Air Methods Opens Technologically Advanced Training Center

DENVER, CO., October 2, 2012 -- Air Methods Corporation (Nasdaq: AIRM), the global leader in air medical transportation, announces the opening of a state-of-the-art training center for its aviation, clinical and maintenance personnel. Located in Aurora, CO, near Air Methods’ corporate office, the 14,000-square-foot facility consists of advanced simulation areas, learning classrooms and office space.

In the aviation portion of the center, the company has permanently installed a Eurocopter EC135 advanced aviation training device. This device is incorporated into basic new hire pilot training and also used during pilot interview assessment. Equipped with an Air Methods-specific cockpit, the device allows for scenario-based training including hazards unique to industry operations. The clinical section of the center includes a main learning classroom and two simulation rooms. One room focuses on adult patients and includes both an adult human patient simulator (HPS) and a Trauma Man skills trainer. The second room is dedicated to pediatrics and infants and includes the respective HPSs. Both simulation rooms have corresponding control rooms where the instructor controls the scenario and is able to view the clinicians’ skills via a glass window. The maintenance portion of the center features a dedicated classroom with individual computer stations for maintenance training. The center also includes personnel from the flight and maintenance training department, pilot records, and anti-drug abuse and alcohol misuse prevention program.

Aaron Todd, CEO, stated, “This training center is another significant milestone in the Company’s commitment to not only hiring a professional workforce, but giving them the resources and training necessary to maintain their elite skill set. We are pleased with how the equipment in this center enhances our training programs. The simulators afford us opportunities to set up scenarios that are representative of our mission. This center presents a great learning environment for our aviation, clinical, and maintenance personnel.”

Air Methods Corporation (www.airmethods.com) is the global leader in air medical transportation. The Hospital Based Services Division is the largest provider of air medical transport services for hospitals. The Community Based Services Division is one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft Division specializes in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features over 400 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.