Air Methods
A Bell 412 operated by Mercy Air, a subsidiary of Air Methods. Credit: Alan Radecki via wikipedia.

Air medical service provider Air Methods has partnered with MountainStar Healthcare to open a new base in Ogden, Utah.

The new facility will open on 3 November and will be named AirLife Utah.

Air Methods operates a fleet of more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft that are owned, leased or maintained.

It will provide emergency air medical services to Ogden Regional Medical Centre, Cache Valley Hospital, Brigham City Hospital, Pleasant View Emergency Centre, and Lakeview Hospital, as well as other surrounding community hospitals.

Air Methods North Central Region area manager Michael Jenkins said: “We are proud to partner with MountainStar Healthcare to serve patients, particularly during this heightened time of need.

“In emergency situations, minutes can be the difference between life and death.

“Air medical services ensure fast and efficient transport with the best clinicians and pilots in the industry.

“It is also important to us that we do not require patients to purchase memberships for our services, unlike many other air medical companies, and that our patient advocacy teams help patients navigate post-flight insurance requirements to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses.”

Air medical teams are trained to perform lifesaving interventions for patients.

Air Methods and AirLife Utah comply with Covid-19 protocols by providing crews with complete personal protective equipment (PPE) and aircraft decontamination after each mission.

Ogden Regional Medical Centre CEO Mark Adams said: “AirLife Utah’s aircraft and skilled crew will also make interfacility transports possible, as necessary, as Covid-19 cases continue to surge in the region. It is crucial that we have air medical transport capabilities, and we are happy to partner with Air Methods to serve our community.”