JACKSON, Mississippi — The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) AirCare flight team is adding a fixed-wing aircraft and seeking to hire 10 additional medical staff to support the expanded service, officials said Wednesday.
The Pilatus PC-12, provided through UMMC’s partnership with Global Medical Response, will become the fifth vehicle in the AirCare fleet and expand the program’s ability to provide in-state and regional patient transport, Jeremy Benson, director of the Mississippi Center for Emergency Services and program director for AirCare – Helicopter Transport, said.
“Adding a fixed-wing aircraft is a natural evolution for AirCare and gives us another tool to serve patients across Mississippi and the surrounding region,” Benson said. He added the aircraft allows crews to move patients safely and efficiently over longer distances, particularly when rotor-wing transport may not be the most practical option.
Kendall McKenzie, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, said the addition will help transfer patients to UMMC’s Level I trauma center and other specialty services including stroke, transplant, trauma, neonatal, STEMI and burn care. Global Medical Response will continue to provide pilots, mechanics and aircraft for the expanded program, Billy Casey, regional director of GMR, said.
UMMC is hiring for roles including flight paramedic, critical care paramedic and RN flight/transport, and application details are on the UMMC Careers website. “This expansion reflects UMMC’s commitment to ensuring patients across Mississippi and the region have access to the highest level of care when and where they need it,” Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs, said. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
