Frasca International Signs Major Training Device Contract with Global Medical Response
Frasca International, Inc., a FlightSafety International company and a globally recognized leader in flight simulation and training technology, has announced the signing of a new contract with Global Medical Response (GMR) to supply four advanced Level 7 Flight Training Devices (FTDs). This agreement marks another significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations and reinforces their shared commitment to safety, operational excellence, and advanced pilot training within the emergency medical services aviation sector.
Under the terms of the contract, Frasca will deliver four new Level 7 FTDs representing a diverse range of aircraft types commonly used in emergency medical and special mission operations. The devices will simulate an Airbus EC135 helicopter, a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 King Air, and a Beechcraft B200 King Air. Each training device will be equipped with Frasca’s proprietary motion system, which is designed to enhance training realism by accurately replicating aircraft handling characteristics, motion cues, and operational responses.
The new simulators will be installed at Global Medical Response’s state-of-the-art training facility currently under construction in Denton, Texas. Once completed, the Denton center will serve as a central hub for aviation training across GMR’s expansive network, supporting pilots who operate in some of the most demanding and time-critical flight environments in the aviation industry.
A Long-Standing Training Partnership
The newly announced contract builds upon a relationship between Frasca and Global Medical Response that spans nearly two decades. Frasca first began supporting GMR’s aviation training initiatives in 2005, when it delivered its first simulator to Air Evac Lifeteam, one of GMR’s operating companies. At the time, the introduction of advanced simulation technology represented a major step forward in preparing pilots for the complexities of emergency medical flight operations.
Since then, Frasca simulators have become a core component of GMR’s pilot training ecosystem. Over the years, the two organizations have worked closely to expand training capacity, introduce new aircraft platforms, and incorporate evolving regulatory standards and operational requirements. With the delivery of the four new Level 7 FTDs, Global Medical Response will operate a total of 15 Frasca training devices across its network. This fleet will include seven Level 7 Flight Training Devices and eight Helicopter Training Devices (HTDs), reflecting one of the most comprehensive EMS aviation simulation programs in the industry.
Enhancing Realism and Safety Through Simulation
Level 7 Flight Training Devices are designed to provide high-fidelity training experiences that closely mirror real-world aircraft operations. Frasca’s motion system, integrated into each of the new devices, plays a critical role in achieving this realism. The system delivers precise motion cues that help pilots develop accurate muscle memory, improve situational awareness, and practice complex maneuvers in a controlled and repeatable environment.
For emergency medical service pilots, this level of realism is particularly important. EMS aviation missions often involve challenging weather conditions, night operations, confined landing zones, and high-pressure decision-making scenarios where patient outcomes depend on safe and efficient transport. Advanced simulation allows pilots to rehearse these scenarios extensively without the risks associated with live flight training.
By incorporating a mix of rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms, the new FTDs will support a wide range of operational training needs. The Airbus EC135 simulator will be used extensively for helicopter EMS missions, while the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air simulators will support fixed-wing air medical transport, including longer-distance patient transfers and specialty missions.
Supporting a Global Leader in Emergency Medical Services
Global Medical Response is one of the largest and most comprehensive emergency medical services providers in the world. The organization delivers more than 5.5 million patient care events annually, providing critical medical transportation and on-scene emergency response services across the United States. GMR’s aviation division operates a substantial and diverse fleet, including 367 rotary-wing aircraft, 119 fixed-wing aircraft, and a nationwide ground network of 7,286 ambulances. Its operations are supported by 382 air base locations strategically positioned to ensure rapid response times and broad geographic coverage.
Given the scale and complexity of its operations, pilot training is a strategic priority for GMR. Ensuring that flight crews are prepared for both routine and extraordinary missions is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for patient safety and crew well-being. The expansion of GMR’s simulation capabilities through this new agreement with Frasca reflects a proactive approach to maintaining high training standards as the organization continues to grow.
Leadership Perspectives
Commenting on the agreement, John Frasca, President of Frasca International, emphasized the importance of the partnership and the shared mission between the two organizations.
We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Global Medical Response, an organization that provides life-saving emergency medical services every day,” Frasca said. “These new training devices will further enhance the realism and effectiveness of GMR’s aviation training programs, helping to support the highest standards of safety, preparedness, and operational excellence.”
From GMR’s perspective, the investment in additional Frasca training devices represents a strategic commitment to its pilots and the communities they serve. Josh Brannon, National Vice President of Aviation Operations at Global Medical Response, highlighted the value that simulation technology brings to daily operations.
Frasca devices have been essential in ensuring our pilots are ready for the challenges of emergency medical aviation,” Brannon said. “As we expand our training operations, these new Flight Training Devices will provide our crews with access to even more advanced tools. Ultimately, this investment strengthens our ability to deliver safe, reliable care to patients and communities when they need it most.”
Denton Training Facility and Future Outlook
The four new Level 7 FTDs are scheduled to become available at GMR’s Denton, Texas training facility in alignment with the center’s opening later this year. The new facility is being designed to accommodate expanded training volumes, advanced simulation technologies, and future growth in both rotary-wing and fixed-wing operations.
Once operational, the Denton center will play a central role in standardizing training across GMR’s aviation network, allowing pilots from different regions and operating companies to train using consistent procedures, scenarios, and performance benchmarks. This centralized approach is expected to further enhance safety outcomes and operational coordination across the organization.
As emergency medical services aviation continues to evolve, the role of high-quality simulation is becoming increasingly critical. Advances in aircraft technology, regulatory requirements, and mission complexity demand training solutions that can keep pace with real-world conditions. Through its continued partnership with Frasca International, Global Medical Response is positioning itself at the forefront of aviation training innovation within the EMS sector.
The newly announced contract not only reflects the strength of a trusted partnership but also underscores a shared vision: leveraging advanced simulation technology to ensure that EMS pilots are fully prepared to perform life-saving missions safely, efficiently, and with confidence—every time they take to the skies.
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