Medstar Transportation has been a critical component of emergency medical services in the Washington D.C. and Maryland region for decades. Established in 1983, MedStar Transportation has consistently expanded its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the community, starting with air transport and growing to include comprehensive ground and communication services. This timeline highlights key milestones in their journey of providing life-saving medical transportation.
In 2000, MedStar Washington Hospital Center significantly enhanced its air medical transport capabilities with the purchase of an EC-135 helicopter. This single pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR) helicopter was the first of its kind to be SPIFR-certified in the United States, allowing for operation in challenging weather conditions. Utilizing advanced GPS technology, this acquisition improved navigational precision for MedStar’s medevac services. That year also marked a pivotal shift in operations as MedSTAR Transport centralized its functions, becoming the central hub for patient referrals, flight operations, and ambulance coordination for MedStar Washington Hospital Center, managing an impressive 1,700 patients.
The year 2001 brought unforeseen challenges and demonstrated MedStar Transport’s readiness in crisis. Following the September 11th terrorist attack on the Pentagon, MedStar Washington Hospital Center initiated a Code Orange for mass casualty preparedness. MedStar Transport helicopters were immediately dispatched and were among the first medevac units to arrive at the Pentagon, showcasing their rapid response capabilities. Expanding their ground services, MedStar Transport also incorporated two ground ambulances into their fleet that year. The volume of patients transported by MedSTAR Transport exceeded 2,000 in 2001, reflecting the increasing demand and scope of their services.
Continuing its growth trajectory, 2002 saw MedSTAR Transport further augment its resources by adding another helicopter and three more ground ambulances to its fleet. This expansion directly correlated with an increase in service demand, as the team transported over 3,000 patients during the year.
2003 was a year of significant celebration as MedSTAR Transport marked 20 years of accident-free service. This milestone underscored their unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence. By this time, MedSTAR Transport had completed nearly 40,000 flights since its inception in 1983, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and experienced medical transport provider.
In 2004, MedSTAR took a crucial step to formalize its ground ambulance services by obtaining a D.C. Commercial Ground Ambulance Certificate of Need. This regulatory approval coincided with Maryland’s approval of COMAR for licensing Commercial Air Ambulance providers, setting the stage for further service expansion and regulatory compliance.
2005 was a year of key regulatory achievements for MedSTAR. They secured the initial Maryland commercial air ambulance license, formally recognized by a memorandum of understanding with the state to provide helicopter medevac services from accident scenes across Maryland. MedSTAR Transport’s service area also extended into Delaware through an Air Ambulance agreement with the state, broadening their regional impact.
To enhance operational efficiency and coordination, MedSTAR Transport inaugurated a state-of-the-art communications center in Lanham, Maryland, in October 2006. This advanced facility centralized communication and dispatch operations, improving response times and overall service delivery.
Finally, in 2008, MedSTAR Transport proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary. This quarter-century milestone highlighted their enduring commitment to providing critical medical transportation services and their vital role within the MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the broader community.
