Santa Maria, Calif. – The aerial‑medical provider formerly known as CALSTAR is rebranding as REACH Air Medical Services and introducing a life‑saving blood‑transfusion program on its helicopter flights. The change, announced at Santa Maria Airport, marks a new chapter for the region’s critical‑care transport.
Rebranding and expanded capabilities
REACH Air Medical Services, owned by Global Medical Response, Inc., the nation’s largest ground‑and‑air emergency‑medical operator, will now operate its helicopters under the call sign “REACH 38.” The service continues to cover Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties, providing rapid transport for patients with severe injuries or illness.
On‑board blood program
At the airport unveiling, REACH officials explained that each flight will carry blood components supplied through a partnership with Houchin Community Blood Bank. Crews can begin transfusions at the scene, delivering oxygen‑rich blood to vital organs before the patient reaches a hospital.
“When a patient is experiencing significant blood loss, time is critical,” said Michael Coglianese, REACH clinical educator, in the release. “By initiating transfusions at the scene of an emergency, clinicians can begin the same treatment often provided in a hospital emergency department, but 20 to 30 minutes sooner.”
Partner support
Jonathan Bautista, CEO of Houchin Community Blood Bank, expressed pride in expanding the collaboration. “By providing blood products for their prehospital program, we’re helping ensure patients receive critical care as early as possible,” Bautista said.
Facility upgrades
To support the new program, REACH has upgraded its hangar and operational facility at Santa Maria Airport. The improvements are designed to maintain aircraft readiness, support crew operations and sustain 24‑hour emergency response capabilities throughout the region.
The addition of on‑board blood aligns with broader trends in prehospital care, where rapid administration of blood products has been shown to improve outcomes for trauma patients. By bringing hospital‑level treatment to the point of injury, REACH aims to reduce mortality and long‑term complications for residents of the Central Coast.
What this means for the community
Families and first‑responders in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties can expect faster, more comprehensive care during critical emergencies. The program underscores the region’s commitment to leveraging advanced medical technology while maintaining the local, family‑focused values that define the Central Coast.
For more information about REACH Air Medical Services or to support the program, residents can contact the Santa Maria Airport office or visit the REACH website.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
