Air Idaho Rescue transports its 1,000th patient

On 16 September, Air Idaho Rescue transported its 1,000^th patient.

The flight crew works very closely with the ground ambulance providers in the area and partnered with Hebgen Basin Fire and EMS on the 1,000^th flight.

“The providers we work with on the ground are some of the best around,” said Tom Cadmus, Flight Paramedic with Air Idaho Rescue. “We are grateful for the strong partnerships that not only create a positive working environment, but ultimately provide the best care for our patients.”

The air rescue service helps people in need of emergency medical care at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA, during the summer months.

The team – which comprises four pilots, one mechanic, three flight nurses, and three flight paramedics – has operated the seasonal base in West Yellowstone for the past nine years, serving the area from approximately May through October.

Air Idaho Rescue’s AS350 helicopter functions as a flying ICU and can get to the closest hospital in approximately 45 minutes rather than the over three hours that the drive can take when traffic is heavy in the park.

It also carries blood onboard the aircraft and can administer it in flight to patients suffering from severe blood loss or hemorrhagic shock resulting from falls, car accidents, or other causes of traumatic injuries.

“Our 1,000^th flight is a big deal to us because it means there are 1,000 people we have been able to help during their greatest time of need,” said Cadmus. “Our service area is mostly wilderness and mountains, so we care for a variety of medical needs including complications from altitude-related illnesses, injuries from outdoor adventure activities, as well as life-threatening medical events like heart attacks and strokes.”

When the West Yellowstone base closes for the season, the area will still be supported by Air Idaho Rescue thanks to its base in Driggs, Idaho. Both bases are part of Air Methods.

Jill Egan, Account Executive with Air Methods, added: “Because parts of the park are so remote, it can be hard to access patients without a helicopter. Our pilots have extensive experience and can maneuver nimbly in this environment to help ensure people get the emergency care they need when every minute counts.”