New Air Methods base to improve access to HEMS
AirLift Texas, a subsidiary of Air Methods, is opening a new base in collaboration with Baylor Scott & White Health in Waco, Texas
The new Airlift Texas Waco base, which is located at the Waco Regional Airport, 7909 Karl May Drive, will provide helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to Temple and Bell County; Waco and McLennan County; Falls County and Coryell County – and will bring 24/7/365 air medical staffing for traumatic injuries, heart attacks, strokes, pediatric emergencies, and other life-threatening incidents.
The base will also enable the Texas healthcare system to provide critical interfacility transports as Covid spikes around the state and hospitals work to manage the influx of patients.
“We are proud to work with Baylor Scott & White and will bring the highest quality of medical care to our patients in central Texas,” said Shane Farmer, Vice-President of Customer Experience, Air Methods. “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.”
Assistance with post-flight billing
A press release from the company also notes that the AirLift Texas air ambulance helicopter that will be used at the new base is an EC145 twin-engine light utility helicopter (like that recently delivered to Tampa General Hospital), equipped with lifesaving blood and plasma, and staffed with industry-leading trauma clinicians and pilots who have years of experience in the field.
AirLift Texas also notes that it has access to robust patient advocacy services to assist with the post-flight billing process so that they can focus on their recovery. “As an in-network provider in Texas with a robust patient advocacy team to help patients navigate post-flight insurance requirements, it is our goal to keep our patients’ out-of-pocket expenses low,” said Kelly Shepherd, Regional Sales Director of Air Methods. “And we do this, unlike many other air medical companies, without ever requiring or asking anyone to purchase air medical memberships, which are both an unnecessary and unregulated expense for any Texan.”