The mission of MU Health Care's Air Medical Service reflects the collective ideals of the program’s partners: To save and improve lives, to provide rapid access to definitive health care, and to make a difference in the lives we touch. We are dedicated to the care of the critically ill and injured of all ages, and strive to be an industry leader providing superior patient care and safety in the air transport environment. Patients are not discriminated against due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or ability to pay. In 2019, MU Health Care rebranded the flight program Air Medical Service. After operating as the Staff for Life Helicopter Service since 1982, a new partnership was established with two industry leaders in air medical transport. partnered with MU Health Care to provide air medical care from four bases in mid-Missouri: Kirksville, Osage Beach, Sedalia, and Moberly. See more about the bases below. Medical control is provided by MU Health Care. Dr. Jeffrey Coughenour MD, medical director of the Frank L. Mitchell Jr, MD Trauma Center, and a board-certified trauma/critical care surgeon, serves as the program medical director. Our air medical crew members perform at the highest standards of safety, medical care, and professionalism. Advanced-level certification is required of all crew members. Affiliation with the University of Missouri Health Care provides team members access to the resources of an academic medical center; including continuing education from emergency physicians, surgeons, cardiologists, and neurologists. The Children’s Hospital Critical Care Transport Service (CHCCTS), based at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, provides care and transport of neonatal and pediatric medical patients. provide aviation, maintenance and billing services. As FAA Part 135 certificate holders, they maintain operational control of the program.
