Patients needing emergency air medical transport across west Texas can now receive critical care faster than ever thanks to AirLIFE Texas 39's upgraded Bell 407 GXi helicopter. It delivers faster response times, improved performance and more advanced safety features than the Snyder-based air medical service's previous Bell 407. The AirLIFE Texas programme is part of Air Methods, the U.S.A.'s leading air medical service provider, which is in the midst of a multi-year initiative to upgrade its fleet.

“The Bell 407 GXi is a critical asset for our operation in Scurry County and beyond,” says AirLIFE Texas flight nurse Michael Chavez. “It can cruise at up to 133 knots, which minimises our time to the scene of accidents or medical emergencies. This is vital for trauma patients because the chance of survival increases significantly when medical care is administered during the ‘golden hour’, the critical first hour following a traumatic injury.”

In addition to its speed, the B407 GXi has a more powerful engine while also being more fuel efficient. It features a 61-inch bi-fold door that allows clinicians to load the stretcher on a level plane, maintaining the patient's spinal alignment and stability. The cabin configuration gives flight nurses more manoeuvrability and better patient access for advanced airway management and other lifesaving interventions in flight. The aircraft also performs well in the high Texas heat, provides a smoother ride and is equipped with advanced avionics for additional safety.

“We are excited for a new chapter as we transition into this airframe,” adds Air Methods account executive Spencer Gunn. “The B407 GXi is a highly trusted helicopter that has become a cornerstone of air medical and emergency services across the world. We have always provided the highest level of clinical care and safety, and this aircraft highlights our continued commitment to serving Texans with excellence.”

Equipped as a flying ICU, the aircraft carries the medical equipment and medications the AirLIFE Texas team needs to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, paediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics and other critical patients. They carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss, and AirLIFE Texas is the only programme in the state carrying a Zoll AutoPulse CPR device, which provides high quality mechanical CPR in-flight, allowing clinicians to provide additional lifesaving cardiac care.

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Texas and beyond. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy programme works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services. Patients do not need a membership to be transported by any air medical company.