AirEvac moves base to Keokuk

CONTINUING CARE

This relocation builds on that legacy by positioning our teams where they can continue providing timely, high-quality care to the communities we’ve served for years.”

Joe Grygel, vice president of operations at Global Medical Response

KEOKUK - As emergency medical needs continue to evolve across the region, Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL 59) is relocating its air medical base from Great River Health to Keokuk Municipal Airport to better serve patients in and around Keokuk.
The move comes after Great River Health System moved to a partnership with MedForce and, as a result of that decision, the AirEvac Lifeteam airbase, currently located on the SEIRMC Fort Madison campus was shuttered this month.
The relocation, made official at a contract signing on Thursday, February 5, 2026, between the City of Keokuk, Keokuk Municipal Airport Board, and Air Evac Lifeteam, addresses changing healthcare utilization patterns and emergency response needs across the service area. By repositioning its aircraft closer to where patients live and work, Air Evac expects to improve availability and reduce the time it takes to reach patients during critical emergencies. 
Air Evac Lifeteam has served the region for more than 20 years, providing air medical transport to patients, families, and healthcare partners across southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri. Over that time, Air Evac has completed more than 6,000 patient flights, supporting emergency care for communities throughout the region. 
“For more than two decades, Air Evac Lifeteam has been a trusted part of this region’s emergency care system,” said Joe Grygel, vice president of operations at Global Medical Response (GMR). “This relocation builds on that legacy by positioning our teams where they can continue providing timely, high-quality care to the communities we’ve served for years.” 
“Relocating our base allows us to better align our resources with how and where emergency care is needed today,” said Mike Koenig, base manager for AEL 59. “This move strengthens our ability to reach patients efficiently while continuing the level of service our communities and healthcare partners rely on.” 
The relocation is anticipated to be completed in spring 2026. Emergency air medical coverage will remain uninterrupted throughout the transition, with no change in how services are requested or dispatched. 
Once complete, the relocated base will support faster access to care for patients in Keokuk, Carthage, Kahoka, Fort Madison, and surrounding rural communities. Operations will continue with full crew retention, and one helicopter staffed and available around the clock. 
The relocation was developed in coordination with city leadership and the Keokuk Municipal Airport Board to ensure alignment with local planning needs. The airport location was selected for its access to the service area and proximity to the communities served.