posted September 28, 2023

Elected officials, hospital representatives, and first responders joined crew in recognizing milestone  

DEMING, NM, Sept. 28, 2023 – Providing 10 years of emergency air medical care is something worth celebrating, so Native Air 30 in Deming held a special gathering to mark the anniversary. Crew members, state officials, hospital representatives, and local emergency responders from various agencies came together at the Deming Municipal Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 26 to celebrate this major milestone. 

“Our 10 years of service demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the community,” said J.P. Martinez, area manager for Native Air 30. “Our nurses and paramedics dedicate a lot of time to providing the best critical care in the craziest of environments—that could be the side of the road, someone’s backyard, a mountainous area, or in an ER that requires our response.” 

Among the guests who spoke at the celebration was Mimbres Memorial Hospital CNO Joy Harrell who remarked on the value of the program and what it means to the Deming community and beyond. 

“We appreciate all that you do, your skills and the resources you expend to be able to take care of our patients and community. We truly appreciate your commitment,” said Harrell.   

Other special guests included New Mexico State Representative Jennifer Jones, New Mexico State Representative Luis Terrazas, Sylvia Ulloa who spoke on behalf of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, and Cody McCarty who spoke on behalf of U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez. 

“My son was transported when he was a newborn to Albuquerque. It wasn’t Native Air back then, but it was thanks to people like you who saved my son,” said Terrazas, adding that his son is now 25 and healthy thanks to that lifesaving transport. “I appreciate you with all my heart because I’ve been on the other side, watching a family member fly off so keep doing what you’re doing.” 

Native Air’s clinicians are uniquely equipped to transport high-risk obstetrics patients, as well as pediatric patients. They can also carry and administer blood in flight for patients at risk for severe blood loss and hemorrhagic shock.  

“Because of the many years of doing what I loved [bedside patient care] I have a deep respect and so much admiration and gratitude for our Native Air team,” said Jones, who retired from a lifetime of patient care as a registered nurse. “You’re all heroes, and I’ve witnessed your incredible impact.”  

Native Air 30 is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, and has sister bases in Las Cruces, Silver City, Alamogordo, Roswell, and Carlsbad as part of an ecosystem that provides lifesaving care throughout southern New Mexico.  

The program is in-network with most major insurance companies making air medical memberships unnecessary. Patient advocates work with each person they transport to ensure affordability, regardless of insurance coverage.