CALSTAR/REACH Air Ambulance BARF Membership

[CALSTAR/REACH]

John,

How about places like Thunderhill Raceway at Willows, CA or Buttonwillow in Bakersfield. Is this covered area?

"Covered" probably isn't the best term to use, but I understand your question. For an emergent call, the Emergency Medical System will send the "closest, available" helicopter (they have a premade list of who they call and in what order, based on location).

I think the best bet for any helicopter membership, is to go with the largest network you can, serving the places you go. There is no operator in all of California (or all of the US) larger than us; over 320 bases across 39 states and around three dozen just in California. That said, there could be someone closer at the time of your call, our ship could be on another mission, down for maintenance or weather- there just aren't guarantees.

In the central valley, we have bases* at Stockton, Modesto, Merced and Madera and closest to Buttonwillow is our Santa Maria base- about 25 minutes away (I imagine there is likely another operator that is closer, but don't know). Our base at Clear Lake is about 45 miles to T-Hill, figure 20 minutes by air. Both of these distances to racetracks allow just about the right amount of time for the first responders to assess your injuries and have the patient packaged for coming aboard the aircraft right as we arrive.

Keep in mind too, it is not always track riding that generates the need- in fact, that is a rather small portion of our patients. We have lots of medical events or folks sitting at a red light that get run into that we fly- doesn't have to be your "fault" at all. Whatever the cause, it is all about the Golden Hour and getting you to a high level of care.

*Current California base list- https://reachair.com/services/service-areas/

CALSTAR | REACH Air Medical Services RW- helicopter, FW- fixed wing jet/turboprop
Alpine - RW
Brawley - RW
Concord - RW
Imperial - RW
Lakeport - RW
Marysville - RW
Murrieta - RW
Oceanside - RW
Redding - RW
Sacramento - RW/FW
Santa Rosa - RW
Stockton - RW
Thermal - FW
Upland - RW
Willits - RW

CALSTAR Air Medical Services
Auburn - RW
Concord - RW
Gilroy - RW
McClellan - FW (Sacramento)
Merced - RW
Modesto - RW
Salinas - RW
Santa Maria - RW
South Lake Tahoe - RW
Ukiah - RW

 

[deadmazai]

"Covered" probably isn't the best term to use, but I understand your question. For an emergent call, the Emergency Medical System will send the "closest, available" helicopter (they have a premade list of who they call and in what order, based on location).

John, thank you for your quick reply. I've just talked to Tammy from Reach (I also met her in person at the track) and she also explained to me how things work at Thill. Got my membership for the year. Thank you.

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

Our network company is jumping right in to help Houston!

Air Evac Lifeteam Deploys 14 Aircraft to Evacuate Critically Ill and Injured Patients in Southern Texas

Air Evac Lifeteam, the nation’s leading helicopter air ambulance provider, has deployed 14 aircraft and crews to respond to requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide critical care transport for patients currently located in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Crew and aircraft from six states are either already in San Antonio or are en route to San Antonio from the following Air Evac Lifeteam bases: Demopolis, Ala., Blytheville, Ark., Vilonia, Ark., Harrisburg, Ill., Cushing, Okla., Henryetta, Okla., Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and the following bases in Texas: Cuero (Methodist AirCare 6), Greenville, Kerrville, LaGrange, Paris, Seguin (Methodist AirCare 4) and Wichita Falls.

Joe Grygiel, senior director of base operations for Air Evac Lifeteam, said all aircraft and crews are on their way to the Air Evac Lifeteam fixed wing base at the San Antonio airport.
“All requests for patient transports will come from FEMA,” Grygiel said. “We expect our crews to be actively deployed for five to seven days.”

Air Evac Lifeteam is also sending a dedicated safety manager to San Antonio. While this is a natural disaster, Grygiel said all Air Evac crews will perform the same safety checks they do before each flight.

“We cannot help others if we first do not ensure the safety of our crews,” he said. “There are many obstacles to consider in a situation like this. There are power outages, and some weather reporting stations are down. In addition, people are flying drones trying to survey the damage. The safety of our crews and aircraft is paramount.”
Air Evac Lifeteam has 135 air medical bases in 15 states. Grygiel reassured residents in the company’s services areas impacted by the deployment.

“Our bases are located contiguously for just this reason,” he said. “We have aircraft and crews ready to provide backup, respond and provide ACCESS to a higher level of health care.”

 

[Cyclesuzy]

My apologies if this has been asked and answered but I used to have an Enloe membership which I let expire and would like to renew a flight plan membership. However, I can't find a coverage map for them easily.

It does appear that CalStar/Reach covers the majority of the foothills east of the Sacramento area with locations in both Auburn and Tahoe. Is that correct? If so, I'm inclined to get new coverage with CalStar.

TIA.

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

My apologies if this has been asked and answered but I used to have an Enloe membership which I let expire and would like to renew a flight plan membership. However, I can't find a coverage map for them easily.

It does appear that CalStar/Reach covers the majority of the foothills east of the Sacramento area with locations in both Auburn and Tahoe. Is that correct? If so, I'm inclined to get new coverage with CalStar.

TIA.

Info sent :thumbup

 

[thedub]

What happens when a CHP helicopter flies you? Do they bill just as much as the private for-profit air ambulance companies, or is it different because it's state run?

 

[TheRiddler]

What happens when a CHP helicopter flies you? Do they bill just as much as the private for-profit air ambulance companies, or is it different because it's state run?

Free. Paid for by taxes.

 

[CALSTAR/REACH]

What happens when a CHP helicopter flies you? Do they bill just as much as the private for-profit air ambulance companies, or is it different because it's state run?

Depending on what's going on and time, generally they do the rescue/extrication parts, then meet us with the patient for us to transport. We offer a higher level of care onboard and it frees them up to continue their mission. If we're too far away, they can transport to the Trauma Center. They do not charge for their role.

 

[dangerzone02]

Just tried to apply the "BARF" code at https://www.airmedcarenetwork.com/apply/#/ and it says "0 plans found." Will this code work in 2018? Thanks!

 

[CDONA]

Anyone know about MASA?
Going to be a sales pitch out here in Hope Az next Tuesday

 

[thedub]

Anyone know about MASA?
Going to be a sales pitch out here in Hope Az next Tuesday

I looked into MASA a little while ago. And when I say 'looked into' I mean I read all the information I could find on their website.

It seems to be a much more comprehensive medical flight membership plan (with the price to match). It covers a lot more ancillary services than just your initial flight from the scene of the accident/injury to the trauma center.

However there was one thing I wasn't clear on: does their plan only provide coverage if you are flown in MASA air craft? Because I've never seen a MASA helicopter land at Thunderhill... I emailed them to ask, but they didn't respond.

Report back with what you hear at the sales pitch, inquiring minds want to know.

 

[CDONA]

Roger that,

Earlier offerings were for rescue in North America across borders, close family transport, and return of your vehicles.
Something that the Baja Barf squad could use.

 

[Honey Badger]

Ya, checking in on 2018 plans/discounts - renewal comes up next month!

 

[CDONA]

No choice as to which ground/air, when you call 911, they decide your fate as to what arrives. MASA only provides input when an inter hospital transport is ordered by your care provider. They will pay for all transports; family, pets, vehicles, to get you home or to a specialist, internationally.
There have been times that med air transport won't fly you until you can prove financial wherewithal, MASA is a magic word.
So if you biff in Baja, they will fly a family member to you if needed and return you and all your stuff to you stateside.
I did sign up for lifetime member over 50 @ $3390.00

 

[gus]

Just tried to apply the "BARF" code at https://www.airmedcarenetwork.com/apply/#/ and it says "0 plans found." Will this code work in 2018? Thanks!

Having the same issue. Any update on 2018 codes from CALSTAR/REACH?

 

[budman]

We are communicating now.
Should have an update soon.

 

[NorCalBusa]

Know that the plan is going up $20 soon- any day now- so renew now, even if it overlaps you don't lose the overage, its added on the end of the time you have left.

 

[Marcoose]

Know that the plan is going up $20 soon- any day now- so renew now, even if it overlaps you don't lose the overage, its added on the end of the time you have left.

I've paid $30 in 2015 and 2016 (before the merger), $55 last year, and now it's going to be $75? Please confirm.

While it's still much better than a possible $30K for heli-evac, what's happening to the rates?

 

[thedub]

I've paid $30 in 2015 and 2016 (before the merger), $55 last year, and now it's going to be $75? Please confirm.

While it's still much better than a possible $30K for heli-evac, what's happening to the rates?

Prior to the acquisition, CALSTAR was a not for profit 501(c)(3). CALSTAR now operates as part of REACH Medical Holdings LLC, which is an operating subsidiary of Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc., which in turn is owned by a huge investment firm called KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR).

Shareholder value is what happened to CALSTAR.

While CALSTAR/Enloe/Remsa was $30, REACH has always been more like $55. So really the membership cost didn't actually change, the company you are a member of changed.

 

[Marcoose]

Prior to the acquisition, CALSTAR was a not for profit 501(c)(3). CALSTAR now operates as part of REACH Medical Holdings LLC, which is an operating subsidiary of Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc., which in turn is owned by a huge investment firm called KKR & Co. L.P. (NYSE:KKR).

Shareholder value is what happened to CALSTAR.

While CALSTAR/Enloe/Remsa was $30, REACH has always been more like $55. So really the membership cost didn't actually change, the company you are a member of changed.

You're saying we need another non-blood sucking vampire back in the game? Agreed.