Air Methods has relocated its TriState CareFlight programme's fixed wing aircraft across Arizona from Yuma to Lake Havasu City to better serve the tri-state region.

Centrally located in western Arizona, its Pilatus PC12 TriState CareFlight 80 is now positioned to add comprehensive service to the area, joining the existing rotor wing service TriState CareFlight 28, formally known as Native Air 8. Nestled along the California-Arizona border, TriState CareFlight 80 is based at the Lake Havasu City airport while TriState CareFlight 28 is based at Havasu Regional Medical Center.

Together, the TriState CareFlight team offers the community critical care 24/7/365, responding to emergency medical calls for trauma events. Additionally, the team provides critical interfacility transports when patients need to move between hospitals for specialised care. While the base location has moved, TriState CareFlight 80's fixed wing service will still serve residents of Yuma and its surrounding areas.

“Our number one mission is to save lives and serve the community with the highest level of care,” says account executive Valerie Yevzerova. “By relocating from Yuma to Lake Havasu, our radius of service is greater. Previously located near international borders, our radius was roughly 180 degrees. Moving north and still serving the community we once were based in, we now have a 360 degree radius, serving more people and ultimately saving more lives.”

On every flight, the TriState CareFlight teams carry blood and blood products, positively increasing patient outcomes through pre-hospital care. The clinical team is extensively trained to provide advanced specialty procedures.

“Our highly-trained clinicians are held to the highest standards in critical care transport. Their knowledge and expertise take pre-hospital care above and beyond,” adds Yevzerova. “Both TriState CareFlight teams achieved CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems) and carry the critical tools, medications and supplies needed to provide lifesaving interventions at the scene and ICU-level care while in flight.”