Air Methods has launched a new medical helicopter service with WellSpan Health, an integrated US health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The initiative is aimed at improving access to emergency air transport services for the most critically injured or sick patients.

The new EC135 helicopter, called WellFlight, is branded with WellSpan's logo and trademark blue and gold colours. It primarily operates in Adams, Franklin and York counties. WellFlight operates with seasoned pilots and a licensed medical flight nurse and paramedic from Air Methods on board, keeping high-quality care and patient safety the top priority.

“We are excited to bring our commitment to professional emergency air medical services to the region by partnering with WellSpan Health,” explains Aidan O'Connor, Air Methods director of sales, northeast region. “Our organisation 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.”

“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 centre at WellSpan York Hospital,” adds Victoria Diamond, senior vice president for the central region of WellSpan Health and president, WellSpan York Hospital. “Our community deserves the very best, and with WellFlight, we know we can continue the tradition of keeping our patients a healthy step ahead.”