Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) opened a new base, AE 185 Upson County, at Thomaston-Upson County Airport to improve medical access for families across central Georgia. The base joins 15 other AEL locations serving Georgia.

“This expansion of service reflects our ongoing promise to meet communities where they are,” says Jeremy Poole, senior programme director at AEL. “Upson County leadership and Thomaston-Upson County Airport have shown tremendous partnership and vision in supporting this initiative, and we’re honoured to serve the residents of this region with the highest standard of care and rapid response.”

Nearly two million Georgians live in rural areas where access to critical healthcare can be limited. The new base houses a helicopter equipped with advanced medical capabilities including blood products and respiratory support for infants and children. Crews will be on standby 24/7.

“Our crews are highly trained, deeply experienced and genuinely committed to the communities they serve,” says Olivia Blevins, programme manager at AEL. “Flight nurses, paramedics, pilots and aviation maintenance technicians work seamlessly as a team to ensure every mission is safe and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for every patient.”

Founded 40 years ago, AEL was the first to base aircraft in underserved communities rather than at city hospitals. Today more than 90% of its flights originate in areas with limited access to trauma care. With nearly 150 bases across 18 states, AE 185 Upson County becomes part of a long-standing commitment to deliver hospital-level care directly to patients.