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Air Methods Expands Community-Based Operations Into Eastern Oklahoma

Posted on: Thursday, 4 June 2009, 12:00 CDT

DENVER, June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the largest air medical transportation company in the world, announced today an agreement with Saint Francis Health System and St. John Health System in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to assume full operation of the Tulsa Life Flight air medical program. This represents the first expansion of Air Methods' community-based model in the state of Oklahoma.

Effective June 1, 2009, Tulsa Life Flight expanded its services in Eastern Oklahoma with eventual placement of three helicopters within a 50-mile radius of Saint Francis Hospital and St. John Medical Center, extending air ambulance service to more communities in the area. Air Methods will operate a Eurocopter AS350 single-engine aircraft based in Pryor, Oklahoma, and a BK-117 twin-engine helicopter based in Keefton, Oklahoma. A third operating base location is being finalized. Under the new agreement, Air Methods will continue to supply the helicopters, pilots and maintenance of the aircraft, and now also employ the medical personnel. Air Methods and its subsidiary have worked in partnership with Saint Francis Health System and St. John Health System to operate Tulsa Life Flight as a hospital-based program since 1979.

Aaron Todd, CEO, stated, "We know these services are vital to Eastern Oklahoma communities and we are pleased to have finalized the expansion initiatives. Tulsa Life Flight has been a vital part of the community since 1979 and we look forward to continuing to provide a high level of safe, quality patient care to the citizens."

Air Methods Corporation (www.airmethods.com) is a leader in emergency air medical transportation and medical services. The Hospital-Based Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals. The Community-Based Services Division is the largest community-based provider of air medical services. The Products Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. The Company's fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features over 300 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including but not limited to the size, structure and growth of the Company's air medical services and products markets; the collection rates for patient transports; the continuation and/or renewal of air medical service contracts; the acquisition of profitable Products Division contracts and other flight service operations; the successful expansion of the community-based operations; and other matters set forth in the Company's public filings.

CONTACTS: Aaron D. Todd, Chief Executive Officer, (303) 792-7413. Please contact Christine Clarke at (303) 792-7579 to be included on the Company's fax and/or mailing list.

SOURCE Air Methods Corporation

Source: PR Newswire

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