REACH Air Medical Services and Williams Fire Protection Authority Announce Public Safety Partnership
8.28.2023
The partnership brings a dedicated helicopter capable of critical care air medical services, aerial fire reconnaissance and firefighting to Colusa County.
REACH Air Medical Services (REACH), a leading provider of emergency air medical services, is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Williams Fire Protection Authority. The collaboration enhances emergency-response capabilities in Colusa County and the surrounding regions by providing a dedicated helicopter capable of critical-care air medical services, aerial fire reconnaissance and firefighting.
“The helicopter has already enhanced our response to medical emergencies in Colusa County,” said Jeff Gilbert, fire chief for the Williams Fire Protection Authority.” The addition of the fire program will be a game changer for local fire response to Colusa County and adjoining counties by allowing a quick and aggressive aerial assault on fires.”
The public-private partnership between REACH and Williams Fire Protection Authority greatly benefits residents and visitors of Colusa County. Under the partnership, REACH operates an Airbus H125 helicopter, branded as Williams Fire Protection Authority, from its base located in Williams. The aircraft is staffed by REACH’s highly trained and experienced pilots, flight nurses and flight paramedics and is maintained by their on-site aviation maintenance technicians. During aerial reconnaissance and fire-suppression operations, firefighters from the Williams, Arbuckle and Maxwell Fire Departments will staff the helicopter with Helicopter Fire Specialists responsible for providing tactical-firefighting command.
"We are incredibly proud to partner with Williams Fire Protection Authority on this important endeavor and to work in close collaboration with Arbuckle and Maxwell Fire personnel during aerial reconnaissance and suppression operations," said Vicky Spediacci, chief operating officer of REACH. "By combining our expertise and resources, we are significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities and providing life-saving services to the communities we serve."
The state-of-the-art aircraft is medically configured with ICU-level equipment, has the latest avionics and safety features and can quickly be outfitted with a flexible firefighting bucket capable of dropping more than 180-gallons of water. Crews onboard the aircraft also utilize night vision goggles for nighttime and fire reconnaissance operations.
REACH is a participating provider in the AirMedCare Network (AMCN), the nation’s largest air medical transport membership program with more than 320 air medical locations across 38 states. Members have no out-of-pocket costs for the flight only if flown by an AMCN participating provider for a life-or limb-threatening injury or illness. Whatever the member’s insurance or third-party insurance pays is considered payment in full. Annual memberships start at $99.
“The helicopter has already enhanced our response to medical emergencies in Colusa County,” said Jeff Gilbert, fire chief for the Williams Fire Protection Authority.” The addition of the fire program will be a game changer for local fire response to Colusa County and adjoining counties by allowing a quick and aggressive aerial assault on fires.”
The public-private partnership between REACH and Williams Fire Protection Authority greatly benefits residents and visitors of Colusa County. Under the partnership, REACH operates an Airbus H125 helicopter, branded as Williams Fire Protection Authority, from its base located in Williams. The aircraft is staffed by REACH’s highly trained and experienced pilots, flight nurses and flight paramedics and is maintained by their on-site aviation maintenance technicians. During aerial reconnaissance and fire-suppression operations, firefighters from the Williams, Arbuckle and Maxwell Fire Departments will staff the helicopter with Helicopter Fire Specialists responsible for providing tactical-firefighting command.
"We are incredibly proud to partner with Williams Fire Protection Authority on this important endeavor and to work in close collaboration with Arbuckle and Maxwell Fire personnel during aerial reconnaissance and suppression operations," said Vicky Spediacci, chief operating officer of REACH. "By combining our expertise and resources, we are significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities and providing life-saving services to the communities we serve."
The state-of-the-art aircraft is medically configured with ICU-level equipment, has the latest avionics and safety features and can quickly be outfitted with a flexible firefighting bucket capable of dropping more than 180-gallons of water. Crews onboard the aircraft also utilize night vision goggles for nighttime and fire reconnaissance operations.
REACH is a participating provider in the AirMedCare Network (AMCN), the nation’s largest air medical transport membership program with more than 320 air medical locations across 38 states. Members have no out-of-pocket costs for the flight only if flown by an AMCN participating provider for a life-or limb-threatening injury or illness. Whatever the member’s insurance or third-party insurance pays is considered payment in full. Annual memberships start at $99.
