CareFlite

Non-profit medical transportation service in North Texas

CareFlite is a non-profit medical transportation service that operates in North Texas. It provides air and ground ambulance services, specializing in the rapid transport of critically ill or injured patients. CareFlite is known for its comprehensive range of services, including helicopter and fixed-wing air ambulance operations, as well as ground ambulance services.

History

CareFlite was established in 1979 as a joint venture between several hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The organization was created to address the need for rapid medical transport in the region, particularly for patients requiring specialized care that was not available at their local hospitals. Over the years, CareFlite has expanded its services and fleet to become a critical component of the emergency medical services (EMS) system in North Texas.

Services

CareFlite offers a variety of medical transportation services:

Air Ambulance

CareFlite operates a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft equipped with advanced medical technology. These air ambulances are staffed by highly trained medical personnel, including paramedics and nurses, who provide critical care during transport. The air ambulance service is crucial for transporting patients over long distances or to specialized medical facilities.

CareFlite helicopter at Harris Methodist

Ground Ambulance

In addition to air transport, CareFlite provides ground ambulance services. These ambulances are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and are staffed by skilled EMS professionals. The ground fleet is strategically located to ensure rapid response times across the service area.

Specialty Care Transport

CareFlite also offers specialty care transport services for patients who require advanced medical care during transport. This includes neonatal and pediatric transport, as well as transport for patients with complex medical needs.

Fleet

CareFlite's fleet includes a variety of aircraft and vehicles designed to meet different medical transport needs:

CareFlite aircraft in Grand Prairie, Texas

Helicopters

The helicopter fleet includes models such as the Bell 407 and Bell 429, which are known for their reliability and performance in medical transport operations. These helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to provide in-flight care.

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

CareFlite's fixed-wing aircraft are used for longer-distance transports and are capable of flying in a variety of weather conditions. These aircraft are essential for transporting patients to specialized facilities that are not accessible by helicopter.

Ground Vehicles

The ground ambulance fleet includes advanced life support (ALS) and basic life support (BLS) vehicles. These ambulances are equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure high-quality care during transport.

CareFlite Bell 407GX in Hill County, Texas

Operations

CareFlite operates 24/7, providing emergency and non-emergency medical transport services. The organization works closely with local hospitals, fire departments, and EMS agencies to coordinate patient care and transport. CareFlite's communication center is staffed by trained professionals who manage dispatch and coordination of all transport services.

Community Involvement

As a non-profit organization, CareFlite is committed to serving the community. It offers membership programs that provide financial benefits to members in the event of a medical transport. CareFlite also participates in community education and outreach programs to promote health and safety.

Related pages

• Emergency medical services in the United States
• Air ambulance
• Paramedic