Care Flight celebrates 40 years

‘Battle Born’ became Nevada’s state slogan when it became the 36th US state during the Civil War in 1964. Battle born also described Care Flight’s start in 1981, when it became the 35th Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the country. Care Flight was considered a true ‘Pioneer of The West’ for bringing critical care to the vast open areas of Nevada and northern California.

The Alouette III, which was designed for use in the French Alps, with high-altitude capability and a small footprint, was a good match for this region’s needs. Care Flight flew the last-remaining US air medical Alouette until its retirement. Care Flight then purchased the first MD 900 Explorer for EMS and designed the EMS interior that is still in use today.

Demond for medical air transport grew

As the demand for critical care transport grew, Care Flight has grown and now operates four rotor wing (RW) bases. All four RW aircraft are AS350 B3 A Stars, chosen for their ability to perform in the altitude, wind and temperature extremes experienced in this area.

This once single-aircraft flight program, staffed by a single nurse and pilot, has flourished into a multi-aircraft, multi-staffed, air and ground transport program. In addition to its primary mission, Care Flight has served the region as a valuable educational resource. Local and state organizations have consistently turned to Care Flight for input on regulations, protocols and guidelines.