MedForce Takes Over as Primary Air Ambulance for Great River Health

AirEvac to close Fort Madison base, but remain available as backup provider

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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MedForce has become the primary air medical transport provider for Great River Health in Fort Madison, Iowa. While AirEvac will continue operating as an organization, its Fort Madison base is scheduled to close in May, with AirEvac remaining available as a backup resource for Great River Health when needed.

Why it matters

This change in air ambulance service provider for Great River Health will impact emergency medical transport options and response times in the Fort Madison area. The closure of AirEvac's local base could raise concerns about access to critical air transport, though Great River Health has emphasized that AirEvac will still be available as a backup option.

The details

Great River Health Director of Marketing and Communications Angie Budnik announced that MedForce will now be the primary air medical transport provider for the health system, replacing AirEvac. The original plan was for AirEvac to close its Fort Madison base in February, but that has been delayed until May.

  • The change in air ambulance providers was announced in early February 2026.
  • AirEvac's Fort Madison base is now scheduled to close in May 2026, rather than the originally planned February date.

The players

MedForce

An air medical transport provider that has become the primary air ambulance service for Great River Health in Fort Madison.

AirEvac

An air medical transport organization that will be closing its Fort Madison base, but will remain available as a backup resource for Great River Health.

Great River Health

A health system in Fort Madison, Iowa that has selected MedForce as its primary air ambulance provider, replacing AirEvac.

Angie Budnik

The Director of Marketing and Communications for Great River Health.

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What they’re saying

“While AirEvac will continue operating as an organization, its Fort Madison base is scheduled to close.”

— Angie Budnik, Director of Marketing and Communications (kbur.com)

What’s next

Great River Health has emphasized that AirEvac will still be available as a backup air ambulance provider after its Fort Madison base closes in May 2026.

The takeaway

This change in air medical transport providers for Great River Health highlights the importance of reliable emergency medical services, especially in rural areas, and the need to ensure continued access to critical air ambulance capabilities even as providers shift.