UnityPoint Health – Des Moines LifeFlight Enhances Emergency Air Medical Service with Upgraded Helicopters

Three airframes coming to the region will allow faster access to critical care

DES MOINES, IA - July 27, 2026 - Patients needing emergency air medical transport across central and western Iowa will soon receive critical care faster than ever thanks to three upgraded Bell 429 helicopters coming to UnityPoint Health - Des Moines LifeFlight this year. The first arrived in Audubon this week, with the other two arriving in the fourth quarter of the year to serve the areas surrounding Ft. Dodge and Des Moines. For over 45 years, LifeFlight has partnered with Air Methods, the nation's leading air medical service provider, which is in the midst of a multi-year initiative to upgrade its fleet.

"The Bell 429 is a critical asset for our operation across Iowa," said Air Methods Area Manager Mikele Wissing. "These aircraft fly faster with a cruising speed of up to 170 mph, which minimizes our time to the scene of accidents or medical emergencies, as well as the time to transport patients from one medical facility to another for specialized care."

In addition to its speed, the B429 offers a cabin configuration that gives flight nurses and paramedics more maneuverability and better patient access for advanced airway management and other lifesaving interventions in flight. It also has an improved heating and cooling system for greater patient comfort.

"These upgraded aircraft enhance patient care by pairing advanced medical capabilities with reliability to ensure every patient transport is completed safely, quickly, and without compromise," said LifeFlight Manager Chad Nelson. "These advancements will help support our mission statement for years to come."

Equipped as flying ICUs, all LifeFlight aircraft carry the medical equipment and medications the clinical teams need to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics, and other critical patients. They also carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss.

"We are excited for a new chapter as we transition into this airframe," said Air Methods Senior Account Executive Blair Phipps. "Not only is the B429 a highly trusted helicopter, but the upgraded model has the latest in avionics, including an advanced autopilot system, that takes safety in air medical operations to an even higher level. This aircraft highlights our continued commitment to serving the people of Iowa with excellence."

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Iowa and beyond. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services. Patients do not need a membership to be transported by any air medical company.