JAMESTOWN, KY – June 18, 2026 - Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, is proud to announce the official opening of its newest Air Methods of Kentucky base. Kentucky 15 is based at Russell County Airport and works with the other six Air Methods of Kentucky aircraft to provide lifesaving care throughout southcentral Kentucky.
“It’s always a proud day when we open a new base,” said Air Methods Senior Account Executive Brian Carpenter. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to expand our service area while continuing to provide the life-saving care that our partners and their patients have come to expect.”
Kentucky 15 operates in an Airbus EC130 aircraft, which is renowned for its exceptional reliability and minimal maintenance downtime. It is fully equipped with the advanced medical equipment and medications required to function as a flying ICU.
The base is staffed by Air Methods’ highly-trained pilots, clinicians, and mechanics. In addition to a variety of specialized medical equipment, crews also carry whole blood for in-flight administration to patients experiencing severe blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock.
Air Method’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by its Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) accreditation—the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry. The program is equipped to provide ICU-level care in flight, including the ability to administer blood either in the air or at the scene of an accident.
The aircraft itself is not new to Kentucky as it has made the short trip from the Air Methods of Kentucky base in Somerset. Kentucky 3 will continue to fly in an EC130T2 which has been transferred from New York state.
As part of an expansive ecosystem, the new base joins Air Methods of Kentucky bases in Bedford, Corydon, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Mt. Sterling, and Somerset. Air Methods also provides aviation services for HCA Tri-Star in Nashville and Covenant Health in the Knoxville area.
“Having a strong ecosystem of aircraft and clinicians allows us to provide our partners and patients with industry-leading care that they expect and deserve,” said Carpenter. “With just one call, we will be there no matter how big of an ask.”
Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Kentucky and beyond. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services.
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About Air Methods:
Air Methods of Kentucky is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service, delivering lifesaving care to approximately 100,000 people every year. With 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company’s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.
