Air Idaho Rescue opens seasonal Yellowstone base

In conjunction with Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), the Air Idaho Rescue base extends care to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Gallatin National Forest, and the Madison River valley. The base officially commenced operations this month, with service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The West Yellowstone base is staffed by Air Idaho Rescue personnel, including experienced flight nurses, flight paramedics, emergency medical services pilots, and mechanics. During the spring, summer, and fall, air medical services are vital for transporting patients from remote areas in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Quicker response times for emergencies

The West Yellowstone base provides air medical services that result in quicker response times for emergent and trauma situations. The base also supports patients in co-operation with EIRMC’s transport team, resulting in faster response times to patients in need. EIRMC offers the state’s only Burn Center; the region’s only Level I Intensive Care Unit, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care, and Pediatric Intensive Care units; and the region’s only Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center and Behavioral Health Center.

“Since our West Yellowstone base began service in 2014, we have been proud to serve America’s first national park, and to bring our air medical resources to the residents and visitors of the greater Yellowstone region,” said Mike Jenkins, Area Manager for Air Methods. “Most of the calls to this base are tourist-related within the park, which includes trauma from traffic accidents and animal incidents. Our emergency air medical crews are dedicated to providing the best rapid-response, critical care possible for the people in this region.”