Since 1949
More than 75 years of answering the call
Founded in 1949, Mercy Flights was created to provide lifesaving medical transport to rural Southern Oregon during the polio epidemic, becoming the nation’s first not-for-profit air ambulance.
Founded by local pilot George Milligan and supported by the community, Mercy Flights launched one of the nation’s first membership programs in 1951 to ensure families could access emergency care regardless of their ability to pay.
Over the decades, Mercy Flights expanded from volunteer air rescue to a comprehensive mobile healthcare organization. Ground ambulance services were added in 1992, and today Mercy Flights responds to more than 30,000 calls annually, serving communities throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California.
1949
Mercy Flights founded
30,000+
calls responded to annually
37+
ground ambulance vehicles
150 miles
helicopter response radius
Mercy Flights Today
From emergency transport to integrated mobile healthcare
Today, Mercy Flights is a leading mobile healthcare provider serving Southern Oregon and Northern California with nearly 200 EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and community health professionals.
Our Reach & Impact
Helicopter Transport
150-mile response radius
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Regional transport across five states
Ground Ambulance
37+ vehicles responding to 28,000+ calls annually
Mobile Integrated Healthcare
Since 2016, MIH has helped patients recover safely at home through care coordination, medication reviews, and behavioral health support.
Membership & Training
Flexible membership plans help protect individuals and families from unexpected transport costs. Mercy Flights also partners with Rogue Community College to train future EMTs and paramedics through a paid apprenticeship program.
Our Story
A history of innovation and service
From a community-funded airplane to an integrated mobile healthcare system, each milestone reflects a commitment to reaching patients wherever they need care.
1949
Mercy Flights is founded
August 24: George Milligan and community donors establish the nation’s first nonprofit air ambulance service.
Also in 1949: Mercy Flights purchases its first plane, Rogue’s Wings O’ Mercy, for $3,000.
1951
A new way to protect families
Mercy Flights begins offering its membership subscription program for $2 per year.
1959
A hangar built by the community
Community volunteers build Mercy Flights’ first hangar—with the help of hot coffee and doughnuts.
1967
Aircraft evolve for medical transport
Planes begin being manufactured with doors large enough to load stretchers. During Mercy Flights’ first 18 years, aircraft had to be retrofitted to accommodate patients.
1976
George Milligan honored
Mercy Flights founder George Milligan is elected Oregon’s Pilot of the Year.
1980
“Iron Annie” retires
After 21 years of service, Iron Annie retires and is displayed at the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.
1992
Ground ambulance service expands the mission
Mercy Flights purchases Medford Ambulance.
1995
Helicopter EMS
Mercy Flights begins offering helicopter EMS service.
1998
A new home
A new Mercy Flights headquarters is built at the Medford airport.
2010
Investing in the future
Mercy Flights receives a $3.7 million Oregon Connect III Grant to build new hangars and operations facilities.
2015
A new helicopter joins the fleet
Mercy Flights’ first brand-new helicopter is licensed under its Part 135 certificate — 119MF.
2016
Mobile Integrated Healthcare begins
Mercy Flights introduces its Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, helping identify barriers patients experience and connecting them with services that address those barriers.
2017
A brand-new fixed-wing aircraft
Mercy Flights adds its first brand-new airplane — 121MF.
2019
Serving tens of thousands each year
Mercy Flights responds to more than 27,000 requests for service annually throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California.
2026
The next chapter
February 2: Mercy Flights launches a new helicopter base in Ashland, Oregon.
Alternative destinations and in-home emergency care further expand how Mercy Flights brings care directly to patients.