KNOXVILLE, IA – The roar of engines, the smell of methanol, and dirt flying will soon be the scene with the start of the racing season right around the corner at the Knoxville Raceway.
For a racing community like Knoxville, five months out of the year this otherwise quiet community fills with race cars driving at speeds approaching 150 miles per hour with thousands of fans coming to help create and watch the excitement at the famed half mile track. Whether a spectator experiences a minor injury or dehydration, or drivers face injuries in a crash, having access to lifesaving medical services and professionals – through ground and air – is incredibly vital.
For over 85 years, Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) has remained committed to providing essential health care to the community. Highly skilled, board-certified physicians, physician assistants, and nurses staff the Emergency Department 24/7, ready and prepared to care for their patients at one of their most vulnerable times.
While dedicated to providing treatment for patients in an emergent situation, there are emergencies that require advanced care and expertise with patients needing to be transferred to a larger trauma facility for care. One thing that sets Knoxville apart from other communities in our region is the skill and expertise of the MercyOne Air Med flight crew ready and on standby less than a mile down the road to make the lifesaving transport to a larger trauma facility.
When minutes—even seconds—matter
MercyOne Air Med has played a vital role in Knoxville for the past 12 years. Upon seeing the increasing demand for service in areas south and east of Des Moines, MercyOne expanded their flight service by stationing a helicopter at the Knoxville Municipal Airport, a centralized location that serves the communities of Knoxville, Pella, Oskaloosa, Albia, Chariton, and beyond with faster response times.
“We are so fortunate to have MercyOne Air Med in our backyard to provide this vital service to our community,” said Kevin Kincaid, KHC CEO. “You don’t realize how minutes—even seconds—matter when you or a loved one are suffering due to a medical emergency and need to be transferred to a larger trauma facility for care. It’s reassuring to know that MercyOne Air Med is minutes away with a highly trained flight crew to take over and have you in the trusted hands of the trauma professionals as quickly as possible.”
Flying emergency room at 180 miles per hour
In rural areas when critically ill or injured patients need urgent medical care, many face extensive travel times to reach hospitals that can provide the lifesaving expertise needed. At a time when more than 85 million Americans live more than an hour drive from Level I or II trauma centers, there is an increasing demand for air medical services to ensure that patients have access to necessary trauma care when needed.
With a flight speed of 180 miles per hour and staffed with a pilot, flight nurse, and paramedic, MercyOne Air Med effectively serves as a flying emergency room. The helicopter is equipped with ventilators, heart-monitoring equipment, intravenous medication, blood pressure support, and other equipment needed to provide lifesaving services while making the transport to a higher-level critical care facility at the fastest speed possible. Neonatal transport nurses are also available for neonatal transports.
This race season, whether you are sitting in the stands cheering on your favorite driver or listening to the roar of engines from your back deck, be assured that when a lifesaving situation – like a heart attack, stroke, or sprint car accident – leaves you, a loved one, or your favorite driver – in desperate need of medical attention, the valued relationship between KHC and MercyOne Air Med promises the continuous delivery of emergent care for years to come.
Photo caption: MercyOne Air Med has played a vital role in Knoxville for the past 12 years. In 2021, the MercyOne Air Med stationed in Knoxville flew approximately 520 flights – many originating in southeast Iowa. (Photo credit: MercyOne).
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Named a “Top 100 Critical Access Hospital” and Voted as Best of Red Rock Area’s “Best Place to Work” and “Best Hospitality”, KHC’s highly skilled medical staff and specialists provide personal, compassionate, and innovative quality health care to patients. For more information regarding this release and other happenings at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, call the Public Relations office at (641) 842-1485.
