New Life Flight Network helicopter for Hawaii Island
Life Flight Network has signed a letter of intent with the Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation to support the expansion of air ambulance services in Hawaii
The Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation has selected Life Flight Network to operate a new emergency medical services (EMS) configured Airbus H145, confirmed with the signing of a letter of intent between the two organizations.
The aircraft will be based on the island of Hawaii – also known as ‘the Big Island’ to distinguish it from the state of the same name – and will be used to expand the provision of air ambulance services in the region.
The announcement brings the new air ambulance program closer to operationalization.
As well as overseeing the provision of air ambulance services, Life Flight Network will also extend its membership program to the residents of, and visitors to, Hawaii. This will allow members to avoid incurring out-of-pocket expenses if they require a medically necessary flight.
“The need for emergency air medical transport is constant, and every second counts in a crisis,” said Laura Mallery-Sayre, Executive Director of the Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation. “The primary mission of both our nonprofits is to save lives. This partnership is about expanding resources to ensure communities across Hawaii Island have access to lifesaving care whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
Air ambulance provision in Hawaii was reduced following the closure of three bases in the state by EMS operator Air Methods in September 2022.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.