AEL Launches New Base in Central Georgia
9.11.2025
The new base in Upson County brings advanced air medical services to rural communities where access to healthcare can be limited.
Beginning this week, the skies over Upson County carry a new promise of lifesaving speed and care — thanks to the opening of Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL)’s newest air base, AE 185 - Upson County. Located at the Thomaston-Upson County Airport, the new base represents more than a location, it’s a meaningful step toward improving healthcare access for families across the region. AE 185 joins a team of 15 other Air Evac bases serving Georgia.
“This expansion of service reflects our ongoing promise to meet communities where they are,” said Jeremy Poole, senior program director for AEL. “Upson County Leadership and Thomaston-Upson County Airport have shown tremendous partnership and vision in supporting this initiative, and we’re honored to serve the residents of this region with the highest standard of care and rapid response.”
Designated Care for the Community
Nearly 2 million Georgians live in rural communities where access to critical healthcare can be limited. The new base, strategically located to enhance coverage across central Georgia, will house a state-of-the-art air medical helicopter with enhanced capabilities including lifesaving blood products and respiratory support equipment for even the youngest of patients. The dedicated flight crews stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Our crews are highly trained, deeply experienced, and genuinely committed to the communities they serve,” said Olivia Blevins, program manager for AEL. “Flight nurses, paramedics, pilots, and aviation maintenance technicians work seamlessly as a team to ensure every mission is safe and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for every patient.”
A New Chapter in a Long Legacy Begins
AEL, a division of Global Medical Response, was founded 40 years ago as the first to focus on medically isolated patients—placing aircraft in underserved communities rather than city hospitals. Today, more than 90% of AEL’s flights originate in areas where patients face long travel times and limited access to trauma care. Its crews fill that critical gap, bringing hospital-level expertise directly to the scene, often when seconds matter most.
With nearly 150 helicopter bases across 18 states, AEL 185 Upson County proudly joins a legacy of service, commitment, and countless lives saved. GMR air providers are part of the AirMedCare Network (AMCN).
AMCN membership helps reduce the financial burden of emergency air medical services, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, by covering out-of-pocket expenses only when members are flown by a participating provider.
Membership covers all residents of a household and is available for $99 per year. A discounted rate of $79 per year is offered for senior households. The AMCN network spans 38 states, with aircraft stationed at more than 320 locations. Group discounted rates are also available to businesses and organizations.
“This expansion of service reflects our ongoing promise to meet communities where they are,” said Jeremy Poole, senior program director for AEL. “Upson County Leadership and Thomaston-Upson County Airport have shown tremendous partnership and vision in supporting this initiative, and we’re honored to serve the residents of this region with the highest standard of care and rapid response.”
Designated Care for the Community
Nearly 2 million Georgians live in rural communities where access to critical healthcare can be limited. The new base, strategically located to enhance coverage across central Georgia, will house a state-of-the-art air medical helicopter with enhanced capabilities including lifesaving blood products and respiratory support equipment for even the youngest of patients. The dedicated flight crews stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Our crews are highly trained, deeply experienced, and genuinely committed to the communities they serve,” said Olivia Blevins, program manager for AEL. “Flight nurses, paramedics, pilots, and aviation maintenance technicians work seamlessly as a team to ensure every mission is safe and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for every patient.”
A New Chapter in a Long Legacy Begins
AEL, a division of Global Medical Response, was founded 40 years ago as the first to focus on medically isolated patients—placing aircraft in underserved communities rather than city hospitals. Today, more than 90% of AEL’s flights originate in areas where patients face long travel times and limited access to trauma care. Its crews fill that critical gap, bringing hospital-level expertise directly to the scene, often when seconds matter most.
With nearly 150 helicopter bases across 18 states, AEL 185 Upson County proudly joins a legacy of service, commitment, and countless lives saved. GMR air providers are part of the AirMedCare Network (AMCN).
AMCN membership helps reduce the financial burden of emergency air medical services, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, by covering out-of-pocket expenses only when members are flown by a participating provider.
Membership covers all residents of a household and is available for $99 per year. A discounted rate of $79 per year is offered for senior households. The AMCN network spans 38 states, with aircraft stationed at more than 320 locations. Group discounted rates are also available to businesses and organizations.
