Answering the Call for Southeast Kansas

     When seconds count, accessing the region’s premier critical care air transport services will be quicker and closer than ever for residents of Southeast Kansas. St. John’s MedFlight announces the addition of a second helicopter based in Parsons, Kansas—a collaborative effort between St. John’s Regional Medical Center and ARCH Air Medical Service, of St. Louis.

     “Working with EMS and other health care professionals in Southeast Kansas, we identified a need to reduce transport times for critically ill or injured patients in the region,” says Rod Pace, manager of St. John’s MedFlight. “The addition of the helicopter in Southeast Kansas will put critical care transport much closer to residents of the area, including Parsons, Fredonia, Chanute, Coffeyville, and Independence—time savings that could mean the difference between life and death.”

     MedFlight’s “Spirit of Mercy III” is scheduled to begin operating from its base at Labette County Medical Center by the end of April. The service will be staffed 24/7 by a highly trained & skilled crew consisting of a pilot, flight nurse and paramedic. The state-of-the-art twin-engine aircraft, capable of carrying the flight crew plus two patients, can be in the air within minutes of receiving a call. MedFlight will transport patients to any hospital within the service area, based on the individual’s need and/or preference.

     St. John’s MedFlight is the longest running air ambulance in the Four State region. MedFlight is approaching one million accident-free miles and has transported nearly 6000 patients in its 11 years at St. John’s. The aircraft operated by MedFlight represent “the fastest, most-reliable twin-engine critical care transport helicopters in the area,” says Pace.

     MedFlight is a partnership between St. John’s Regional Medical Center and ARCH Air Medical Service, one of the nation's oldest and most respected services. MedFlight’s affiliation with ARCH provides access to over 13 aircraft, including two fixed-wing aircraft, in the case of a major catastrophe.