Air medical provider Air Methods has officially opened Mercy Air 10, an emergency air medical base in Blythe, California, however the site has been operating since late 2025. Following the opening, Air Methods has appointed Dr. Seth Dukes as Medical Director for Mercy Air.
The base provides air medical services 24/7, year round, and operates in tandem with Mercy Air 27 in El Centro, Mercy Air 18 in Thermal, and a sister programme called TriState CareFlight.
“We recognised the need for advanced emergent medical transport in Blythe and the surrounding area,” said Mercy Air Regional Director Vanessa Hayflich. “Our commitment is to deliver lifesaving care where it’s needed.”
Dr. Dukes graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed a followship in EMS and Disaster Medicine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine in Emergency Medicine and in Emergency Medical Services, and also serves as EMS Medical Director for several agencies in Riverside and San Bernadino Counties.
“This role is a new chapter and a positive challenge for me,” commented Dr. Dukes. “My background in ground operations and critical care transport (CCT) has prepared me to move into air CCT. Air Methods has a strong national presence and an exceptional team, and I look forward to learning from them. The organisation has been a pioneer in carrying blood products to better serve patients, and I see tremendous opportunity to continue advancing care for the communities we serve.”
Photo: Air Methods