News

 

I'm reaching out to seek your support in saving the Collier County MedFlight helicopter operation. Recently, County Manager Amy Patterson has instructed the procurement department to send an RFQ (Request for Quotes) to privatize the medical helicopter program in Collier County.

If you believe this program should continue to be operated by Collier County, I urge you to contact the appropriate commissioner and the County Manager directly. Below are some important facts about our program:

 

·       Established in 1975: Our program has been flying patients for 49 years.

 

·       FAA Certified since 1983: This certification allows us to charge for services and is a significant achievement, placing us under stringent regulations similar to those of airlines.

 

·       CAMTS Accredited: We have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems for over nine years, ensuring our safety and operational standards are rigorously inspected every three years.

 

·       Safety Record: In 49 years of service, our program has never had an accident. Despite concerns about liability, we are insured for $30 million.

 

·       Experienced Pilots: All our pilots are military veterans, with two of us having combat experience, and none have had an accident.

 

·       Experienced Maintenance:  Our director of maintenance has over 30-years of experience in commercial aviation.

 

·       Experienced Flight Paramedics:  12 of the most highly training flight paramedics specializing in trauma care.

 

·       Budget: Our annual budget is approximately $2 million, covering two aircraft, four pilots, and one mechanic.

 

Drawbacks of Privatization:

 

·       Higher Costs: Private companies charge roughly three times more than MedFlight. While the county may write off bills for citizens who cannot pay, private companies pursue full payment, often through aggressive measures.

 

·       Service Comparisons: MedFlight recently transported two of three trauma patients from Naples, charging about $20,000 for both. A private company charged nearly $60,000 for the third patient, for the same distance.

 

·       Lack of Control: Privatizing would mean the county loses control over the aircraft. Private companies prioritize hospital to hospital flights, often leaving the county for several hours and not being available for local emergencies.

 

·       Safety Concerns: Private companies have lengthy safety records with numerous crashes and incidents. MedFlight's spotless safety record speaks for itself.

 

·       No Search and Rescue: Private companies do not provide search and rescue services.

 

·       Cost to the County: The county would have to pay for a private company to operate in our area, so continuing our own program is more cost-effective and beneficial.

 

I ask for your support in preserving this invaluable service. The move to privatize is being done quietly, so please pass this message along and encourage others to contact their district commissioner and the County Manager as soon as possible.

 

Voice your support—this program costs Collier County very little for the immense service we provide.

 

Thank you.

 

CONTACTS:

 

Amy Patterson - County Manager

amy.patterson@colliercountyfl.gov

 

District 1

Rick LoCastro

Rick.LoCastro@CollierCountyFL.gov

Executive Coordinator
Aixa Capizzi

Aixa.Capizzi@CollierCountyFL.gov
239-252-8601

 

District 2

Chris Hall

Chris.Hall@colliercountyfl.gov

Louise Jarvis
Executive Coordinator to the Commissioner
Louise.Jarvis@colliercountyfl.gov
Tel. 239-252-8602

 

 

District 3

Burt Saunders

Burt.Saunders@CollierCountyFL.Gov

Sue Filson, Executive Aide to the Commissioner

Sue.filson@colliercountyfl.gov

239-252-8603

 

District 4 - Lakewood

Dan Kowall

Dan.Kowal@colliercountyfl.gov

Sarina Francis
Executive Coordinator to Commissioner Kowal
Sarina.Francis@colliercountyfl.gov
239-252-8604

 

District 5

William McDaniel

Bill.McDaniel@colliercountyfl.gov

Executive Coordinator:

Cristina Tiberia
Cristina.Tiberia@colliercountyfl.gov
239-252-8605