IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - AirCare can mean the difference in saving someone’s life during a medical emergency. That’s one of the many reasons University of Iowa Health Care has expanded that particular service to the Quad Cities.

“Now patients have the opportunity to have access to immediate, life-saving care that is in line with the care that is provided through the University of Iowa Health Care,” said Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine Dr. Azeem Ahmed.

Not only are they now able to extend those life-saving services to another area, but the addition will also create more job opportunities.

“Obviously opening up a space in the Quad Cities has allowed for people to apply for positions as flight nurses and flight paramedics as well as have opportunities as far as pilots and mechanics. this has been an opportunity for us to add team members to the overall air care program,” said Dr. Ahmed.

This expansion to Davenport is set to start later this fall, with the company Air Methods operating all the flights.

“Globally there is great support from UI Healthcare administration at large to bring these types of services to the people of the Quad Cities. And we also work with our aviation partner Air Methods Corporation so it’s truly a joint effort,” said Dr. Ahmed.

This is the fourth AirCare base in Eastern Iowa including Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City.