MedStar seeking new helicopter partner

Within the next two weeks, MedStar, this area's community-based air medical transport provider, expects to finalize negotiations with a new aviation partner for its McCook-based air ambulance service.

The search for a new helicopter company was launched because Med-Trans Corp., the current provider, will end its service in McCook on Sunday, Nov. 21, at midnight.

Shanan Pollmann of MedStar said, "The contract between Med Star and Med-Trans' was terminated by mutual agreement because of multiple factors."

While disappointed by Med-Trans' withdrawal, Pollmann said she is encouraged by the interest expressed by other helicopter companies in providing life flights for Southwest Nebraska, Northwest Kansas and Northeast Colorado. "We are confident we will have an agreement with a new aviation partner within the next two weeks," she said.

MedStar provides timely interhospital transport of critically ill or injured persons requiring transfer to regional medical centers for specialty care.

MedStar has a 10-person staff consisting of specially trained flight paramedics, registered nurses and a management team. MedStar is owned by Pollmann, who is from Wauneta, and Kendall David, a McCook resident.

The company that is departing, Med-Trans Corp., served this area with a Bell 407 helicopter. The staff here consisted of four pilots and a mechanic.

Following two years of planning and preparation, Med Star and Med Tran began providing life flights in this area on June 2.

"We recognized from personal experience and our professional involvements that there was a need for a local, community-based, timely, emergency air medical transport provider," Pollmann said.

In the months which have followed, the service has made life-saving differences, including flights to the rescue of a snakebite victim in Frontier County, a truck-train wreck victim in Red Willow County and serious automobile accidents in Hitchcock County.

Minutes make a difference, especially in life-threatening situations. "It took only nine minutes from the time we picked up a critical patient in Frontier County until we landed at the hospital in North Platte," Pollmann said.

However, in order for the life flights to continue, Pollmann said continued local and area support is essential. "We would like to thank the area for their support.

MedStar is dedicated to finding the best possible aviation partner and look forward to getting back to full service with the least lapse in service possible," she declared.