CareFlite is a nonprofit ambulance service based in Grand Prairie, Texas which operates throughout North and Central Texas. CareFlite's original namesake service is helicopter air ambulance, though today it also performs fixed-wing and ground transport.
CareFlite's Board of Directors includes representatives from Texas Health Resources, Methodist Health System, Baylor Scott & White Health Care System, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and the JPS Health Network.
History
CareFlite began operations in 1979. It originated with one helicopter, a Bell 206L, which was shared between Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital. CareFlite augmented their air ambulance service with ground operations in 1981.
Fleet
Current aircraft
CareFlite currently operates six helicopters, one fixed-wing aircraft, and several ground ambulances. 2 Bell 429 4 Bell 407GX 1 Beech C90
Former aircraft
Agusta AW109
Bell 222UT
Bell 206L
Operations
Helicopter flight crew
Each CareFlite helicopter is staffed by a pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic meeting the following minimum requirements:
Pilot
ATP Rotorcraft Certification
2500 hours helicopter total time
500 turbine flight hours
200 unaided night-flight hours
Nurse
At least five years emergency room and/or intensive care unit experience
Paramedic license or certification
CFRN
ACLS
ATLS or TPATC
PALS
S.T.A.B.L.E. NRP Paramedic At least 5 years progressive 9-1-1 experience FP-C ACLS ATLS or TPATC PALS S.T.A.B.L.E. NRP
Bases of operation
Helicopter
Methodist Dallas Medical Center
Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital
McKinney National Airport
North Texas Medical Center
Granbury Regional Airport
Whitney, Texas
Burnet, Texas
Fixed-wing
Grand Prairie Municipal Airport
Ground
Collin County
Dallas County
Denton County
Ellis County
Erath County
Hill County
Johnson County
Kaufman County
Palo Pinto County
Parker County
Accidents
On September 3, 2003, a CareFlite AW109 lost power while taking off from the Methodist Dallas Medical Center. The pilot aborted the takeoff, forcing the aircraft onto its side on the helipad to avoid going over the side of the building. The pilot was injured in the crash. On June 2, 2010, a CareFlite 222 was undergoing a post-maintenance flight near Midlothian, Texas when it broke up in the air. The pilot and the mechanic on board were both killed in the crash. The probable cause was found to be fracture of a swashplate drive pin. On September 30, 2012, a CareFlite AW109 dispatched on mission entered IFR conditions, shortly thereafter descending from the clouds. The aircraft impacted the ground at a level attitude, skidded and landed on its side. The three crew members were seriously injured.
Memberships
As with some other air ambulance services, CareFlite offers yearly memberships to cover transport costs not paid by medical insurance. The membership costs are charged per household. This includes helicopter, ground, and most fixed-wing transport costs.
Fixed-wing transport
If insurance deems a fixed-wing transport usage not medically necessary or denies claim, the member is responsible 50% of the charges.
Partnership with Air Methods
CareFlite has membership reciprocity with Air Methods, a large helicopter company which operates many air ambulance programs throughout the United States. This allows members of Air Methods and CareFlite to benefit from their memberships if they require air medical transport in either companies' respective areas of operation.