REACH Air Medical Services’ New Helicopter Lands at Sierra View

Sierra View Medical Center welcomed REACH Air Medical Services’ new helicopter Wednesday morning during a community showcase that brought together local first responders, community partners, elected officials, students, hospital employees, and community members.

Held from 10 AM to 11:30 AM in Sierra View Medical Center’s East Parking Lot, the event gave attendees an up-close look at the new aircraft, an opportunity to meet the REACH flight crew, and a chance to learn about its expanded capabilities.

The helicopter made its arrival with Porterville Mayor Greg Meister aboard. Representatives from the Porterville City Council and Sierra View Local Health Care District Board of Directors also attended the event.

“Strong partnerships with our first responders and emergency medical service providers are essential to caring for our community,” said Donna Hefner, President and CEO of Sierra View Medical Center. “Today was a wonderful opportunity to bring many of those partners together and give our community a firsthand look at the resources available to support patients during an emergency.”

One of the most significant improvements offered by the new REACH helicopter is its expanded capacity. The aircraft can accommodate a pilot, flight nurse, medical crew member, patient, and an additional passenger, one more person than the previous helicopter. That additional seat can make an important difference for patients and families. The added seat can help keep patients and loved ones together during transport when appropriate. For example, a parent may now be able to accompany a child during air medical transport rather than having to travel separately.

The new helicopter also features a more powerful engine and can operate from a landing area approximately 100 feet by 100 feet. Its range allows it to reach destinations such as Sacramento or Las Vegas on a single tank of fuel, providing greater flexibility when patients need transportation to specialized care outside the immediate region.

The showcase also highlighted the collaboration among the agencies that respond when members of the community need emergency care. Participating organizations included CAL FIRE, Porterville Police Department, Porterville Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Imperial Ambulance, Tule River Emergency Medical Services, Tulare County Fire Department, Porterville Transit, and REACH Air Medical Services.

Students from the Porterville Academy of Health Sciences walked to Sierra View Medical Center to attend the showcase. Students were able to view the helicopter, interact with first responders and the REACH flight crew, and learn more about the services involved in emergency medical care.

“Events like this demonstrate how many people and organizations work together when someone in our community needs emergency care,” Hefner said. “We are grateful to REACH and all of the agencies that joined us today for their continued partnership and commitment to the communities we serve.”