Trinity Regional Medical Center is a remarkable health care facility. Its state-of-the art treatment options and many dedicated professionals guarantee that area residents have access to some of the best health care available anywhere.

Sometimes, however, a patient needs specialized care that cannot be provided at TRMC. In many instances that requires transport to a hospital elsewhere in the Hawkeye State. In some emergency situations, getting the person in need of assistance to the venue where it can be provided needs to occur fast if a life is to be saved or avoidable complications prevented.

That’s why the air ambulance capabilities that have been upgraded locally this year are an important enhancement to health care in our community.

This week, the UnityPoint Health air ambulance service LifeFlight, in partnership with Air Methods Corp., has improved its air medical service by basing an aircraft in Fort Dodge at Trinity.

Air ambulance services have been available at Trinity for many years. Helicopter basing here, however, is a new feature that has been added this year. It is speeding up the transfer of patients and is improving outreach to hospitals in other north Iowa towns.

“We are excited about the partnership with UnityPoint Health – LifeFlight. Basing an air ambulance service at Trinity provides a tremendous benefit to our community and region,” said Troy Martens, chief operating officer of Trinity Regional Medical Center in a statement released May 29. “By having LifeFlight services available at all times Trinity can significantly reduce the transportation time for critically ill patients, which can have a significant impact on a patient outcomes.”

The Messenger applauds this strengthened transport capability. While we all hope never to need this service, it is immensely reassuring to know that it is available should we need it.