posted May 07, 2025

Agreement ensures reliable transport, enhancing critical care services 

SYRACUSE, NY – May 7, 2025 – St. Joseph’s Health has announced a new partnership with LifeNet of New York, a community-based air medical program owned and operated by Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the nation. Through this preferred provider agreement (PPA), LifeNet of New York will serve as St. Joseph’s primary air medical provider, ensuring more efficient and reliable patient transport for those in need of critical care. 

“For more than a decade, St. Joseph’s Health has been ranked among the best regional hospitals by U.S. News & World Report,” said Meredith Price, Senior Vice President of Acute Operations at St. Joseph’s Health. “This agreement with LifeNet of New York reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate care to the communities we serve. By improving care coordination, reducing transfer times, and supporting better outcomes for high-acuity patients across Central New York, we’re ensuring that more lives can be touched by the healing ministry of St. Joseph’s Health.” 

This new partnership builds upon St. Joseph’s existing CareFlight program, which has been serving Central New York since the installation of its helipad in 2018. The helipad has since been a critical access point for trauma and time-sensitive care, including cardiac, stroke, and surgical emergencies. 

As part of this agreement, LifeNet of New York will provide air medical transport services that adhere to the highest standards of safety, clinical excellence, and quality assurance for patients throughout Central New York. 

LifeNet of New York’s team – comprised of a pilot, nurse, paramedic, and on-call aviation mechanic – is highly trained and undergoes annual specialized training. Pilots train using Level D Full Flight Simulators, the most advanced simulation technology approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and used by most commercial airlines. Clinicians receive hands-on training through Air Methods’ multi-accredited, critical care clinical education program – Ascend – ensuring they perform at the top of their licensure.  

Certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) — the highest standards in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry — LifeNet provides hospital-level care during air medical transport, whether from the scene or between medical facilities. Equipped with industry-leading equipment and medical devices, the team can provide specialty care including advanced airway intervention; cardiac and blood flow monitoring; ventilator management; medication administration; and other advanced surgical procedures. On every flight, the team carries and can administer blood in flight or at the scene, further enhancing patient outcomes. 

“We’re proud to join forces with St. Joseph’s Health,” said Colleen Gleeson, LifeNet of New York Account Executive. “Our highly skilled crews bring critical expertise to every mission, and this agreement reinforces our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality, lifesaving care for patients across the region.” 

In the event air transport is needed and LifeNet of New York does not have an aircraft available, or the expected response time is not acceptable, other air medical providers will be contacted to ensure the patient’s needs are adequately met.  

Air Methods remains dedicated to serving communities across New York. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, ensuring that a membership is not required for service. Additionally, the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services.