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Air Methods' Native Air bases in Cottonwood and Williams have earned First Responder designation, recognizing their first response capabilities in Coconino County and the Northern Arizona region, helping to provide rapid emergency care.

Additionally, Native Air Base in Payson is expected to achieve contingency response base status by early September.

“In rural Northern Arizona, paramedic status positively impacts patient outcomes,” said Williams Fire Chief Chase Pearson, “because of travel time, air crews are often able to arrive on scene before the volunteer fire department.”

The Native Air team responds when dispatched to 911 calls or at the request of local partner emergency agencies.

Controlled landing zone parameters established by emergency partners on the ground will ensure that the aeromedical team lands as close to the patient or scene as safely permitted. Now, with First Responder designation, Native Air is the first to be dispatched to provide initial scene control and allows the pilot and crew to designate an acceptable landing zone.

This allows for patient care before ground resources arrive and provides rapid access for residents and visitors who require emergency care.

“To safely carry out site operations at undeveloped landing zones without a ground agency present, our pilots undergo additional annual training in hazard identification and risk mitigation, as well as company and regulatory requirements,” said Ian Matthews, Air Methods' director of aviation operations.

On every transport mission, the clinical team carries whole blood and administers it in-flight as needed, proactively improving patient outcomes through pre-hospital care.

Native Air is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transportation Systems (CAMTS) and meets the highest standards of safety, clinical practice, quality assurance and training in the industry.

“Seconds can make a huge difference in saving a life,” said Air Paramedic Amanda Peck, “We're pleased to now have this important and necessary capability to further serve our local community.”

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and partners with most major health insurance companies for emergency air medical services. Additionally, the company's patient assistance program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability.

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