US healthcare provider Banner Health has partnered with medical transportation specialist Global Medical Response (GMR) to extend air ambulance services in Arizona with the launch of a new HEMS operation, BannerAir.
According to Banner Health, this is the first hospital and air ambulance partnership in the Phoenix metro area. Missions will include on-scene emergency response and hospital-to-hospital transportation. The new operation launched on 1 July.
“This partnership between Global Medical Response and Banner Health, the largest healthcare organisation in Arizona, could reduce emergency response time and speed up hospital-to-hospital transfers throughout the state,” said Richard Swedbergh, chief operating officer for Banner Health Emergency Transportation. “This unparalleled educational, clinical and logistical support will allow our team to operate as a new component of a comprehensive healthcare system.”
BannerAir will have base stations at various locations throughout the state to ensure timely response in neighbouring cities, including Casa Grande, Sun City West, Queen Creek and Payson. In addition to the emergency helicopters currently available in Arizona, BannerAir is adding four helicopters, all of which are capable of landing at higher elevations and in rough terrain in the state. Aircraft, pilots and other aviation support will be provided by Med-Trans Corporation, a division of GMR.
“This joint venture is an extension to provide the best possible care for our patients, especially during emergency scenarios,” said Swedbergh, who noted that BannerAir would transport patients to both Banner and non-Banner hospitals. “We will always do what is in the best interests of our patients, regardless of the facility. Our flight crews are empowered to make those decisions.”
