A new partnership between the nonprofit Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation and Life Flight Network will soon make it possible for people in any area of Hawaii Island to be quickly transported to Oahu for necessary critical care. 

What You Need To Know

  • The two organizations recently signed a letter of intent to expand air medical services in the state with the addition of a new twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopter to be purchased by the Sayre foundation and operated on Hawaii Island by LFN

  • The helicopter, which will be outfitted to operate as an air ambulance, is being manufactured. Once delivered, it will be integrated into state and county emergency response services
  • Mallery-Sayre said the foundation chose to partner with Life Flight Network, the largest not-for-profit air medical service in the United States, because of its safety record and support of educational opportunities for community members seeking careers or advancement in the air medical service field

The two organizations recently signed a letter of intent to expand air medical services in the state with the addition of a new twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopter to be purchased by the Sayre foundation and operated on Hawaii Island by LFN.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing emergency medical services,” said Hawaii Mayor Kimo Alameda. “This is an amazing opportunity that will add life-saving capacity across our island, especially in our rural areas. We want to mahalo the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation for their immense contributions to public safety on Hawaii Island and we welcome Life Flight Network as an important partner for emergency response.”

The helicopter, which will be outfitted to operate as an air ambulance, is being manufactured. Once delivered, it will be integrated into state and county emergency response services. 

“The need for emergency air medical transport is constant, and every second counts in a crisis,” said Laura Mallery-Sayre, executive director of the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, which helps to fund rescue equipment and training for the Hawaii Island Fire Department and other lifesaving resources and community service projects. “The primary mission of both our non-profits is to save lives. This partnership is about expanding resources to ensure communities across Hawaii Island have access to lifesaving care whenever and wherever it’s needed.”

Mallery-Sayre said the foundation chose to partner with Life Flight Network, the largest not-for-profit air medical service in the United States, because of its safety record and support of educational opportunities for community members seeking careers or advancement in the air medical service.

“We are honored to have been selected by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation to help strengthen Hawaii’s air medical services and contribute to lives saved,” said LFN chief executive officer Ben Clayton. “We are excited to bring Life Flight Network’s legacy of compassion and lifesaving service to the Island of Hawaii while collaborating with and learning from local healthcare providers. Together, we can ensure residents and visitors have access to critical care when every second counts.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.