The initiative is aimed at improving access to emergency air transport services for the most critically injured or sick patients.

Transporting patients to acute care hospitals

The new helicopter, called WellFlight, is branded with WellSpan’s logo and trademark blue and gold colors. It primarily operates in Adams, Franklin, and York counties. WellFlight operates with pilots, a licensed medical flight nurse and paramedic from Air Methods on board.

“As a trusted partner in our community, and when seconds count, WellFlight will be able to transport patients to and from our acute care hospitals, including our Level 1 Regional Resource Trauma Center at WellSpan York Hospital,” explained Victoria Diamond, Senior Vice-President for the central region of WellSpan Health. “Our community deserves the very best, and with WellFlight, we know we can continue the tradition of keeping our patients a healthy step ahead.”

Improving care in rural areas

Aidan O’Connor, Jr, Air Methods Director of Sales, northeast region, added: “We are excited to bring our commitment to professional emergency air medical services to the region by partnering with WellSpan Health.

“Our organization has the experience to seamlessly integrate this service into the network of WellSpan hospitals to provide a lasting impact for these communities. Our aircraft, pilots, and medical flight crews make it possible for residents to get access to the care they need as quickly as possible. This has a tremendous impact in rural areas, where a ground ambulance can take more than hour to reach a patient.”

In July, AirMethods had started carrying blood and plasma on its missions to support improved outcomes for patients involved in traumatic injuries or other conditions that require transfusions.