posted April 28, 2026

Numerous features allow LifeGuard to provide even greater service with new fixed wing plane

CARLSBAD, NM – April 28, 2026 – Look to the skies over Carlsbad and you may catch a glimpse of LifeGuard 4’s new PC-12/47E-NG air medical fixed wing plane. The busy flight crew uses this asset to transport patients needing to go farther distances for higher-level medical care or in weather conditions unsuitable for the helicopters with their sister program, Native Air.

“LifeGuard 4 has been proudly serving this area for over 20 years, and we are excited by what the upgrades in this aircraft mean for our community,” said LifeGuard Lead Pilot Gabriel Mason. “It offers improved situational awareness with synthetic vision, which gives pilots 3D images of the terrain, runways, and any obstacles that may be in the area, making flight safer than ever. It also flies a bit faster and can carry more weight, which may mean transporting a larger patient and possibly a family member, more medical equipment, or more fuel.”

The PC-12 is exceptional for air medical missions, with short field takeoff and landing capabilities, high cruise speed, and good fuel economy which allows for a greater range. LifeGuard’s upgraded aircraft also features new clinical benefits.

“Getting patients into this aircraft is easier thanks to its wider sled with ball bearing rollers that allow for smoother loading,” said Mason. “It also carries two oxygen bottles which allow for longer transports for patients requiring oxygen. There are also more lights that are extremely helpful to our flight nurses and paramedics providing patient care.”

LifeGuard is part of Air Methods, the country’s leading air medical provider, which is transitioning much of its nation-wide fixed wing fleet to the PC-12 to allow pilots to serve various bases as needed and to have a higher volume of aircraft parts on hand for rapid repairs. In addition to its base in Carlsbad, LifeGuard also has a fixed wing base in Roswell. Its sister program, Native Air, operates rotor wing bases from Carlsbad, Artesia, Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Deming, and Silver City, providing a complete ecosystem of air medical care across southern New Mexico.

“Our pilots took great pride and care in learning, training and flying orientation flights to make sure they were mission-ready for our launch date in this aircraft,” said LifeGuard Pilot Samantha Osborn. “It is a great indicator of how committed this team is to getting the job done proficiently, efficiently, and safely.” 

Equipped as a flying ICU, the LifeGuard team provides lifesaving care for neonatal, pediatric, high-risk obstetric, and adult patients with cardiac, stroke, trauma, and other critical care needs. They carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss and at risk of hemorrhagic shock, as well as a Zoll AutoPulse CPR device, allowing for in-flight mechanical CPR.

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across New Mexico and beyond. For patients with health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or VA coverage, air medical care is most likely included. Air Methods’ dedicated patient advocates work directly with patients based on their own unique financial circumstances, regardless of insurance coverage, to ensure affordability.

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