By Mark Glover
The Sacramento Bee
SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Santa Rosa-based REACH Air Medical Services said it plans to expand its Northern California operations with a new air ambulance base in Rancho Cordova, possibly by October.
REACH officials did not disclose the exact location of the emergency-medical air base, saying a final agreement had not yet been signed.
In the region, REACH currently oversees bases at Sacramento Executive Airport and at sites in Marysville and Stockton.
Officials said the Rancho Cordova base will feature a new Eurocopter EC135 helicopter to serve hospitals and medical personnel throughout the Sacramento area.
“This aircraft was chosen to serve the area because it allows for additional staff and specialty equipment to be carried to those in need. The helicopter will support our existing airplane service in Sacramento that partners with UC Davis Medical Center,” Sean Russell, president of REACH, said in a statement.
Officials said the Eurocopter EC135 is capable of air speeds of 150 miles per hour and will be equipped with specialized medical equipment.
REACH Medical Holdings LLC, also headquartered in Santa Rosa, operates REACH Air Medical Services and Cal-Ore Life Flight, providing critical care air and ground transport services to communities in California, Oregon and Southern Texas. REACH has a fleet of 18 medically equipped helicopters, eight airplanes and nine ground ambulances.
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©2014 The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.)