I don't think bought out is the correct term. More like "Warren Inc. DBA: The Pink Palace" washed their hands of the helicopter business like so many other health "systems" around the nation. I've wrote about this kind of thing, on this very forum in the past. I guess no one listened, or believed me, or whatever.
More than likely "Air Methods" will be taking over operations from St. Francis. Of course, they always have owned the helicopters, pilots, and mechanics. They had to meddle with the communications center as well, no naturally, as predicted a long time ago, that will be going to a Life*Com way of dispatch....outsourced, in another state....for now. Give them a few more years and they'll outsource it to India and dispatch will be part of Dell technical support. At any rate, it equals job positions cut.
There is one guy who frequents these forums who has all of the answers, but I'm sure he's highly embarrased right about now. He could have told you about this move almost a month ago. He's known for saving his own neck at the expense of others though, even if it involves outright lying. I like to think of what happened at TLF as karma. It's a real eye opener. I have a sign about the size of one of Stokley's billboards around town that say "I told ya so" that I could wave at this whole situation.
I wouldn't expect much official comment from anyone involved though. St. Francis has been dodging media questions about it and to my knowledge, still hasn't made a press release about the change. It's going to be interesting to see what they have to say. Of course we know they'll put a spin on how good things will be for everyone in the future....yeah....right...that's why they are waiting as long as possible to say anything. Can you say, "Cut your losses" and "Damage Control"?
I guess we'll wait and see if anyone pipes up with some more information. After all, what do I know?
