REACH Air Medical Services

REACH Air Medical Services provides critical care air and ground medical transport to communities across California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming. The company operates more than 50 air ambulance bases to serve both rural and urban areas in these states. They offer emergency air and ground transport, patient transfers between hospitals, and search and rescue missions.

The company employs highly trained nurses, paramedics, pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians. Their clinical teams provide intensive care unit level care to critically ill and injured patients during transport. Pilots use both helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes equipped for critical care flights in various weather conditions.

REACH’s helicopter fleet includes twin-engine IFR-capable Eurocopter H135s, single-engine H125 and H130 models, and Bell 407 helicopters used primarily under visual flight rules. Their fixed-wing fleet features the Beechcraft King Air B200 and Pilatus PC-12 airplanes. The aircraft are customized for medical missions and maintained above FAA standards.

Founded in 1987 by Dr. John L. McDonald, Jr. as Redwood Empire Air Care Helicopter, REACH has grown through expansions and mergers. A key merger was with California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) in 2016. Since 2018, REACH is part of the Global Medical Response family, enhancing its capabilities and coverage. The company has been CAMTS accredited since 1998, reflecting its dedication to safety and quality.

REACH operates under its own FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate. It was the first air ambulance in the US to receive FAA approval for GPS routing off airway to specific hospitals, reducing transport times. Night vision goggles and instrument flight rules capabilities allow flights in difficult weather and night conditions.

The company continues to advance pre-hospital emergency care, supporting medically underserved areas with fast, reliable air and ground transport. Their commitment is summed up in their mission: to do what is right for the patient in every situation.

Services

• Emergency Air Transport
• Ground Ambulance Services
• Patient Transfers
• Search and Rescue Flights
• Critical Care Transport
• Communications Center Support
• Helicopter Air Ambulance
• Fixed-Wing Air Ambulance
• Membership Programs
• Education and Training