Medical Air Transport

LifeNet Air has pioneered providing air medical transport across Arkansas and Texas for over 40 years. From our first flight in 1983 to now, our Helicopters and Fixed Wings are always at the ready to provide high quality critical care to our patients.

When Don Ruggles lost his son, Tony, due to a fatal hunting accident in rural Arkansas, he recognized the need to find a way to expedite the speed at which patients could receive appropriate medical care at the right and closest hospital. Don met Roy Morgan, who had just founded Air Methods and the two discussed medical helicopters. It was soon realized that there was a strong possibility that his son, Tony, would still be alive had a helicopter been available to transport him for quicker medical care.

With the help of Roy Morgan, St. Michaels Hospital and a few others, Don worked diligently to bring the first full-time air medical service to the state of Arkansas.

LifeNet has expanded our flight program to include helicopters based at both Texarkana and Hot Springs Regional Airports, and in Daingerfield, Texas. Additionally, we have a fixed wing plane based in Texarkana. Combined, the program will fly more than 500 patients a year.