Beacon’s Memorial MedFlight partners with Air Methods to enhance air medical transport services

Beacon Health System today announced Memorial MedFlight is partnering with Air Methods, the leading provider of air medical transport services. This partnership, which will go into effect in May 2025, transitions Memorial MedFlight to an alternative delivery model service, further enhancing its mission to safely and efficiently transport critically ill or injured patients to the care they need, when they need it most.

“At Air Methods, our mission is to provide lifesaving care when it matters most, and we are honored to partner with Beacon Health System’s Memorial MedFlight to further that mission in the communities it serves,” said Air Methods CEO JaeLynn Williams. “By combining our aviation expertise with Beacon Health System’s exceptional medical care, this partnership ensures that patients in the region will receive the highest standard of air medical transport services. Together, we are committed to advancing safety, efficiency and compassion in every mission we undertake.”

For many years, Memorial MedFlight has played a vital role in the region, supporting the Level II Trauma Center at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. This partnership builds on that legacy, ensuring patients receive exceptional care during both emergency scene responses and inter-facility transports.

“Our passion goes beyond saving lives; it’s about improving them. Through Memorial MedFlight, we deliver top-quality care exactly where it’s needed,” said Greg Piper, Vice President of Retail Operations at Beacon. “Partnering with Air Methods, who shares our commitment to safety and exceptional care, allows us to expand our services and better serve the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.”

Established in 1980, Air Methods is a trusted leader in air medical transport, renowned for its unwavering commitment to safety and exceptional patient care. With operations at over 250 bases across the country, Air Methods provides more than 100,000 lifesaving transports annually.

Under this agreement, Air Methods will oversee aircraft operations, maintenance and communications support, while Beacon will provide the medical crews. Operating from Elkhart Municipal Airport, Memorial MedFlight will continue providing its 24/7 service, staffed by highly trained flight nurses and paramedics dedicated to saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

Additionally, crew members will have access to Air Methods Ascend’s in-person and online education programs, which include a cadaver lab and SimX training. Air Methods Ascend provides clinicians with access to world-class educators, state-of-the-art tools and cutting-edge technologies to help build their knowledge, enabling them to operate at the top of their licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements. Education programs include advanced simulation and virtual reality training through SimX that mirror real-world patient care scenarios, building life-saving skills and confidence.