New Air Evac Lifeteam Base Opens in Jasper: A Boost for Emergency Medical Response

Photos Courtesy of Chief Pilot Scott Gee.

The Jasper Hospital District Board of Directors is proud to announce that the brand-new home of Air Evac Lifeteam Base 152 — known locally as Air Rescue - Beaumont/Jasper — is now officially open and operational.

Recognizing the crucial role air medical services play in saving lives, the board reached an agreement in 2024 to build a permanent base with a commitment from Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) to staff it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The facility, located on Marvin Hancock Drive in Jasper’s new Mediplex north of Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital, is thoughtfully designed to support both crew members and aircraft operations.

The base is made up of two separate structures: a dedicated crew quarters and a hangar.

The crew quarters house the flight crew — a pilot, flight paramedic, and flight nurse — with private sleeping quarters, a shared common area, a flight office, supply storage, and an office for the Program Director.

The hangar includes climate-controlled storage for the rotorcraft, a spacious work area for flight mechanic Ward Parler, an independent restroom, epoxy flooring, and a fire sprinkler system. Its oversized bi-fold door allows for the housing of multiple helicopters in the event of hurricane evacuations or other emergencies affecting nearby bases.

The project was spearheaded by longtime Board Director Debra Harris, along with local Air Rescue Program Director Alyson Nickum-Smith.

“The facilities are phenomenal,” said a representative with Air Evac. “Both buildings are fully equipped with the latest technology and amenities to keep the crew mission-ready at all times.”

The Jasper Hospital District acted as its own general contractor for the project, prioritizing local contractors and materials to support area businesses whenever possible — a proud nod to “Shop Jasper First.”

As Air Evac Lifeteam Base 152 begins full-time operations, residents across Jasper County and beyond will benefit from faster, more reliable access to air medical response when minutes count most.