Covenant Health Air Expands Lifesaving Reach with Two New Aircraft

Whether responding to a serious accident, transporting a critically ill patient between hospitals or helping a rural patient reach specialized care, Covenant Health Air plays an important role in connecting people with the treatment they need as quickly as possible. To help strengthen that mission, Covenant Health recently added two new aircraft to its Covenant Health Air fleet, enhancing the program’s ability to provide advanced air medical transport and critical care services across East Tennessee. 

Two New Aircraft, One Important Mission 

The addition of the two new helicopters represents an important investment in emergency medical services and Covenant Health’s mission to improve the quality of life in our communities through better health. 

“At Covenant Health Air, our goal is simple: provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place for the patients we serve across East Tennessee,” said Danny McCreary, director of Covenant Health EMS. “Whether we’re responding to an accident scene or transporting a patient between hospitals, our team is focused on providing safe, high-quality care while helping patients reach the resources they need as quickly as possible.” 

Operated through a partnership with Air Methods, Covenant Health Air provides rapid air medical transport and advanced critical care services for patients experiencing serious illness or injury. The program supports both scene responses and interfacility transports, helping ensure patients receive timely access to the  appropriate level of care when every second counts. 

Advanced Aircraft Designed for Safety and Care 

The two new dual-engine Airbus H135 T3+ helicopters are more than a means of transportation. They are flying intensive care units equipped with advanced technology that allows caregivers to deliver lifesaving interventions while patients are in transit.  

Based in Morristown and Rockwood, the dual-engine aircraft offer an added level of safety, reliability and performance while serving communities across East Tennessee. Their design helps crews safely and efficiently respond to patients across a wide geographic area, improving access to advanced medical care in both urban and rural communities. Staffed around the clock by Covenant Health clinicians and Air Methods aviation professionals, the helicopters are ready to respond whenever and wherever they are needed. 

The aircraft are also equipped with advanced medical technology that allows crews to deliver hospital-level care during transport, including: 

• TOCO monitor technology to support high-risk obstetric patients 
• ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device for continuous chest compressions 
• Point-of-care ultrasound for rapid patient assessment 
• The ability to carry and administer whole blood for patients experiencing severe trauma or significant blood loss 
• Ferno BabyPod 2® neonatal transport system, which enables the safe transport of premature and critically ill newborns while supporting specialized care during transport 

In addition, Covenant Health Air crews provide critical care interventions for patients experiencing: 

• Traumatic injuries 
• Heart attacks and other cardiac emergencies 
• Stroke emergencies 
• High-risk obstetric cases 
• Respiratory emergencies 
• Pediatric and neonatal critical care needs 

These capabilities help ensure patients receive advanced treatment throughout transport, reducing delays in care and improving access to specialized medical services. 

Memberships Not Required 

Another benefit for patients is that Covenant Health Air does not require memberships. Through our partnership with Air Methods, our program does not sell air ambulance memberships and many patients already have coverage for medically necessary air medical transport through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Additionally, the No Surprises Act protects privately insured patients from unexpected balance bills for emergency air ambulance services.  

During a medical emergency, patients and families should not have to worry about whether they have purchased an air ambulance membership. The priority is ensuring patients receive the care they need when they need it. Because of protections such as the No Surprises Act and existing insurance coverage, many patients do not need an air ambulance membership, and Covenant Health Air does not want patients paying for something that may be unnecessary. 

In an emergency, patients also do not choose which air medical provider responds. Emergency responders coordinate the most appropriate transportation based on a patient’s medical needs and aircraft availability. 

All aviation and billing services for Covenant Health Air are provided by Air Methods. 

A Team Focused on Patients 

Behind every flight is a team of aviation professionals, nurses, paramedics and other highly skilled caregivers working together to provide safe, high-quality care. For patients and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, this level of expertise and rapid response can make all the difference. 

“Patients deserve access to the highest level of care, no matter where they live,” said Terry Neal, manager of Covenant Health Air. “Our crews bring advanced technology, critical care expertise and lifesaving treatments directly to patients across East Tennessee. We are able to begin important interventions before patients reach the hospital.” 

Investing in the Future of Emergency Care 

The addition of these new aircraft reflects Covenant Health’s ongoing commitment and investment to improving access to lifesaving care and supporting the health of the communities we serve. Every day, Covenant Health Air helps ensure patients reach the care they need when they need it most. Learn more about Covenant Health Air and how Covenant Health is improving access to care across East Tennessee.