CareFlite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
CareFlite is a Texas, nonprofit 501(c) 3 corporation governed by a Board of Directors with representatives from Texas Health Resources (Harris Methodist, Presbyterian and Arlington Memorial Hospitals), Methodist Health System, Baylor Health Care System, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and the JPS Health Network. CareFlite and its Member Facilities are nonprofit entities committed to high-quality patient care and community service. CareFlite is the only, fully-integrated medical transport company serving North Texas.
CareFlite is the original and leading provider of air medical transport in the DFW Metroplex, many have tried to replicate their level of service however were left in failure.
Established in 1979, CareFlite is the eighth oldest air medical transportation service in the nation, and the second oldest in Texas. CareFlite began with one helicopter shared between Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital transporting about 20 patients each month. In 1981, CareFlite began operating a ground ambulance division in Dallas to support the helicopters and to provide non-emergency transportation to patients in area hospitals. Today, CareFlite operates five helicopter bases throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. All CareFlite helicopters have two engines for added safety. The Agusta A109 aircraft are equipped for flight under instrument conditions (similar to the scheduled airlines). CareFlite has 17 FAA approved instrument approaches to area hospitals throughout North Texas. These approaches permit CareFlite to transport critical patients to the area's trauma centers and other hospitals offering specialized care during poor weather conditions. CareFlite is the first non-governmental entity to undertake such a program in Texas. CareFlite helicopters are based at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, Frisco Fire Station #4, Presbyterian Hospital of Denton, and the Granbury Regional Airport. In addition to its helicopter EMS program, CareFlite also provides a King Air (fixed wing, twin engine, pressurized, high performance turboprop) air ambulance. This aircraft which is operated by Flight Concepts can be used for emergent transports in Texas and Oklahoma, long haul patient transfers throughout the continental U.S., and is ideal for transplant programs needing to move patients, organs or transplant teams without delay. Since its founding, CareFlite has transported over 71,000 patients by air.
CareFlite also provides 911 emergency EMS services in Johnson County, portions of unincorporated Tarrant County and the Celina Fire District in Collin County. It operates non-emergency ground ambulances and stretcher/wheelchair vans in Dallas, Tarrant and Collin Counties. In its last fiscal year, CareFlite transported over 30,000 patients.
CareFlite also offers Specialty Care Transport (SCT) SCT offers the same high-level of patient care provided on all CareFlite aircraft, but at a fraction of the cost. This is an ideal service for a patient who needs an interfacility transport with the level of medical care provided on board CareFlite aircraft without the need for speed. SCT is staffed by the same crews who provide medical care on board CareFlite aircraft (Flight RN and Flight Paramedic) plus an EMT who drives the vehicle.
s CareFlite responds to requests from hospitals, fire departments, EMS agencies and law enforcement within a service area of more than 100 counties in a 150-mile radius of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex containing more than 5.8 million people. Other services include an outstanding continuing education program that holds an annual continuing education conference open to first responders and health care professionals, and a medical service bicycle team for community events.