WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - When most people think of EMS, fire trucks and ambulances often come to mind. But many forget about the crucial role medical helicopters play in emergency care.

According to the American Medical Association, 550,000 patients are transported to hospitals by air nationwide each year.

In Wichita Falls and surrounding areas, residents primarily rely on Air Evac Lifeteam for these life-saving air transport services.

Each Air Evac helicopter is staffed by a three-person team that includes a nurse, a pilot and a paramedic.

Roger Ritchie, the local program director for Air Evac, says the service is essential in rural emergencies.

“We’ve had patients out in the middle of one of the big ranches here, and the ambulance crew had to walk in. But we were already there on the ground by the time they could even find a way in,” Ritchie said.

Ritchie emphasized the importance of collaboration with other local EMS services.

“When they’re having a training, even if it’s not really about the helicopter, we try to go out If they’re doing extrication or stuff like that, we’ll just land and let them go through the whole scenario extricating someone from a crushed vehicle, loading them, and practicing what we do,” Ritchie said.

As Memorial Day approaches, Air Evac Lifeteam encourages everyone to stay safe to avoid needing their emergency services.