The decision to relocate assets to Rapid City comes after an extensive review of the local area and its needs, and how Black Hill Life Flight can more efficiently provide that service. With this move, Black Hills Life Flight will operate a rotor wing and fixed wing aircraft in Rapid City staffed with a critical care RN and paramedic and pilot on each transport. In addition, the team will provide critical care air medical services 24/7/365 to the area surrounding Rapid City and across state lines, which is critical given the distance between these communities and trauma centers.

“We are acutely aware of the need for air medical services in the entire Black Hills region – and throughout the nation – and are consistently reviewing our operations to ensure we provide the most efficient service and provide the greatest access to care for the region,” said Darryl Crown, regional business development manager of Black Hills Life Flight. “The new Rapid City base will provide that consistency and peace of mind to residents in the surrounding area. We have worked closely with local leaders to ensure that we are able to provide these services to residents when they need it.”

Black Hills Life Flight, along with all air medical services, provides essential and lifesaving services throughout the country. During missions, highly trained medical teams care for patients with lifesaving interventions to significantly improve patient outcomes. These interventions include providing advanced trauma care such as blood product administration, advanced airway intervention, cardiac/hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management and vasoactive medication administration and titration. With the continued consolidation of hospitals and the trend towards centers with specialized heart or neurological care, the clinical support and speed of missions is critical to giving patients the best possible outcomes.