It was only a while back that we mentioned how air ambulance companies were facing stiff competition within the United States and how profits were dwindling while cost to the patients was increasing. If you thought that this trend has discouraged air ambulance companies from coming up or acquiring new companies; think again. Here are a few recent developments that you must know.
New Air Ambulance Companies Continue to Come up
Just last Wednesday a new air ambulance service was launched in Dothan. The service has been named Wiregrass Life Flight and is a result of a partnership between Air Medical Resource Group as well as Dothan’s Pilcher’s Ambulance Service.
The operations have begun with an AS350 B3e chopper. The air ambulance service which is the first for the group in Southeast United States will be based out of Southeast Alabama Medical Center. The crew will include a licensed paramedic nurse.
The Dothan community is expected to benefit immensely by this move. The main focus of the air ambulance service would be northern Florida, southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama.
Air Ambulance Companies Continue Acquisitions
We have heard of air ambulance companies acquiring smaller businesses for greater reach. Being the global leader, Air Methods has been among such air ambulance companies. The company recently acquired San Antonio AirLIFE. Air Methods would continue to operate using the name San Antonio AirLIFE. The company has acquired almost all its assets.
AirLIFE has bases in Pleasanton, Uvalde, Kerrville, and New Braunfels and is operational 24/7. Each of the bases is staffed by about 15 people including highly qualified medical as well as flight personnel.
San Antonio AirLIFE was previously owned by Tenet Corporation/ Baptist Health System of San Antonio together with Bexar County Hospital District.
The move is slated to give Air Methods a wider reach, which is vital to stay relevant in the highly competitive air ambulance industry.
