tournament, EMS, fire, law enforcement, and hospital staff showcase their teamwork, preparedness, and commitment to ensuring community well-being, beyond emergency response scenarios.” 

Life Saver is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopters are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, stroke, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country. Additionally, its patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.

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Neoga, IL, Aug. 5, 2024 – On Saturday, the ARCH 3 air medical crew had the honor of reuniting with a former patient who is recovering following a life-threatening UTV accident earlier this summer.

On the evening of June 8, 21-year-old Bianca Miller was involved in a horrific rollover UTV accident, resulting in a severe head injury and skull fracture. While taking a sharp curve, she was thrown from the vehicle, which then rolled over and landed on her head. Miller was not wearing a helmet or a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Witnesses were able to lift the UTV off of Miller but when first responders arrived, she was unresponsive. The ARCH 3 crew quickly responded to the scene and transported Miller from rural Neoga to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where doctors were able to stabilize her.

“When we are called to the scene of an accident, we know that the patient is going to be in rough shape,” said ARCH 3 Flight Paramedic Dylan Johnson. “Knowing the shape that Bianca was in when we transported her and seeing her with us today is a prime example of why we do what we do. She still has a long way to go, but we are proud of her telling her story to hopefully prevent others from suffering similar injuries.”

When Miller was transported by air to Urbana, she underwent surgery to reset several parts of her skull that were displaced. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to save her entire skull so she will have to undergo further surgeries to reconstruct her skull. However, she credits the ARCH 3 crew for saving her life.

“The ARCH medical team has been amazing,” said Miller. “Everyone that works there is so nice and caring, and I wouldn’t be here without their life-saving care. You guys are so awesome!”

On Agu. 3, Miller and her family had the opportunity to meet and thank the first responders who saved her life on that fateful June evening. The reunion included the ARCH 3 team, as well as members of the Cumberland County Sheriff Department, the Neoga Police Department, and the Neoga Fire Department.

Miller, who was not wearing a helmet or seat belt and was sharing a seat with another passenger during the accident, hopes she can use her story to raise awareness to the importance of UTV safety and help prevent similar accidents in the future.

“If you want to ride a UTV, wear your seat belt, wear a helmet. Sit in your own seat,” said Miller. “Just be careful and drive with caution.”

ARCH Air Medical is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. Their highly trained flight nurses and paramedics are trained and equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetric, stroke, cardiac, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. ARCH 3 is one of seven locations branded under the ARCH Air Medical program, which is celebrating 45 years of service throughout the state of Illinois and Missouri providing lifesaving service to those who need it most.

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EL PASO, TEXAS, AUG. 5, 2024 – Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider, has partnered with the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) to establish Fire STAR, a new air medical base set to open in September and provide emergency medical services for the El Paso community.

The El Paso City Council’s approval of the five-year contract with Air Methods last Tuesday marks a significant and long-term commitment to improving emergency response times and patient outcomes in the area.

“This partnership with Air Methods aligns with our mission to protect and serve the residents of El Paso,” said Chief Jonathan Killings of the El Paso Fire Department. “Adding Fire STAR will greatly improve our emergency medical response capabilities and ensure that critical care is available when every second counts.” 

Situated along the Mexican border, at the intersection of Texas and New Mexico, El Paso serves as the epicenter for a population of 2.5 million people. EPFD, internationally accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), is a full-service department that responds to nearly 80,000 calls per year involving fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, and other emergency events in the City of El Paso. 

The new Fire STAR base will be strategically located at Fire Station #35, 12230 Pine Springs, ensuring enhanced accessibility and the region’s capacity to provide rapid, life-saving medical transport and critical care services. Equipped with an EC-130 rotor wing, the base will be operated by Air Methods and staffed with a highly skilled team, including a pilot, flight nurse, and paramedic.

“We are thrilled to partner with the El Paso Fire Department to bring Fire STAR to the community,” said Air Methods Senior Account Executive Lia Castagna-Munoz. “This base will significantly enhance EPFD’s ability to provide rapid, high-quality medical care to those in need.”

Fire STAR will provide emergency air medical services 24/7 and critical interfacility transports across the City of El Paso, the County, southern New Mexico, and beyond, ensuring comprehensive emergency service. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics will be equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs.

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