New Helicopter Brings Lifesaving Resource to Wakulla County  

CRAWFORDVILLE, FL – June 5, 2025 – Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States, is excited to announce the arrival of AirLife Florida 1 in Wakulla County. This new base, which opened on June 4, will enhance emergency care for residents and visitors throughout the area, further expanding the reach of Air Methods’ critical care network across Florida. 

The AirLife Florida 1 team, based in Crawfordville, is fully equipped to provide the highest standard of critical care when it is needed most. It joins an ecosystem of Air Methods bases, including AIRHeart 2 in Marianna, Okaloosa MedFlight in Niceville, and AirLife Florida 12 and LifeFlight 1 in Pensacola. This expansion allows for faster response times to emergency calls, offering 24/7 care for patients suffering from trauma events, heart attacks, strokes, pediatric emergencies, burns, motor vehicle accidents, and more. Additionally, AirLife Florida provides critical interfacility transports for patients needing to move between hospitals for specialized care. 

“As a proud resident of Wakulla County, I am truly honored to be a part of the Air Methods team and to serve this community in such a vital way,” said Flight Paramedic Cristgen Graham. “Until now, Wakulla and the surrounding counties have never had an air ambulance service so close, and this addition will be a game-changer in emergency medical care. This is where my wife and I are raising our kids, where they go to school, and where much of our family lives, so bringing this life-saving resource here is deeply personal to me. In critical moments, AirLife 1 will help ensure that patients get the emergency care they need as quickly as possible. I am excited to work alongside our local first responders and healthcare teams to bring this essential service to our community.” 

AirLife Florida 1 operates a Bell 407GXi helicopter, known for its speed, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It is fully equipped with the advanced medical equipment and medications required to function as a flying ICU. Their industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics carry blood on board, allowing them to administer this lifesaving resource at a trauma scene or in flight.  

“We’re excited to expand our services in Wakulla County, bringing faster access to the safe, advanced critical care the people in the area need,” said Air Methods Account Executive Tommy Cochran. “AirLife Florida is committed to being mission-ready whenever and wherever our services are needed, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care in their most critical moments.” 

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Florida 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.