Monroe County is looking into purchasing a third Trauma Star helicopter as the continuity of business with LifeNet is being questioned. The privately operated air ambulance has a contract with Monroe County’s Lower Keys Hospital, which started in 2007 but ends March 1 2017.

LifeNet has received pressure to lower their prices of $50, 000 – $60, 000 for a flight to a mainland trauma centre. Monroe County officials have said that a Trauma Star helicopter would not have need for EMS patients to pay for a flight, as the charges should be covered by insurance reports FL Keys News. If LifeNet does decide to leave, a third helicopter will ensure that the safety of patients isn’t compromised.