UMMC AirCare expands fleet with addition of fixed-wing aircraft

The University of Mississippi Medical Center AirCare flight team is preparing to expand its fleet with the addition of a fixed-wing aircraft and is looking to hire 10 additional medical staff members to support the new service. 

The aircraft will become the fifth vehicle in the AirCare fleet, expanding the program’s ability to provide in-state and regional patient transport. 

“Adding a fixed-wing aircraft is a natural evolution for AirCare and gives us another tool to serve patients across Mississippi and the surrounding region,” said Jeremy Benson, director of the Mississippi Center for Emergency Services, and program director for AirCare – Helicopter Transport. “It allows us to move patients safely and efficiently over longer distances, particularly when rotor-wing transport may not be the most practical option." 

AirCare routinely receives transport requests involving patients who require specialized care not readily available in their local communities. The addition of a fixed-wing asset strengthens UMMC’s ability to support these missions across Mississippi and the surrounding region, including long-distance transports from neighboring states to UMMC’s Level I trauma center and other advanced specialty services.  

“With highly specialized services such as stroke, transplant, trauma, neonatal, STEMI and burn care, UMMC serves as a critical referral destination for some of the sickest and most seriously injured patients in the region,” said Dr. Kendall McKenzie, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “This additional transport capability enhances our emergency response network and helps ensure patients can be transferred safely and efficiently to the care teams and resources they need.” 

“Often, we see patients who need access to a higher level of specialized care, and distance can become a real operational barrier,” Benson said. “This fixed-wing asset helps us bridge that gap. It gives AirCare the ability to reach farther, support our partner hospitals more effectively and bring patients to the right level of care in a safe, timely and efficient manner.” 

The fixed-wing aircraft is configured to transport one patient while providing expanded cabin space for the medical crew, equipment and mission-specific supplies. Its increased range, carrying capacity and weather-capable features, enhance AirCare’s ability to safely complete longer-distance transports and operate in conditions that may limit rotor-wing aircraft.  

Global Medical Response, which provides pilots and mechanics for the AirCare fleet, will continue its partnership with UMMC as the fixed-wing program launches. 

“We are proud to partner with the University of Mississippi Medical Center AirCare on the expansion of their flight program,” said Billy Casey, regional director of Global Medical Response. “This important addition strengthens their capacity to provide exceptional clinical care to communities across Mississippi and neighboring states.” 

“This expansion reflects UMMC’s commitment to ensuring patients across Mississippi and the region have access to the highest level of care when and where they need it,” said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs. “The addition of a fixed-wing aircraft strengthens our ability to connect patients with specialized services more efficiently while supporting hospitals and communities that rely on the Medical Center for advanced care.” 

AirCare is currently hiring for several positions to support the expansion of the flight program, including Flight Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic and RN Flight / Transport roles. More information and application details are available on the UMMC Careers website.