Airlines

Tragedy & Triumph: The Story of Air Methods and Its Impact on Medical Transport





The history of Air Methods is one that is filled with both innovation and tragedy. Founded in 1980, Air Methods has become one of the most prominent air ambulance services in the United States. In the decades since its founding, the company has evolved to become a leader in the industry and has provided essential services to countless individuals.

The company was founded in Denver, Colorado by Roy Morgan. Morgan had a vision of creating a safe and reliable air ambulance service that could provide medical transport in the most efficient way possible. In the early years of the company, the focus was on providing medical services to those in rural areas who had limited access to hospitals.

The company's fleet initially consisted of two helicopters, a Bell 206 and a Bell 222. In the following years, the fleet was expanded to include larger aircraft such as the Sikorsky S-76 and the Eurocopter EC-135. As the company's fleet grew, so did its services. Air Methods began to provide medical services to larger cities, providing both medical evacuation and air medical services.

In the late 1990s, Air Methods began to expand its services to include organ transplantation. The company provided both transport services and organ preservation services to hospitals across the United States. This was a major milestone for the company and helped to solidify its place as a leader in the industry.





In the early 2000s, Air Methods was struck by tragedy when two of its helicopters crashed, resulting in the deaths of 13 people. This prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to launch an investigation into the cause of the crashes. Despite the investigation, Air Methods was able to continue to provide its services to the public.

In 2010, Air Methods partnered with a number of hospitals to form the AirMedCare Network. This network allowed members of the AirMedCare Network to access the services of Air Methods without any out-of-pocket costs. This was another major milestone for the company and further solidified its place as a leader in the industry.

In 2016, Air Methods acquired the air medical transport business of Air Medical Group Holdings, making it the largest air medical service provider in the United States. This acquisition provided Air Methods with additional resources and allowed it to expand its services even further. Today, Air Methods operates a fleet of over 300 helicopters and provides medical transport services to thousands of patients every year.

The history of Air Methods is one of innovation and tragedy. The company has evolved over time to become a leader in the air ambulance industry. It has provided essential services to countless individuals and has become a lifeline for many. Despite the tragedies that the company has faced, it has persevered and continues to provide quality services to those who need them most.