As Brevard County experiences record growth in population, visitors, and employment, Health First has announced the expansion of its First Flight air ambulance program.

A second full-time helicopter and flight team will be added to serve the northern tier of the county, marking a significant investment in emergency and trauma response capabilities.

Currently, First Flight operates a single helicopter and crew based at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, covering all of Brevard and northern Indian River counties. The addition of a second helicopter, scheduled for early 2025, will allow one aircraft to be dedicated to the northern region and another to the southern areas of Brevard.

“Time is the most critical factor in traumatic emergencies,” said Health First President and CEO Terry Forde. “With the county’s continued growth, expanding First Flight ensures we can meet the needs of our community and provide rapid, lifesaving care when it matters most.”

Brevard County, long recognized as one of the nation’s top areas for relocation and retirement, has seen a surge in development. The influx of aerospace and defense employment, combined with the activity of one of the busiest commercial cruise ports, has significantly increased daily traffic along I-95 and the county’s highways. These factors contribute to a rising demand for trauma and emergency medical services.

First Flight has served the region for over 35 years, transporting patients for critical care to Holmes Regional Medical Center, the area’s only Level II Trauma Center. The service handles a range of medical emergencies, including trauma from motor vehicle accidents, boating incidents, falls, cardiac events, and strokes.

From the northernmost parts of the county, such as Mims, First Flight can transport patients to Holmes Regional Medical Center in just 25 minutes. The program also supports NASA and private space companies with mutual aid.

The First Flight team boasts extensive experience, with its medical personnel trained in emergency and critical care. Each registered nurse is also a state-certified paramedic, and all flight crew members hold critical care or flight nursing certifications.

In addition to transporting trauma and medical patients, First Flight specializes in:

• Cardiac patient transfers requiring advanced therapies.
• High-risk maternity patient transport.
• Administering blood products during transport, a service offered since 2002.

Dr. Marty Brown and Dr. Larissa Dudley, both Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, serve as First Flight’s medical directors. Dr. Dudley also brings expertise in disaster medicine through her fellowship in Emergency Medical Services.

Health First’s investment reflects a commitment to keeping pace with Brevard County’s rapid growth and ensuring residents and visitors receive top-tier medical care during emergencies.

“We are proud to expand our services to North Brevard,” Forde said. “This enhancement is about more than equipment—it’s about saving lives and serving our community with excellence.”

Further details about the new aircraft, its base location, and its operational timeline are expected in the coming months.