GRH signs partnership with MedForce

ENHANCED RELATIONSHIP

While there will no longer be an airbase on the Fort Madison campus, the level of service and responsiveness will remain unchanged. The Emergency Department staff at our Fort Madison campus have an established working relationship with the MedForce crew and will continue to work with the AirEvac team as needed,”

Tomi Hagan, Chief Compliance Officer, GRH

Air Evac out at Fort Madison

SEIRMC Fort Madison campus air base will be discontinued in February.

WEST BURLINGTON - Great River Health, to provide continuity of care across its hospital campuses, will partner with MedForce Air Ambulance to become its preferred provider of air transport services. 
The announcement moves the regional hospital service away from Air Evac and will no longer have an airbase on the Fort Madison campus.
MedForce operates an airbase on the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (SEIRMC), West Burlington campus, and is the primary air ambulance service provider for SEIRMC, West Burlington, and Henry County Health Center.  Great River Health has a long history of working with MedForce to provide medical air transport services throughout the region. MedForce operates two additional air bases, each equipped with an EC 135 to support flights, as well as an additional back-up EC 135 available on demand.  
As a result of this decision, the AirEvac Lifeteam airbase, currently located on the SEIRMC, Fort Madison campus, will be discontinued in February of 2026.
“While there will no longer be an airbase on the Fort Madison campus, the level of service and responsiveness will remain unchanged. The Emergency Department staff at our Fort Madison campus have an established working relationship with the MedForce crew and will continue to work with the AirEvac team as needed,” explained Tomi Hagan, Chief Compliance Officer and Executive overseeing transportation for Great River Health.
MedForce offers enhanced flight capabilities, equipment, and speed.  The MedForce fleet consists of EC135 aircraft, a faster helicopter, to decrease the travel time between points. They also operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which enables flights in inclement weather, improving reliability and safety. MedForce utilizes larger helicopters, allowing for the transport of a wide range of patients, from 10-400 pounds, ensuring inclusive care, and the ability for a parent or guardian to accompany a child during transport.
MedForce is a non-profit organization that reinvests resources in staff development and community training. Memberships are available, but individuals with Medicare and supplemental insurance, or those with air ambulance coverage, are unlikely to benefit from paid memberships. Membership funds are used to support community and staff initiatives.
“We are committed to providing consistent, high-quality healthcare at all our campuses. We continually evaluate our healthcare service partners to ensure we meet this goal, and provide the very best care to our patients,” expressed Hagan.