posted May 20, 2025

Suwannee Air Rescue to Strengthen Access to Lifesaving Emergency Care Across the Region

SUWANNEE COUNTY, FL—MAY 20, 2025 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, is proud to announce a new partnership with Suwannee County Fire Rescue aimed at enhancing emergency medical services throughout the region. This collaboration will bring faster, more effective air medical transport and advanced critical care to residents when every second counts —without placing a financial burden on the county or its residents.

As part of this partnership, Suwannee County Fire Rescue and Air Methods will open a new air medical base—Suwannee Air Rescue—this fall at Suwannee County Airport, delivering timely, lifesaving care to the community and surrounding areas.

As part of this agreement, Suwannee County paramedics will work alongside Air Methods’ experienced flight nurses and pilots to form an integrated, high-performing emergency response team. Air Methods will own and operate the aircraft, providing expert aviation and clinical crews trained to manage a wide range of medical emergencies. Suwannee County will staff the base with highly skilled paramedics, ensuring swift ground coordination and support.

“Our partnership with Air Methods helps ensure our residents have access to the highest level of emergency care,” said Dan Miller, Fire Chief of Suwannee County Fire Rescue. “By combining our local knowledge with their advanced capabilities, we’re creating a flying ICU that brings lifesaving care directly to our community.”

Air Methods remains deeply committed to accessible and affordable care. The company is in-network with most major health insurance providers nationwide for emergency air medical transport, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients. Additionally, its comprehensive patient advocacy program works with all patients—regardless of insurance status—to help manage costs, making pre-paid air medical memberships unnecessary.

“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Suwannee County,” said Zachary Nicholson, Regional Business Director at Air Methods. “Together, we’re bringing advanced critical care directly to those in need — quickly, efficiently, and compassionately. Our mission is to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care with complete confidence in the team supporting them.”

This partnership marks a major milestone in regional emergency preparedness and reinforces both organizations’ dedication to protecting the health and safety of Suwannee County residents.