HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and Air Methods announce launch of new 'flying ICU'
HCA Florida Healthcare, the state’s leading emergency healthcare provider, in partnership with Air Methods, a national leader in emergency air medical services, is announcing the launch of a new air ambulance service that will serve communities along the Nature Coast and inland in western North Central Florida. This medical helicopter fleet, HCA Florida AirLife, provides the specialized response and speed necessary to stabilize trauma, stroke and other seriously injured or ill patients before they reach the hospital, significantly improving outcomes.
The fully equipped “flying ICUs” have a range of 379 miles and cruise speeds of 153 miles per hour.
“With the launch of our new air ambulance partnership, HCA Florida Healthcare is significantly expanding access to critical and emergency care for our neighbors to the west,” said Alan Keesee, CEO, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “In an emergency, minutes matter, and this new service will cut travel time nearly in half for patients coming from these largely rural communities.”
HCA Florida AirLife began transporting patients on this new route on March 18. These specially equipped helicopters function as flying ICUs, with flight nurses and paramedics trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, pregnancy emergencies and other major health concerns.
"We are proud to work with HCA Healthcare to expand our air medical footprint in Florida and provide residents of North Central Florida with industry-leading critical care when seconds matter most," said Brandon Ryan, Air Methods Vice President of Business Development. "This aircraft will play a crucial role in reducing transport times and providing lifesaving care to residents of Levy and Gilchrist counties and beyond."
The transport helicopters are based in Chiefland, Florida, and primarily serve trauma and medical emergency patients in Levy and Gilchrist counties and surrounding communities.
“Access to timely, life-saving care should never depend on distance,” said Chiefland Mayor Rissa Johns. “This air ambulance is a critical investment not only for the citizens of Chiefland, but for families across Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties. In rural communities like ours, every minute matters, and this resource brings a new level of safety, support, and peace of mind to the entire tri-county region.”
“With a travel time of over an hour, on average, to a hospital for Levy County residents, this air ambulance, in an emergency situation, is a necessity,” noted Levy County Commissioner Desiree Mills. “We’re very excited to be able to partner with HCA Florida Healthcare to offer this critical service.”
Also in attendance were Tim Hodge, Levy County Commission Chairman, District 4; Matthew McClain, Marion County Commission Vice Chairman, District 3; Jessica Schultz, Ocala/Marion Chamber & Economic Partnership Director Business Development; Jules Lewis, HCA Healthcare Director of Operations for Medical Transport; Jeannie Rickman, Economic Development Coordinator for Kat Cammack, US Representative for Florida's 3rd congressional district in the Ocala District Office.
In 2025, Air Methods transported more than 2,800 critical care patients to 83 different HCA Florida Healthcare facilities statewide. HCA Florida Healthcare and Air Methods look forward to continuing to work closely with emergency medical services providers serving communities across Florida.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony on March 25, 680 students from Blessed Trinity Catholic School participated in a “helicopter petting zoo,” where they met the pilot and flight crew.