WAUPACA, Wis. – Flight For Life – ThedaStar will be expanding its air medical services with the opening of a new helicopter base at the Waupaca Municipal Airport, improving access to critical care for patients throughout central and northeastern Wisconsin. The new base in Waupaca is expected to open on November 1. The new Waupaca base is being brought to life by design-build partner Keller, Inc.
Earlier this year, Flight For Life and ThedaStar united to form a single air medical program, bringing together two of Wisconsin’s longest-serving and most trusted critical care transport providers. The new Waupaca base marks the first major expansion since the merger and reflects the organization’s continued commitment to improving access to life-saving care.
The Waupaca base is home to the program’s fourth helicopter, expanding the fleet from three aircraft to four. The additional aircraft allows Flight For Life – ThedaStar to provide timely, lifesaving critical care to additional rural communities where longer transport times can significantly impact patient outcomes.
“The opening of our Waupaca base represents exactly why we brought these two programs together,” said Leif Erickson, Executive Director of Flight For Life – ThedaStar. “By adding a fourth aircraft and strategically positioning it in Waupaca, we’re able to efficiently respond to more patients while strengthening our ability to serve EMS agencies, hospitals, and communities throughout this region.”
The new base complements the program’s existing operations. For the time being the Neenah helicopter will continue to operate from ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Neenah, while Flight For Life aircraft remain based in Hartford and Burlington.
“Waupaca Municipal Airport is proud to be the home of Flight For Life – ThedaStar’s newest base,” said Britney Klatt, Waupaca Municipal Airport Manager. “Having this resource based here not only highlights the airport’s role in serving our region, but also provides nearby communities with faster access to critical care when every minute counts.”Interim City Administrator Justin Berrens said the new base is an important investment in the region.
“The City of Waupaca is pleased to welcome Flight For Life – ThedaStar to our community. Their decision to locate a helicopter base here enhances emergency medical resources for residents throughout the area and reinforces Waupaca’s role as a regional hub for essential services.”
The Waupaca base is strategically located to improve response times across a large rural service area, allowing critically ill and injured patients to be connected more quickly with specialized medical care throughout Wisconsin.
