TriState CareFlight Celebrates 20 Years of CareFlight 6 While Expanding Critical Care Access with CareFlight 11

FORT MOHAVE, AZ - May 1, 2026 - TriState CareFlight, a long-standing emergency air medical provider serving communities along the Colorado River, celebrated two significant milestones on April 29 - the 20th anniversary of CareFlight 6 and the official ribbon cutting of its sister base, CareFlight 11. The celebration was held at Valley View Medical Center and brought together CareFlight flight crew members, hospital leaders, EMS partners, and community officials, including District 2 Board Supervisor Rich Lettman.

"For rural and River-adjacent communities, reliable access to emergency transport is a public-safety necessity," said Supervisor Lettman. "Celebrating 20 years of CareFlight 6 while welcoming CareFlight 11 is a meaningful investment in our region, and one that supports our first responders and helps ensure residents and visitors can get critical care quickly when it's needed."

CareFlight 6 was established shortly after Valley View Medical Center opened in 2005 and has since become one of the busiest air medical bases in the River region. Its longevity reflects both the growing needs of the community and the deep trust placed in the program by local EMS agencies and healthcare partners.

"The partnership with CareFlight is built on a shared vision to champion patient care and aligns with our mission to make communities healthier," said Marcia Patterson, CEO of Valley View Medical Center.

To strengthen coverage and ensure continuous access to advanced critical care during peak demand, Air Methods-the nation's leading air medical provider and parent company of TriState CareFlight-opened CareFlight 11 earlier this year as a sister base to CareFlight 6. Together, the two bases create a more coordinated and resilient system of emergency medical transport across River communities.

"By adding CareFlight 11, we're strengthening coverage so critical care is never far away," said Vanessa Hayflich, PacWest Regional Director for Air Methods. "Adding this additional asset to the community is a promise, a promise to continue delivering critical, lifesaving care across Mohave County and beyond."

CareFlight operates nine strategically located bases serving Arizona and parts of California and Nevada, including bases in Yuma, Quartzsite, Parker, Lake Havasu, Fort Mohave, Bullhead, and Kingman. Each helicopter functions as a flying intensive care unit, equipped with advanced technologies and medications to treat the most critically ill and injured patients. Flight nurses and paramedics undergo extensive ongoing training in trauma, cardiac and stroke care, respiratory emergencies, and high-risk obstetrics.

CareFlight teams are also certified to carry and administer blood on every transport, making CareFlight the only air medical provider along the River with this lifesaving capability, which has been proven to significantly improve survival for trauma patients.

CareFlight continues to invest in innovation and clinical excellence. Last year, all bases integrated the ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device, enabling consistent, high-quality chest compressions during flight while allowing clinicians to safely perform other critical interventions. Additionally, the Kingman base earned High Risk Perinatal Program (HRPP) certification this year and is equipped with a TOCO monitor for advanced in-flight maternal and fetal monitoring.

Recognizing that air medical transport can feel overwhelming for patients and families, CareFlight teams prioritize compassionate communication alongside clinical expertise. From initial patient contact through seamless coordination with ground EMS and hospital teams, the focus remains on delivering patient-centered care guided by proven medical protocols.

Air medical memberships are not required to receive CareFlight's services, regardless of insurance status. CareFlight's commitment continues beyond transport through a dedicated patient advocacy team that helps patients and families navigate insurance and billing questions, ensuring transparency, affordability, and peace of mind.

"We are celebrating the impact of 20 years. Behind every flight is a family that is kept whole," Supervisor Lettman added. "There are patients-like my sister-in-law-who are getting a second chance at life. TriState CareFlight's service is critical and has truly strengthened our community."