AIR EVAC MARKS 10 YEARS

Air Evac EMS Inc. is celebrating its 10th anniversary during August.

The helicopter ambulance service began in West Plains. Since its first flight in 1985, the service has flown more than 9,000 patients.

Air Evac established a base in Cape Girardeau in 1987 and operates out of St. Francis Medical Center. In 1991, another base began operating in Arkansas.

Each helicopter covers a 70-mile radius from the bases. Between the three base areas, parts of seven states receive the ambulance service.

The Air Evac flight crew consists of a pilot, nurse and paramedic. More than 70 people are employed by Air Evac EMS Inc.

The Air Evac founders began a membership program to help support the ambulance service. The membership program in Switzerland is similar to rural fire districts and ground ambulance programs. Air Evac was the first air ambulance service in the United States to have a membership program.

In Cape Girardeau, an open house is planned from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at St. Francis. Visitors can meet the flight crew and tour the helicopter.