Air Methods, a US air medical service, is expanding access to emergency critical care transport across Contra Costa County with the opening of a new air medical base. SkyLife 34, now based at Byron airport, strengthens regional emergency response by providing rapid access to advanced medical care.

SkyLife 34, a H135 helicopter, joins Air Methods' extensive air medical network serving communities across California. With 27 other Air Methods-operated bases across the state, the new location strengthens the company's ability to connect patients to lifesaving care and further expands Air Methods' integrated air medical ecosystem in California.

“The opening of SkyLife 34 reflects Air Methods' continued investment in California and our commitment to building a strong, connected air medical ecosystem that improves access to lifesaving care,” says Vanessa Hayflich, Air Methods PacWest regional director. “Each new base enhances our ability to respond quickly, support communities across the region and ensure patients can reach the specialised care they need.”

The SkyLife 34 team consists of a pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic and on-call aviation mechanic, all highly trained specialists who complete rigorous annual training programmes. Air Methods pilots train using Level D full flight simulators, the most advanced simulation technology approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and used by most commercial airlines. Clinical crew members receive advanced hands-on instruction through Ascend, Air Methods' multi-accredited critical care clinical education programme, ensuring they consistently perform at the top of their licensure.

SkyLife helicopters function as hospital-level flying intensive care units, equipped with advanced technology and medications to treat critically ill and injured patients. SkyLife flight nurses and paramedics undergo extensive, ongoing training in trauma, cardiac and stroke care, respiratory emergencies and high-risk obstetrics. The crew responds to a wide range of emergencies and carries blood for use at the scene or in flight, a resource proven to improve survival in critical cases. Crews are also equipped with the ZOLL AutoPulse NXT device, which delivers uninterrupted, high-quality chest compressions during flight, freeing clinicians to provide other life-saving interventions for patients in cardiac arrest.

The long-standing emergency air medical programme celebrated 35 years of service to the community in May, reinforcing its commitment to providing the highest level of critical care.

With the addition of SkyLife 34, Air Methods continues to strengthen critical care infrastructure across California, expanding its statewide presence and improving patient access to rapid, high-quality emergency medical transport services.