SANTA ROSA, Calif., May 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an ongoing program to modernize and upgrade its fleet of emergency air medical helicopters and airplanes, REACH Air Medical Services has taken delivery of a new Eurocopter EC135 model helicopter. This new aircraft is based at REACH's Marysville/Yuba, CA base, known as REACH 7. The aircraft will be the seventh EC135 for REACH, bringing its fleet to a total of 21 helicopters and nine airplanes.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=25133
"We are excited to offer this new aircraft to serve our customers in Northern California. The EC135 offers enhanced technology features and capabilities, including the ability to fly greater distances, capacity to carry more weight, increased room for hospital specialty teams and specialty equipment," says Sean Russell, President of REACH Air Medical Services.
Mr. Russell continues, "An essential element of our success is that we consistently and reliably allow our flight crew to respond to our partner needs. With these EC135 performance enhancements, aircraft capabilities, and our IFR/GPS capabilities that allow us to fly in inclement weather, we will be able to more effectively serve our partners and ultimately the patients in this community."
Chris Giller, General Manager for the REACH Marysville and Sacramento bases, adds: "The addition of this new aircraft will improve the level of service and safety to the region while offering the quietest aircraft signature for our neighbors. It is also the most technologically advanced aircraft available today for Emergency Services."
REACH was the first air ambulance company in the United States to receive approval by the FAA to operate off published instrument airways using its own proprietary GPS routes to specific hospitals. Founded in 1987, REACH currently has bases throughout California, Oregon and Texas. Each base provides 24/7 emergency air service to the surrounding areas. REACH has performed more than 85,000 air ambulance missions since its inception.
About REACH Air Medical Services
REACH Medical Holdings, LLC operates REACH Air Medical Services and Cal-Ore Life Flight. The companies support operations in Concord, Crescent City, Eureka, Imperial, Lakeport, Marysville, Oceanside, Redding, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Stockton, Thermal, and Upland, California as well as Brookings, Gold Beach, and Corvallis, Oregon and San Antonio, Pearsall, and Houston, Texas. The companies provide air medical transport services utilizing helicopters, airplanes and ground ambulances serving the Western United States. REACH and Cal-Ore are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS). For more information, visit www.REACHair.com or www.Cal-Ore.com.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
