CareFlite to open new Llano County helicopter air medical base on March 1st

CareFlite, America’s oldest joint use air medical program will open a new air medical base on March 1, 2021. The new base will be located at the Buchanan Dam Community Center, 2395 Ranch Road 261, Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609.

For the first time, Llano County will have a state-of-the-art Bell 407GX EMS helicopter based in the county for quick responses to emergencies including patient transfers from local hospitals to the closest trauma centers. Previously, air medical helicopter service had to be requested from outside the county. The shorter response times will benefit patients across Llano County. The Bell 407GX includes an autopilot for added safety. The aircraft will also support fire and law enforcement agencies in the county as appropriate when not on patient missions.

CareFlite operates the only aircraft in the region equipped with chest compression devices and blood products which have been proven by studies to increase patient survival rates. Each aircraft is flown by a pilot holding the Airline Transport Pilot certification. All CareFlite Nurses hold a Certified Flight RN certificate while CareFlite Paramedics all hold the Flite Paramedic – Certified rating. These certifications exceed the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration for pilots and the State of Texas requirements for Nurses and Paramedics serving on aircraft.

Family finances can be protected against balance billing by joining CareFlite’s Caring-Heart Membership Program for just $49 per household per year or less. Visit www.careflite.org or call (877) 339-2273 to join and to read the program’s terms and conditions. Over 365,000 people are currently members of CareFlite.

More information is available at <www.careflite.org>.