New Helicopter Base at Artesia General Hospital to Bring Lifesaving Resource to Eddy County and Beyond

ARTESIA, NM – June 23, 2025 – Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, is excited to announce the launch of Native Air 24 at Artesia General Hospital. This new base will enhance emergency care for residents and visitors throughout the area, further expanding the reach of Native Air’s robust critical care ecosystem across southern New Mexico. It joins sister Native Air bases in Carlsbad, Roswell, Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Deming, and Silver City.

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, Native Air provides critical interfacility transports for patients needing to move between hospitals for specialized care.

“We’re excited to partner with Artesia General Hospital to bring the people of the area faster access to advanced critical care,” said Air Methods Regional Sales Director Jim Burt. “Native Air 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.”

Native Air 24 operates a brand new EC130 T2 helicopter. Its large cabin and standard safety features, along with the advanced medical equipment and medications carried by Native Air, allow it to function as a flying ICU. The industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics carry whole blood on board that they can administer at a trauma scene or in flight, significantly increasing positive outcomes for patients.

“This addition reflects our deep commitment to caring for our community,” said Dr. Joe Salgado, CEO of Artesia General Hospital. “By partnering with Native Air, we’re bringing faster, more advanced emergency care to the people we serve—right when they need it most. This was also something that was heavily endorsed by our nursing and ED medical staff. Native Air took the time to listen to our needs and so this is another way we’re making sure families in Artesia and the surrounding region have access to lifesaving services close to home. We’re honored to be part of a partnership that puts patients first and strengthens our ability to serve and protect the people of this region.”

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across New Mexico 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.