posted August 11, 2025

Agreement ensures rapid and reliable critical care transport 

BONIFAY, FL – Aug. 6, 2025 – In order to ensure the most efficient and reliable air medical transport for patients in need of critical care, Doctors Memorial Hospital in Bonifay recently signed a preferred provider agreement (PPA) with Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service provider, and the parent company of Marianna-based AIRHeart 2 and partner in Walton Air Rescue in Defuniak Springs. Through this agreement, AIRHeart 2 and Walton Air Rescue will serve as the hospital’s primary air medical providers.  

“We are thrilled to partner with Doctors Memorial Hospital through this agreement,” said Air Methods Account Executive Tommy Cochran. “It demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to improving access to high-quality healthcare and ensures patients receive the best service possible when they need to move between medical facilities for specialized care.” 

Certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) — the highest standard in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry — AIRHeart and Walton Air Rescue provide hospital-level care during air medical transport, whether from the scene of an accident or trauma, or between medical facilities. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices, the teams can provide specialty care including advanced airway intervention; cardiac and blood flow monitoring; ventilator management; medication administration; and other advanced procedures. The team carries and can administer whole blood in flight, further enhancing patient outcomes. 

Their industry-leading pilots, flight nurses, flight paramedics, and aviation mechanics are highly experienced and participate in specialized training every year. Pilots train using Level D full motion flight simulators, the most advanced simulation technology approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and used by most commercial airlines. Clinicians receive hands-on training through Air Methods’ multi-accredited, critical care clinical education program, Ascend, ensuring they perform at the top of their licensure. 

“Here at Doctors Memorial Hospital, we strive to give our community the best care that we can,” said ER Director Angela Stoe, RN. “This new collaboration with Air Methods strengthens our commitment to providing timely, lifesaving care for all the communities we serve. We are blessed to have Air Methods by our side.”   

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Florida and is in-network with most health insurance providers. Air medical membership is never required for service. Additionally, the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services.