GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS PLAY ROLE 
IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

AMES, Iowa  - The Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation says Iowa airports, particularly smaller general aviation airports in rural areas, are essential for the delivery of medical and emergency services.

According to officials at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Methodist's LifeFlight helicopter typically performs 700 emergency flights per year, 95 percent of these to rural areas. The state’s automated weather observing system (AWOS) is utilized every time LifeFlight takes to the air, providing vital weather information to the pilots prior to take-off.  AWOS equipment is located at 37 general aviation airports in Iowa.

Another way in which general aviation airports provide services for emergency medical situations is by providing a secure and open area for professionals engaged in the delivery of emergency medical services to work and refuel aircraft.

For more information regarding the importance of Iowa airports and their impact on Iowans’ quality of life, visit www.iawings.com or contact: Office of Aviation, Iowa DOT, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010.

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