posted May 15, 2025

Local leaders come together to commemorate milestone 

SNYDER, TX – May 15, 2025 – Celebrating their 20 years of emergency air medical service to Snyder and the surrounding communities, Native Air 39 marked the milestone with an anniversary event on May 14 where they announced their new name: AirLIFE TEXAS. Under this new brand, the Snyder team joins its sister bases in New Braunfels and Uvalde, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering the same exceptional standard of care to patients, even when they are visiting other parts of the state. All three bases are part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service in the nation. 

“We had three different program names in Texas, so being able to unite them under one name, AirLIFE TEXAS, gave us the opportunity to show unification across the state,” said Air Methods Area Manager Joel Ramirez. “We have been providing exceptional care to the Snyder area for the past 20 years, and we offer the same expertise, equipment, and clinical capabilities at all of our bases. Having the same name assures people of the quality care they will receive from us across the state.” 

Dignitaries speaking at the celebration included Snyder Mayor Stephanie Ducheneaux, Cogdell Memorial Hospital CEO Ella Helms, and Scurry County EMS Director Jason Tyler. Approximately 50 guests attended the event, including representatives from the Snyder Police Department, Snyder Fire Department, and Scurry County Sheriff, as well as Scurry County Judge Dan Hicks. Guests enjoyed lunch and connected with the flight crew who serves the region 24/7. 

“Emergency room services are the most vital thing we do. We couldn’t do it without our trusted partners, including AirLIFE,” said Helms. “To have a helicopter out your back door is unbelievable. It makes a difference when we bring physicians in and they realize we have that level of support. It is a blessing to have you there, it is a blessing to work with your staff, and we appreciate all you’ve done.” 

Mayor Ducheneaux emphasized that the air medical helicopter based in Snyder is an important asset for the town and the wider community. 

“Knowing how many lives this service has saved makes me excited,” said Ducheneaux “When we bring new people to Snyder, we have that to brag about. Not only do we have a rural hospital, we have that air ambulance. Thank you so much for all you do.” 

Also joining the celebration were former patient Kendra Olson and her mother, Mylinda Olson. In February, Kendra was transported by the crew from Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene to Medical City Dallas Hospital when she went into acute liver failure. She received a liver transplant 24 hours later. 

“It was such a relief when I walked into the hospital and saw Native Air,” said Mylinda Olson. “They told me they had transfused Kendra with a unit of blood, and I had a sense of comfort and relief after speaking with them. I am so grateful for all they did.” 

AirLIFE TEXAS 39’s Bell 407 helicopter functions as a flying ICU, carrying industry-leading clinicians who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, high-risk obstetric emergencies, and more. The crew also carries whole blood and is trained to administer it in flight, bringing hospital-level care directly to the scene. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.