Meridian, MS – Rush Health Systems and PHI Air Medical are partnering together to enhance the life-saving care provided to patients across the region with the addition of a new EC-135 rotary-wing aircraft. The aircraft will be strategically located in Meridian to enable dedicated and rapid response to East Mississippi and West Alabama, including Rush’s network of seven hospitals.

“Rush is always looking for opportunities to innovate and expand our capabilities to provide the best care for our patients, whether they’re traveling to or being treated within our hospitals across Mississippi and Alabama,” said Larkin Kennedy, President & CEO, Rush Health Systems. “This partnership will enhance our ability to offer the safest, most advanced life-saving air medical services to the communities we serve.”

Patients will benefit from the new aircraft’s 150 mile-range and state-of-the-art technology and equipment. The helicopter will operate with specially trained flight nurses, paramedics and other clinical staff, as well as maintenance personnel from PHI Air Medical.  Rush will provide clinical education and support to PHI Air Medical as part of the relationship.

To salute this exciting partnership, Rush and PHI Air Medical will be unveiling the new EC-135 on June 29 at Rush Foundation Hospital. Rush team members and media are invited to participate in the inaugural ribbon cutting, tour the aircraft, meet the PHI Air Medical operating team, and learn about the aircraft’s capabilities while celebrating this new affiliation.

“We are proud of our partnership with Rush to help provide the citizens of East Mississippi and West Alabama with this critical, life-saving air medical service,” said Sam Marshall, Business Operations Manager, PHI Air Medical. “Rush shares our dedication to safety and innovation, making them the ideal partner for us.”