INDIANAPOLIS, June 15, 2005 - As part of its continued commitment to supporting the communities in which it serves, St.Vincent Health announces that PHI Air Medical of Indiana is providing critical care air medical transport services for its 16 facilities. Together, the two organizations will provide a premier and comprehensive medical response team that involves caring for the urgent health care needs of Hoosiers.
“Partnering with an air medical critical care EMS agency now gives critically ill patients in remote locations in the state access to advanced tertiary care facilities and doctors at St.Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis,” explained Michael A. Kaufmann, M.D. FACEP, EMS medical director, St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. “PHI's strategically placed network of aircraft throughout the state means shorter transport times for our patients.”
Currently, PHI Air Medical of Indiana has three helicopter bases around the state, including West Lafayette, Columbus and Anderson. The St.Vincent Health alliance will result in a fourth base on the St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital campus.
While St.Vincent Indianapolis presently has a helipad for one helicopter, it plans to expand the pad to accommodate a PHI Air Medical helicopter that will be on site 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, an experienced flight team will be housed on the hospital’s campus and ready at a moment’s notice.
“This new relationship will help to strengthen the St. Vincent Health system throughout
the state of Indiana," said Dr. Jon Rahman, St.Vincent Health system vice president and chief medical officer.
“As a health system with 16 facilities serving 45 counties, it is crucial that we provide the best care for patients, regardless of their location. The addition of air medical services allows us to reach those underserved areas.”
