THERMAL, Calif., Jan. 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) is pleased to announce the addition of a King Air Beechcraft 200 airplane to provide 24/7 emergency air medical services in Southern California and the surrounding states from our base in Thermal, CA.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=22943

"We are excited to be increasing our medical transport services with the addition of this airplane base of operations," states Sean Russell, President of REACH Air Medical Services. "REACH has utilized medical transport planes as well as helicopters for over two and a half decades. This is our first plane in Southern California and it will significantly enhance the services we already provide to that region, especially for the pediatric and neonatal specialty teams that have additional equipment, staff and distance needs."

Vicky Spediacci, REACH Vice President of Aviation and Director of Operations, adds "This aircraft will allow us a broader range in the region. The increased capabilities of this aircraft include distance, speed, the ability to fly in adverse weather conditions and at times also allows family members to accompany their loved one. Because of the geographic location, it will serve as a valuable back up resource for Northern California, Nevada and Arizona."

This base will be at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, California. The crew will work alongside the current helicopter medical staff that has been providing ICU level care to patients since July of 2009.

About REACH:

REACH Air Medical Services began providing air ambulance services in Northern California in 1987. Since then, REACH has established bases throughout California, Oregon and Texas. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, REACH provides medical transport services utilizing helicopters, airplanes and ambulances. REACH has performed more than 80,000 air ambulance missions since its inception. In 2011 REACH merged with Cal-Ore Life Flight, headquartered in Brookings, OR. REACH has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS) since 1998. www.REACHair.com.

The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.