Covenant Health Air Medical Program Expands Access to Critical Care Across East Tennessee

Timely access to exceptional care can make all the difference for the communities we serve. At Covenant Health, we are focused on bringing advanced medical services closer to home and investing in the health of our region. Our new partnership with Air Methods marks an important step forward in expanding emergency and critical care access across East Tennessee.

“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality care for the communities we serve,” said Jim VanderSteeg, president and CEO of Covenant Health. “By working with Air Methods, we can help ensure patients—especially those in rural areas—have timely access to critical care when it matters most.”

Through this partnership, we are combining Covenant Health’s clinical expertise and regional presence with Air Methods’ national experience in air medical transport to strengthen care delivery across East Tennessee.

Beginning in May, we will launch a dedicated air medical program designed to serve our region. The program will operate two air medical bases, one in Morristown and one in Rockwood. Each base will house an Airbus H135 helicopter and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Together with Air Methods, we are focused on one goal: ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

Meeting Patients Where They Are

For patients experiencing serious illness or injury, minutes matter. In areas where distance or geography can delay care, air medical transport plays a critical role. These new bases will significantly enhance rapid access to advanced medical services, supporting local hospitals, emergency responders and healthcare providers throughout East Tennessee.

Each aircraft will be equipped to care for patients with complex needs during transport. Capabilities include infant transport with baby pods, advanced cardiac support for serious heart emergencies and whole blood for in-flight treatment of patients experiencing severe blood loss. These resources allow care to begin immediately.

A Commitment to Safety and Excellence

Highly trained Air Methods pilots and mechanics will staff each base around the clock, alongside experienced Covenant Health clinicians. This integrated team approach ensures seamless coordination from the moment a patient needs emergency transport through arrival at a facility prepared to continue their care.

We selected the Airbus H135 helicopters for their advanced safety features, reliability and performance in air medical missions. As the program launches, we will also work closely with local emergency responders and healthcare partners to integrate these resources into existing emergency response systems across East Tennessee.

Caring for Our Communities

Expanding access to life-saving care reflects our mission to improve the quality of life through better health. By strengthening emergency response and reducing barriers to critical care, this air medical program helps more patients across our region receive the care they need when every second counts.

We remain committed to putting patients first, striving for excellence in all we do and continuing to serve as the trusted health partner for the communities of East Tennessee.