New fixed wing air medical base dedicated at Williamsburg-Whitley Airport

State Senate President, and GOP gubernatorial candidate, David Williams spoke during the dedication last week of the state’s only fixed wing air medical base at the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport.

Nearly 100 people turned out Friday afternoon at the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport for the dedication ceremony of the only fixed wing air medical ambulance base in Kentucky.

"It seems so many times when these tragedies happen that these helicopters are limited by weather," noted Kentucky Senate President David Williams, who is the Republican nominee for governor. "Quite frankly, they fly many times when they shouldn’t because they go in there trying to save lives. They put themselves at risk every day.

"This fixed wing that we have here will be able to fly with instrument flight rules. It will be able get in and out and take our people to places that they could only dream about going before to get to hospitals for immediate treatment."

Williams added this is a good example of what can happen when the private sector sees a need, and works collaboratively with local governments to make something happen.

"This is a great day for not only our area here, but for the entire state as we open up a new access for emergency healthcare being provided," Williams said. "I know this facility will be a blessing for years to come."

Joe Bradshaw, Air Evac’s program director in Williamsburg, noted that Williams has always been a listening ear for emergency medical services, whether they have been on the ground or in the air.

Air Evac moved to Kentucky in 1999 when it opened up its 10th base overall.

Friday’s dedication ceremony marked the 105th base that the organization has opened.

Air Evac opened a base in Whitley County four years ago, and the fixed wing aircraft went operational in July.

Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. said the access to the medical services Air Evac is providing with this service is huge for the area.

"Each and every one that live around here or almost everyone of us will know someone that has the benefit of this helicopter," he said. "Quite possibly, it may be what saved their life, the reason they are still with us.

"This company has truly with its two investments delivered world class medical service to the doorstep of Appalachia and Southeastern Kentucky. You cannot get to better medical service in the world than these two pieces of equipment can get you too."

One of the first 20 flights that the aircraft made was to take someone to the Mayo Clinic, he added.

In addition to the two emergency medical aircraft bases at the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport, Air Evac also operates a regional maintenance facility at the airport servicing aircraft from six other bases. In addition, it operates a training facility on the second floor of the airport terminal.

Officials noted that the economic impact of the service can’t be under estimated in regards to the local economy.

White said that Air Evac’s investment is significant to the community in Whitley County. It employees 30 people putting $10 – $12 million back into the local economy through payroll.

"It brings jobs and economic development to our community," he noted. "We appreciate Air Evac’s investment in our community. In this day and time, putting a multi-million dollar helicopter and airplane station is a big improvement financially to our community."

The fixed wing air medical ambulance is a joint operation between Air Evac and Eagle Med, a company specializing in fixed wing service.

"From Eagle Med’s standpoint, I just want to say that we are very blessed to be here, and to provide fixed wing service to enhance what is already world class operation," said Eagle Med President Larry Bugg.

"As sister corporations, we all share the same value that is safety is the fundamental underpinnings for everything we do and world class patient care, caring for each other and the patients and communities that we serve."

Whitley County Airport Board Chairman Keith Brashear said Air Evac’s equipment is a major boost to the facility and the region.

"Not only does it have the impact, the people that Air Evac employs, but it offers first class medical service to practically anywhere in the eastern part of the United States," Brashear said.

Brashear said that when the airport first opened in 2004, the airport board was optimistic that the airport would be utilized, but they didn’t have any idea it would occur this quickly.

"We do see continued growth at the airport. We always have somebody on the line trying to entice them to come here," he said. "We’ve spoken to several different groups about locating different types of operations out here."

Brashear said there are also discussions with a group currently to develop the opposite side of the airport.

"If this comes to fruition, they would possibly have up to 100 employees they have told us," he said. "We are always hoping the airport will have positive economic impact."