Tyler, Texas (December 18, 2025) — UT Health East Texas AIR 1, the first air ambulance service in East Texas, is proudly celebrating 40 years of providing critical air medical transport to communities across the region. The program’s first flight took place in December 1985, transporting a burn patient to Dallas and marking the beginning of four decades of life-saving service.
Since then, AIR 1 has played a vital role in emergency care throughout the region, delivering rapid-response air transport for patients experiencing major trauma, including motor vehicle accidents, cardiac and stroke emergencies, as well as providing stabilization and transport for adult, pediatric, neonatal, and other high-risk patients.
“AIR 1 is especially critical for our rural communities and in situations where time-sensitive care can make the difference between life and death,” said John Smith, CEO of UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1. “I am incredibly proud of our team and the countless lives they have touched over the past 40 years. We look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional care to the people of East Texas.”
UT Health East Texas operates a fleet of four AIR 1 emergency helicopters strategically positioned throughout the region, allowing the program to provide high-quality care and rapid transport across East Texas and surrounding areas.
Each aircraft is staffed by a highly trained pilot, flight nurse, and paramedic and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Helicopters are based in Athens, Henderson and Quitman to ensure timely access to advanced medical care.
AIR 1 is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Air Medical Transport Services (CAMTS), underscoring its commitment to the highest standards of patient care and safety.
“Safety is our top priority every time we fly,” said Michael Lawyer, director of air operations. “Our goal is to complete every mission safely while providing the best possible care to our patients.”
AIR 1 partners with Metro Aviation, Inc., a recognized leader and pioneer in the air ambulance industry, to support its mission of delivering trusted, life-saving care across East Texas.