CareFlite is a nonprofit ambulance service based in Grand Prairie, Texas, which operates throughout North and Central Texas. CareFlite's original namesake service is helicopter air ambulance, though today it also performs fixed-wing and ground transport.
CareFlite's Board of Directors includes representatives from Texas Health Resources, Methodist Health System, Baylor Scott & White Health Care System, Parkland Health and Hospital System, and the JPS Health Network.
CareFlite began operations in 1979. It originated with one helicopter, a Bell 206L, which was shared between Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital. It is the oldest joint-use air medical program in the United States. CareFlite augmented their air ambulance service with ground operations in 1981.
CareFlite currently operates eight helicopters, one fixed-wing aircraft, and several ground ambulances.
Each aircraft is staffed by a pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight paramedic. CareFlite aircraft provide emergency support for 9-1-1 services, as well as interfacility transfers. Specialty transports performed in cooperation with sponsor facilities include ECMO, IABP, Impella, and field amputation teams.
In addition to ground interfacility transfer and wheelchair van services, CareFlite provides 9-1-1 EMS ground service in the following areas:
As with some other air ambulance services, CareFlite offers yearly memberships to cover transport costs not paid by medical insurance. The membership costs are charged per household. This includes helicopter, ground, and most fixed-wing transport costs.
If insurance deems a fixed-wing transport usage not medically necessary or denies claim, the member is responsible 50% of the charges.