A common link: New name brings emergency services together

From the moment an accident occurs and a call comes through for help, emergency personnel work together to save lives. That connection, between ground crews, pilots and medical flight staff, is represented in the new name for Cascade Healthcare Community’s emergency air services program
– AirLink Critical Care Transport.

“The new name, AirLink, is meaningful because air medical services are all about connections, or links, in a larger system of support for those in need of emergent or advanced medical care,” said Chris Pollard, director of AirLink. “It was important to our team that the new name represent our history and our enduring commitment to serve our communities.”

AirLink, formerly known as Air Life of Oregon, averages four lifesaving missions a day. Crews have flown more than 14,000 flights since the program’s inception in 1985. The program has two bases in Bend and one in La Grande, responding across more than 130,000 square miles throughout Oregon and transporting patients throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Although Air Life of Oregon has been known by that name in Central Oregon for more than two decades, the program recently switched its aviation vendor and with the change lost its affiliation with the federally trademarked Air Life name. Working with Sublime Design Group of Bend over the past few months, the team narrowed down its list of hundreds of suggestions to one choice – AirLink.

While AirLink caregivers are excited about their new identity, Pollard said, they are also committed to continuing to provide the same high level of service that has made the Air Life name respected in the region. Crews are already out flying in aircraft newly painted with the AirLink name and logo.

AirLink’s membership program, including dues, will remain the same under the new name. Members will receive packets with cards and bumper stickers with the new logo.

More about AirLink