Air Methods, Pafford Medical Services Announce Launch of Pafford Air Med Rotor Wing Program

Program will start with Bell 407 aircraft in Texarkana, Arkadelphia

HOPE, AR, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, announced today a new partnership with Pafford Medical Services to launch a rotor wing air medical program across Southern Arkansas. This program, which is expected to become operational in October 2026, will operate air medical bases in Texarkana and Arkadelphia, each operating a Bell 407 helicopter.

This partnership brings together Air Methods’ nationally recognized aviation expertise with Pafford Medical Services’ high-quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care. Once operations begin, this program will significantly enhance rapid access to advanced medical transport for patients in both urban and rural communities, supporting hospitals, first responders, and healthcare providers throughout the region.

"By partnering with Pafford Medical Services, we are able to ensure that the residents of Southern Arkansas continue to have access to care, regardless of how far they may be from the nearest trauma center," said Air Methods Vice President of Field Operations Michael McGregory. "By combining our industry-leading air medical services with Pafford’s long-established ground ambulance services, we are strengthening the ability of both partners to deliver timely, appropriate, and high-quality care when minutes matter most.”

Each base will be staffed around the clock with Air Methods’ highly trained pilots and mechanics, alongside Pafford’s experienced clinicians, delivering a seamless, integrated approach to emergency and critical care transport. The aircraft will have the capability to carry specialized medical equipment, including Impella, intra-aortic balloon pump, and ZOLL AutoPulse NXT devices to support complex cardiac patient transport. Crews will also carry whole blood for in-flight administration to patients experiencing severe blood loss and at risk of hemorrhagic shock.

“For generations, Pafford has been committed to finding ways to bring the right resources closer to the communities we serve,” said Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO of Pafford Medical Services. “This partnership is a natural extension of that commitment. By combining Pafford’s experienced clinicians and established EMS network with Air Methods’ aviation expertise, we are adding another resource that can help connect patients to the care they need when time and distance matter. Our flight clinicians bring advanced critical care experience and rigorous, specialized training to this program, preparing them to care for some of the most complex patients during transport. We are proud to bring this capability home to Arkansas and look forward to working alongside our hospitals, first responders and healthcare partners across the region.”

The first base, which will open in Texarkana, will operate in a brand-new Bell 407GXi. The light, single-engine turbine helicopter features advanced Garmin G1000H NXi avionics and a Rolls-Royce 250-C47E/4 engine. The aircraft also has Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability, allowing for safe operation in low-visibility conditions. The base in Arkadelphia will operate in a Bell 407 which is already part of the Air Methods fleet. Both aircraft will feature custom medical interiors, which include an Articulating Litter Loading System (ALLS), which allows for the primary caregiver to be seated at the patient’s head. 

As part of the launch process, Air Methods and Pafford Medical Services will work closely with local stakeholders, emergency responders, and healthcare partners to ensure seamless integration of the new air medical resources into the region’s emergency response network.

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About Air Methods
Air Methods (airmethods.com) is the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. With more than 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.

About Pafford Medical Services

Since 1967, Pafford Medical Services has been a trusted provider of high-quality, pre-hospital emergency medical care. Family-owned and operated, Pafford proudly serves communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas, responding to more than 350,000 requests for service each year. With a dedicated team of highly trained professionals, advanced life support capabilities and a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Pafford continues to set the standard for excellence in emergency medical services. To learn more, visit www.paffordems.com and follow us on social media.

Chris Thompson
Air Methods
(720) 436-7312
christopher.thompson@airmethods.com

Suzie Barham 
Pafford Medical Services
(870) 777-7427
Pr@paffordems.com