Last week the Medina County Hospital District Board of Directors approved Methodist AirCare/REACH Air Medical Services to provide emergency air evacuation for patients requiring care above the level provided by Medina Regional Hospital.
“This agreement with Methodist ensures Medina County patients receive optimal care and there is no gap in medical air transportation with the recent departure of a similar transport service,” stated Janice Simons, CEO of Medina Regional Hospital. Methodist AirCare is a partnership between the largest, most trusted health care system in South Texas and REACH Air Medical Services, headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, supporting operations from 13 bases in California, Oregon and Texas.
“Methodist Healthcare has a long history of providing quality care to the residents of South Texas as evidenced by our partnership with Medina Regional Hospital. We are honored the Board chose Methodist AirCare as their first call provider to transport patients from Medina County,” stated Geoffrey Crabtree, senior vice president for Methodist Healthcare. “One call can summon a highly specialized emergency medical transport helicopter piloted and staffed by a team of highly trained specialists. Whether the need is to rush an infant to a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, transport a high-risk expectant mom or stroke patient or a myriad of other medical emergencies, Methodist AirCare is at the community’s call 24/7/365,” added Crabtree.
There has been concern from Medina County residents who purchased a membership program from another provider whose helicopter base recently closed in Hondo. In an effort to help bridge the gap for the approximately 1,000 members of the other program, and any and all existing air ambulance members, Methodist AirCare’s Reach for Life membership will be offered at a cost of just $10.00 for individual or family membership. “The willingness of Methodist AirCare to offer a discounted and comparable membership service to residents in our service area shows their commitment to the health needs of Medina County,” stated Simons.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to increase our services and availability for this region and these customers,” stated Jim Adams, CEO of REACH. “For nearly 25 years, REACH has enjoyed tremendous success in providing safe and efficient emergency patient transport, and we are pleased to grow our services in Medina County with Methodist Healthcare as our partner,” said Adams.
Residents of Medina County will receive more information about Methodist AirCare’s Reach for Life membership in the near future. Should you need more information now about Methodist AirCare/Reach for Life membership, please call 866-767-3224 or email membership@REACHair.com.