Native Air marked the opening of its new air medical base at Abrazo West Campus  with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by crew members, Air Methods and Abrazo Health leaders, and nearly 75 guests.

The new base, home to Native Air 23, has been operational since Feb. 5 and expands air medical coverage in western and central Arizona.

“If you think back 20 years ago, helicopters were flying here to pick up patients to transport downtown to access high acuity and specialized care,” said Hans Driessnack, CEO of Abrazo West Campus. “Now, we are serving as a hub to be able to reach out further to the West Valley and other rural communities to serve as the high-acuity hub for care. We are proud to be partners with Air Methods’ Native Air program and to have this critical resource in our community.”

The event included a tour of the AS350 air ambulance helicopter, an opportunity to meet the pilots and medical staff, and a discussion of the aircraft’s clinical and safety features. The base is staffed by trauma clinicians, pilots, and aviation mechanics.

“I consider this resource as a lifeline for stroke patients who need immediate interventions,” said Dr. Sushant Kale, a specialist in stroke and cardiac care. “Every minute that goes by, two million neurons die. Every minute counts. This air ambulance gives a better chance of positive patient outcomes.”

Native Air 23 plays a role in transporting patients between hospitals for specialized care. The crew is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems and carries ICU-level equipment, including medications and specialty tools.

Beginning April 2, the base will also carry whole blood, allowing pre-hospital transfusions for critically injured patients.

“We are thrilled to bring our advanced air medical services to the Goodyear community and surrounding areas,” said Daniel Griffith, area manager for Native Air. “The opening of this new base allows us to serve even more people in need of urgent, life-saving care.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Native Air program, which operates 16 bases across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Visit airmethods.com for more information.