Pasco County commissioners voted unanimously to launch a 24/7 air ambulance program with Med-Trans Corp. This five-year partnership will operate under Pasco County Fire Rescue and aims to shorten emergency response times while saving the county money. Med-Trans will cover operating costs and reimburse the county $712,000 annually, totaling approximately $3.56 million over the initial term. The company will provide the helicopter, pilots, nursing staff, and maintenance, while Fire Rescue supplies paramedics and medical equipment. The program includes community education events where the helicopter lands on high school football fields to promote student safety. Commissioners praised the deal for its cost-effectiveness and potential to aid neighboring counties when needed. The program addresses concerns about emergency response times, highlighted by a commissioner whose husband survived a stroke thanks to timely ambulance arrival.
Key Points:
- Pasco County commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 20 to launch a 24/7 air ambulance program with Med-Trans Corp.
- Med-Trans will cover operating costs and reimburse the county $712,000 annually under a five-year agreement.
- The helicopter will be based at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport which is operated by the city of Zephyrhills.
- The program includes 10 hours of community-education flight time for events like Prom Promise.
- Pasco County Fire Rescue will supply paramedics and medical equipment under the agreement.
