Helicopter will relocate near the Santuario de Chimayo on Good Friday 

Santa Fe, NM, March 26, 2024 – When thousands of people make the pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayo for Easter this week, Santa Fe’s TriState CareFlight 5 will be nearby to provide emergency air medical care. Along with area fire and EMS services, CareFlight will position its helicopter near the Santuario from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Good Friday, March 29.   

Every year, approximately 300,000 people journey to the tiny town of Chimayo where the holy dirt in a chapel at the Santuario is believed to have healing powers. The long voyage is made by those seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. 

“With so many people walking such long distances for the pilgrimage, we know there will be a need for emergency medical care,” said J.P. Martinez, area manager with Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the nation and the parent company of CareFlight. “We are honored to be able to care for the community and its visitors during this sacred and long-standing event that is cherished by so many in New Mexico and beyond.” 

CareFlight’s industry-leading nurses and paramedics bring high-level expertise, along with advanced medical equipment, medications, and whole blood they can administer to patients suffering from trauma or hemorrhagic shock, onboard every flight. They are prepared to provide exceptional care for those experiencing heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or other critical conditions.  

Air Methods is committed to providing affordable air medical service to all who need it and are in-network with most major health insurance providers. Their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance or where they may be visiting from, to ensure affordability without a pre-paid air medical membership.