Baptist LifeFlight Continues Service in Mobile

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2008) – Baptist LifeFlight, the third oldest hospital-based program in the United States, will continue air medical transport services in Mobile, Ala. Baptist Hospital’s LifeFlight program was one of two air ambulance systems in Mobile until the announcement from Medevac to discontinue service earlier this week.

“Baptist Health Care would like to reassure the community that Baptist LifeFlight is committed to serving the people of Mobile and has no plans to shut down or reduce services,” said Kevin Stanhope, program director, LifeFlight. “We have provided uninterrupted service to this area since 2004 and will continue to have a presence in this community.”

In fact, LifeFlight is currently planning to expand services with the addition of a fourth base in south central Mississippi. This will enhance coverage and aircraft availability in the Mobile area.

Baptist LifeFlight has lead air medical transport services in Mobile since 2004 when SouthFlite discontinued operations. Since 2007, LifeFlight has been one of two air medical transport programs to service the area. According to Stanhope, Mobile does not have enough flights for two helicopter programs to be successful.

“Baptist LifeFlight has the capacity to meet all of the air transportation needs in Mobile and the surrounding area,” said Stanhope.

At present, Baptist LifeFlight provides a three helicopter transport system, with one aircraft based in Semmes, Ala; one in Evergreen, Ala. and one in Pensacola, Fla. Baptist LifeFlight has provided service to the region for more than 31 years.

For more information on Baptist Health Care and LifeFlight, call (850) 469–4080 or continue to browse eBaptistHealthCare.org/BaptistLifeFlight