Boston MedFlight adds jet to transport patients from longer distances, the range is 1,500-plus miles

Boston MedFlight has added a jet to its fleet, allowing the organization to transport critically ill or injured patients from longer distances.

The Cessna Citation CJ4 twin engine jet expands an existing fleet of critical care transport vehicles — which includes five twin engine Airbus H145 helicopters and eight critical care ground ambulances.

The jet has a range of 1,500-plus miles, a cruising speed of 460 mph, and has additional room to carry a family member or escort.

“We are excited to have the CJ4 in service,” said Maura Hughes, CEO of Boston MedFlight.

“While the majority of Boston MedFlight patient transports are done by helicopter and critical care ground ambulance, having an airplane asset represents an essential resource to expand our capabilities to and from longer distance hospitals and when weather conditions dictate,” Hughes added.

Boston MedFlight cares for more than 6,500 patients annually — including the most critically ill and injured infants, children, and adults with its fleet of helicopters, critical care ground ambulances and now jet.

All are outfitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment and serve as mobile intensive care units, with highly trained critical care nurses and paramedics. As a nonprofit, the organization provides more than $7 million in free and unreimbursed care to patients in need with little or no medical insurance.

The nonprofit partners with a consortium of leading medical centers, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Tufts Medical Center, in addition to community hospitals and first responders.