MIAMI VALLEY, Ohio (WDTN) – CareFlight is celebrating 35 years in the Miami Valley.

Premier Health’s CareFlight air and mobile services provides critical care air transportation from scenes all across the region.

The program started in 1983 with a helicopter that could transport only one patient at a time.

Over time, the program has blossomed into a new helicopter that can carry two patients, along with staff and a response team.

“One of the things CareFlight initially brought it bringing critical care out to a patient, and that continues to be extremely valuable. As we see those types of things evolve, I’m anticipating you’ll see continued growth in that arena where we bring car out,” said Candy Skidmore, Vice President of Emergency Trauma with CareFlight.

CareFlight was one of the first programs to start transporting patients for care in the U.S.