Valley Health Announces Partnership with PHI Air Medical to Provide Enhanced Air Transport

Valley Health System will soon have medical transport in the skies for those experiencing a healthcare emergency, as an enhanced partnership between Valley Health and PHI Air Medical takes flight later this month. This new partnership will allow both Valley Health and PHI Air Medical to combine their expertise to deliver safe, exceptional, and compassionate care to critically ill patients throughout the region.

Valley Health has provided medical transport services since 1988 in the form of ambulance and wheelchair transport. Valley Medical Transport serves over 21,000 patients per year across 17 counties in the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. With some of the most advanced technology available, Valley Medical Transport can care for critically ill or injured patients, including those who need advanced life support during transport.

“This new aircraft, and the collaboration with the region’s leading medevac provider will allow us to reach patients who need care even faster,” said Mark Nantz, President and CEO, Valley Health. “Although Valley Health and PHI have worked together in the past, this enhanced partnership will strengthen our communication and ultimately the service we provide to patients. I am proud of our caregivers who are always ready to provide expert care to people of this region in their time of need.”

“We’re excited to elevate our service to the northern Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle community,” said Rick Cohen, Program Director, PHI Air Medical.

PHI AirCare’s base of operations is at the Front Royal Airport. PHI will provide clinical, aviation, and maintenance personnel for the helicopter, which has been updated with state-of-the-art clinical and communications equipment.

Dr. Terral Goode, Medical Director of Trauma and Acute Care Services adds, “Air transport is indicated during a medical emergency when time is a critical factor in caring for an injured or ill patient. This collaboration allows Valley Health and our physicians to begin guiding care long before a patient arrives at Winchester Medical Center.”

With a Level II Trauma Center designation and hospitals in six communities across the region, Valley Health patients will benefit from air transport that upholds the same quality and safety standards to which Valley Health is dedicated.

“As Valley Health continues to implement complex clinical programs, this partnership will strengthen our communication channels, clinical rapport, and trust, which can be invaluable in managing emergency situations,” added Nantz. “Valley Health and PHI bring strong traditions of safety, quality and continuous improvement to this relationship, and I’m confident our patients will benefit.”

“We are proud of our partnership with Valley Health to help provide the citizens of our region with this critical, life-saving air medical service,” said Rick Cohen, Program Director, PHI Air Medical. “Valley Health shares our dedication to safety and innovation, making them the ideal partner for us.”

The new helicopter will be in use beginning in July of 2023.