Rico Aviation Partners with Air Methods to Expand Air Medical Operations with New Bell 407 Helicopter

AMARILLO, Texas, July 17, 2017 -- Rico Aviation recently announced its partnership with Air Methods, expanding its critical care reach with a new Bell 407 helicopter air ambulance. The addition of rotor wing capabilities enhances access to lifesaving care for residents in the Texas Panhandle, Southern Colorado and Eastern New Mexico.

The year-round air medical base is located in Dalhart, Texas and is staffed by Rico Aviation clinicians—flight nurses and flight paramedics—and Air Methods emergency medical services (EMS) pilots and mechanics, creating 15 new jobs. The helicopter is equipped with a variety of critical care supplies and medications found in a hospital emergency room or intensive care unit (ICU). These include items such as oxygen, airway resuscitation equipment, heart monitor/defibrillator, suction, IV pump and fluids, specialized monitor/testing equipment, ventilators, and emergency medications.

As America’s largest air ambulance provider, Air Methods brings nearly 40 years of experience and has provided air medical care to more than two million patients over the years. “Air Methods’ leading status, strong reputation and exceptional core values make them the ideal partner for us at Rico Aviation,” said Richard Coon, president of Rico Aviation. “Together, we are investing in the resources to provide the highest quality of air medical care to those in need.”

The helicopter marks the fourth aircraft in the Rico Aviation fleet, which includes two dedicated fixed wing air ambulances and a charter jet. With these aircraft, Rico Aviation provides emergency air medical service to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Rico Aviation fixed wing air ambulance services will continue to be operated by the same Rico Aviation team known and trusted in Amarillo for 21 years.

Mr. Coon added, “Rico will now not only provide quality long distance ‘bed-to-bed’ medical transportation, but also immediate response emergency transportation from incident to hospital. We look forward to the many possibilities ahead and are very excited to partner with Air Methods to continue expanding our care services.”

About Rico Aviation
For more than 20 years, Rico Aviation has been dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate, high quality air ambulance medical care to patients needing fixed wing aero medical transport throughout the Continental United States. Rico Aviation is a Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS) accredited critical care air medical provider, and is certified by the states of Texas, New Mexico and Colorado to operate as an MICU, critical care fixed wing air ambulance. Rico Aviation is a complete bed-to-bed service utilizing the latest state of the art equipment, hiring only the most qualified individuals to care for and transport our patients. Twenty four hours a day, three hundred sixty five days a year, Rico Aviation strives to provide the highest quality of care possible.

About Air Methods
Air Methods (www.airmethods.com) is America’s largest air medical provider, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. The Air Medical Services Division is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft is the Company’s products division specializing in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Contact: Ryan Smith 806-206-0707, [email protected]