Air Methods has announced the official opening of its LifeNet 1-4 base in Sioux City, the new base expands access to lifesaving care across western Iowa, eastern Nebraska and southeastern South Dakota.

“It’s always a proud day when we open a new base,” said Air Methods Regional Sales Director Derek Strohman. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to expand our service area while continuing to provide the life-saving care that our partners and their patients have come to expect.”

LifeNet 1-4 operates in an Airbus H130 aircraft, which is renowned for its exceptional reliability and minimal maintenance downtime. It is fully equipped with the advanced medical equipment and medications required to function as a flying ICU. The industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics carry blood on board, allowing them to administer this lifesaving resource at a trauma scene or in flight.

As part of the Nebraska-Iowa ecosystem, the new base joins LifeNet rotor-wing bases in Columbus, Kearney, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and the StarCare base in Crete, as well as fixed-wing aircraft in North Platte. Air Methods is also partners with Children’s Nebraska, adding an additional rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft in Nebraska, as well as Unity Point LifeFlight, MercyOne AirMed and the University of Iowa AirCare, adding another 10 aircraft across the Hawkeye State.

“Having a strong ecosystem of aircraft and clinicians allows us to provide our partners and patients with industry-leading care that they expect and deserve,” said Strohman. “With just one call, we will be there no matter how big of an ask.”