Early next year, Life Flight Network will relocate its fixed-wing fleet to Renton, Washington, from Port Angeles. “The move is intended to increase availability for the communities they serve, enhance patient care, and optimize operational efficiencies,” according to the aeromedical operator, which is owned by “a consortium of Legacy Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Providence Health and Services, and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.”
Life Flight will continue providing helicopter services at Port Angeles. At Renton Municipal Airport, Life Flight is building new offices where it will relocate pilots, mechanics, and clinicians, although it plans to hire additional personnel in Renton.
“Life Flight Network's top priority is providing the highest quality care to the patients we exist to serve,” said COO Michael Weimer. “Relocating our fixed-wing plane from Port Angeles to Renton allows us to streamline our operations, reducing response times and enhancing our ability to reach more people in need of critical care. This move strengthens our commitment to delivering timely, lifesaving services across the region, ensuring that our communities continue to receive critical emergency medical care when they need it most.”
Less than 10% of fixed-wing transports originated from Port Angeles, according to Life Flight, and most of these patients go to Seattle-area hospitals. “Stationing the aircraft in Renton will decrease response times and time to definitive care for those in need.”