posted March 27, 2025

Expanded air medical services enhance emergency care for residents

GOODYEAR, AZ – March 27, 2025 – Native Air was honored to celebrate the opening of its new base at the Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear on Tuesday with crew members, Air Methods leaders, Abrazo Health leaders, and nearly 75 guests. Native Air 23, which began service on February 5, enhances the geographical coverage for air medical services across western and central Arizona, improving response times for emergency and trauma situations.

“If you think back 20 years ago, helicopters were flying here to pick up patients to transport downtown to access high acuity and specialized care,” said Hans Driessnack, Abrazo West Campus CEO. “Now, we are serving as a hub to be able to reach out further to the West Valley and other rural communities to serve as the high-acuity hub for care. We are proud to be partners with Air Methods’ Native Air program and to have this critical resource in our community.”

The ribbon-cutting event gave guests the opportunity to learn about the advanced capabilities of Native Air 23, see the AS350 air ambulance helicopter up close, meet the skilled clinicians and pilots who staff the base, and learn how the aircraft’s clinical and safety features enhance emergency care. The base is staffed by experienced trauma clinicians, skilled pilots, and aviation mechanics who ensure the helicopter is always safe, mission-ready, and capable of delivering critical care in the air.

“I consider this resource as a lifeline for stroke patients who need immediate interventions,” said Doctor Sushant Kale, who specializes in stroke and cardiac care. “Every minute that goes by, two million neurons die. Every minute counts. This air ambulance gives a better chance of positive patient outcomes.”

Native Air 23 plays a vital role in interfacility transports, moving patients between hospitals for specialized care. The crew has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and is equipped with life-saving resources, including medications and specialty equipment, ensuring ICU-level care during air transports.

Additionally, Native Air 23 is approved and set to carry whole blood beginning April 2, joining sister bases across the state. The earlier patients receive whole blood, the better their outcomes, showing the significance of pre-hospital transfusion. Moderately to severely injured patients particularly benefit from whole blood transfusions.

“We are thrilled to bring our advanced air medical services to the Goodyear community and surrounding areas,” said Native Air Area Manager Daniel Griffith. “The opening of this new base allows us to serve even more people in need of urgent, life-saving care, and we are proud of the dedication and skill our team brings to every mission.”

This year, the Native Air program marks 30 years of providing lifesaving care throughout Arizona. With Native Air bases in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, Native Air 23 is the 16^th active base for the program. This new base is a crucial part of the ongoing commitment to providing fast, reliable, and high-quality medical transport services to the region. The team at Native Air is proud to continue its legacy of excellence, ensuring patients receive the care they need in the most critical moments.