Modes of Transport

Methodist Children’s Transport Teams provides the following modes of Transportation: Rotor Wing, Ground Ambulance, and Fixed Wing aircraft.

• ALS Rotor Wing Aircraft: Methodist AirCare: The flagship aircraft for Methodist AirCare is the Eurocopter EC-135, a twin-turbine engine helicopter renowned for its outstanding reliability and maneuverability. Its IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating gives Methodist AirCare the ability to perform in almost any weather condition, even when others cannot. For added safety, the aircraft is equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) and TAWS (Terrain Avoidance Warning Systems). Pilots for Methodist AirCare average over 5,000 hours as a pilot-in-command and are all instrument-rated and current under a rigid training and check-ride program controlled by the FAA. Not only are Methodist AirCare pilots familiar with South Texas terrain, their training with NVG (Night Vision Goggles) technology allows them to perform life-saving operations in the darkest conditions.  This aircraft can accommodate either the isolette for neonatal transports or the aero-medical transport stretcher utilized on pediatric transports.
• Our back up ALS Rotor Wing Aircraft San Antonio AirLife helicopter transport program: They currently operate three Bell 430 helicopters that can accommodate either the isolette for neonatal transports or the aero-medical transport stretcher utilized on pediatric transports.
• ALS Ambulance: Acadian Ambulance is the ground transport provider for our services. Acadian has been in service since 1971. Acadian has a dedicated Type I ambulance located at Methodist Children’s Hospital.  They provide us with a dedicated EMT driver during hours of high volume transport.  It has air and oxygen capabilities for use of the transport isolette on neonatal transports.
• ALS Fixed Wing Air Ambulance: Air Medical is the fixed wing provider utilized by our Children’s Transport Program. Their aircraft are medically equipped to care for critically ill patients. Their fleet consists of one Mitsubishi Diamond Jet and two King Air 200 aircraft. Mitsubishi Diamond Jet offers you extended range and speed, making short work of long distances. The Diamond’s cabin has the feel of a mid-size jet with the largest cabin dimensions in its class. This allows easy access to the patient and increased mobility for the medical crew. The King Air 200 aircraft are the solution for short and mid-range medical transports. This multi-engine jet prop is capable of flying at over 250 miles per hour, with the ability to get in and out of almost any airfield, minimizing the patient’s transit time. There is room for a family member to travel with the patient on all Air Medical aircraft.