Pasco plans county-based medical helicopter through Med-Trans partnership

Photo: A medical helicopter at a roadside scene.

Pasco County is preparing to bring an emergency medical helicopter inside county lines through a five-year partnership with Med-Trans Corp.

Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement Oct. 20, according to Tampa Bay Beacons. The planned service would operate around the clock, with the aircraft based at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The arrangement divides responsibilities between the private operator and Pasco County Fire Rescue. Med-Trans would provide the aircraft and aviation operations, while the county would supply paramedics and medical direction.

The financial structure calls for Med-Trans to reimburse Pasco $712,000 annually, or $3.56 million over five years. Beacons also reported an allowance of up to $12,000 a year for medical direction. Those reimbursements concern county expenses; they should not be interpreted as a promise that patient transportation will be free.

At the commission meeting, fire officials described a system that currently depends on medical helicopters stationed outside Pasco. They said bringing an aircraft into the county could substantially reduce waits for patients with the most serious injuries and illnesses.

A meeting transcript published by Pasco Watch records officials describing existing helicopter response times of approximately 21 minutes and a goal of reducing that time roughly in half. That is a projection, not a measured result from the new program.

The proposed benefits extend beyond helicopter calls. Fire officials said approximately 20 to 25 paramedics would receive additional training for flight assignments and could also use those skills while working on county ambulances.

Commissioners discussed the program’s finances as well as its medical role. Seth Weightman raised the possibility of future revenue sharing, particularly for calls outside Pasco. Fire officials said the county would first need operating experience to assess that possibility.

The sources reviewed did not establish an opening date for the service.