posted September 18, 2025

Program expands lifesaving access with area’s only 24/7 air medical plane 

LAS VEGAS, NV – Sept. 17, 2025 – First responders and healthcare leaders from across southern Nevada came together on Wednesday to cut the ribbon on Mercy Air’s new and only permanently based, 24/7 fixed-wing air medical base in the Las Vegas area. Mercy Air 51, which is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, is located at Cheyenne Airport Center in North Las Vegas.  

Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony also joined the celebration to present the crew with a Lieutenant Governor Certificate of Recognition for their “significant advancement in timely patient care and unwavering commitment to innovation, service, and the well-being of our citizens.” 

“This aircraft is extremely important for the state of Nevada,” said Anthony. “A lot of places don’t even have a clinic, so if people get hurt or have a medical need, they may have to drive three hours to get help. Their life is on the line, and that’s why this Mercy Air aircraft is so critical.” 

Joining an ecosystem of care with the Mercy Air helicopter bases in Henderson, Pahrump, and Mesquite, this aircraft expands the program’s ability to provide lifesaving care across the state. With its ability to fly longer distances and operate in a wider range of weather conditions, the Pilatus PC-12 is a critical asset when weather over the mountains between Las Vegas and Pahrump prevents helicopters from flying.  

“Today we are not just welcoming a new aircraft, we are welcoming a lifeline – a symbol of speed, connection, and hope for our community of Pahrump,” said Ryan Muccio, marketing and outreach coordinator for Desert View Hospital in Pahrump. “This isn’t just about a machine, it’s about making sure that no matter where someone lives, lifesaving care is always within reach.” 

Representatives from Guardian Elite AEMT Medical Service, Clark County Fire, Henderson Fire, Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, University Medical Center, Desert View Hospital, and Desert Springs Hospital were also in attendance to celebrate the arrival of this much-needed critical asset. 

“This aircraft went into service on August 1, and we had our first patient within 15 minutes,” said Air Methods Area Manager Alicia Davis. “That patient had been waiting over a week to get to Phoenix, so it shows why we are here and the need that is in this area.” 

The new base is staffed with best-in-class flight nurses and paramedics ready to respond to trauma, heart attacks, strokes, pediatric emergencies, burns, motor vehicle accidents, and other time-sensitive medical events. Their Pilatus PC-12 is equipped with advanced medical equipment and medications, allowing it to function as a flying ICU. The crews carry whole blood that can be administered on scene or in flight, and a Zoll AutoPulse ® NXT device, which administers automatic, high-quality chest compressions in flight, allowing clinicians to provide additional lifesaving interventions during cardiac emergencies. 

“Mercy Air has been in Nevada for 30 years, and has continually invested into the communities it serves,” said Air Methods Regional Sales Director Vanessa Hayflich. “From carrying whole blood, to adding the Zoll AutoPulse NXT, and now adding this aircraft that can serve the entire region, we continue providing the best for the people of southern Nevada.” 

Air Methods is committed to providing affordable air medical service to all who need it and is in-network with most major health insurance providers. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability. Pre-paid memberships are not needed with any air medical service provider. 

“If a patient doesn’t have insurance, our patient advocates help them to ensure they can focus on their recovery without worrying about the bill,” said Davis. “We also provide scheduled fixed-wing service for patients who need to be transported in non-emergent medical situations, and we have a team that handles those insurance approvals as well. We do everything we can to make the process as easy as possible on our patients.”  

Photos of the event are available here, courtesy of Air Methods: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aPAio2nDF9Cz5yMF7