Thanks to hospital and EMS partners and community members, Northwest MedStar is celebrating its one-year anniversary of being based in Brewster. Located at Anderson Field Airport, the base operates 24/7 and is home to 14 critical care crew members providing faster care and transport to patients throughout north central Washington.

“Our local medical crews, helicopter pilots and mechanic are honored to be part of this community,”said Suzy Beck, RN, EMT, and Northwest MedStar base coordinator. ” The support from health care partners, MedStar patients and members, business and community members has been overwhelming this past year. We look forward to serving the region for years to come.”

Since opening May 21, 2014, Northwest MedStar:

1) Provided critical care transport for hundreds of patients
2) Invested more than $4.5 million in a new base and helicopter (rotor wing) aircraft
3) Became home to 14 flight crew members and Metro Aviation pilots and a mechanic
4) Partnered with Douglas/Okanogan Fire District #15 during inclement winter weather to ensure critical care ground transport
5) Conducted more than 10 outreach missions with hospitals and EMS agencies for landing zone training

Northwest MedStar cancelled the base grand opening last year due to the catastrophic fires, and instead donated funds to support the communities impacted. “Even with the devastation that occurred within several of our surrounding communities, the strength, courage, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by the providers and community members was nothing short of awe inspiring,” added Suzy.

Northwest MedStar is no stranger to the north central Washington region, providing critical care transport to community members for more than 20 years from its bases in Spokane, Moses Lake and Richland, Wash.