Ben Hensley<\/a><\/p>\nSkyLife Air Ambulance is marking 35 years of providing emergency air medical transport across Central California, celebrating a legacy that has connected critically injured and ill patients to specialized care throughout the region.<\/p>\n
The milestone was recognized during a gathering at SkyLife\u2019s Fresno base, where first responders, hospital partners and former patients came together during National EMS Week to honor the program\u2019s history and impact.<\/p>\n
Among those attending was Will Garrison, whose life was changed by SkyLife after a serious vehicle crash in 2023.<\/p>\n
After losing control of his vehicle and striking a tree head-on, Garrison was transported in critical condition by SkyLife crews to a trauma center. Today, he has recovered from multiple traumatic injuries and is pursuing a career in emergency medical services.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m incredibly thankful for the care and transport SkyLife provided that day,\u201d Garrison said. \u201cI was in critical condition after the crash, and I truly believe the team\u2019s expertise and rapid transport to a trauma center played a major role in my recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
From regional startup to Central Valley lifeline<\/p>\n
SkyLife began operations in 1991 under the name Airlift for Life, created to address a need for expanded air medical transport services in the region. Over the past three and a half decades, the program has grown into a multi-base operation serving communities throughout the Central Valley and beyond.<\/p>\n
Today, SkyLife operates bases in Fresno, Visalia, Merced and Byron, providing both emergency scene response and interfacility transports for patients who require specialized treatment unavailable at their local hospitals.<\/p>\n
Each aircraft is equipped to provide ICU-level care during transport, carrying advanced medical equipment, medications and highly trained medical crews.<\/p>\n
Commitment to safety and clinical excellence<\/p>\n
SkyLife is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, a designation that reflects compliance with nationally recognized standards for patient care, safety and operational excellence. The program is part of Air Methods, one of the nation\u2019s largest air medical service providers.<\/p>\n
For longtime flight nurse Dave Sanbongi, who joined the organization in 1999, the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on how far air medical transport has advanced.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing how far the program has come makes me appreciate all the technology and safety initiatives we have today,\u201d Sanbongi said.<\/p>\n
Air Methods\u2019 national reach<\/p>\n
SkyLife\u2019s parent company, Air Methods, traces its roots to 1980 when founder Roy Morgan launched the business with a single helicopter and one hospital contract in Colorado. The company was born from Morgan\u2019s belief that properly equipped air medical helicopters could dramatically improve patient outcomes during emergencies.<\/p>\n
Today, Air Methods conducts more than 100,000 patient transports annually, making it one of the largest air medical operators in the United States.<\/p>\n
As SkyLife enters its 36th year, leaders say the mission remains unchanged: delivering rapid access to advanced medical care for patients facing some of the most critical moments of their lives.<\/p>\n
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