Classic Air Medical opens new hospital base

Helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) provider Classic Air Medical has opened a new base at Intermountain Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley, Idaho.

It follows the acquisition of the operator by the hospital’s owner, Intermountain Healthcare, in April 2021.

The new base will serve residents throughout the counties of Minidoka and Cassia (Mini-Cassia), with operations beginning from this summer. Operations will be coordinated with Cassia Regional Hospital’s ground ambulance team, as well as emergency staff.

The base will be staffed by a team of three caregivers – a pilot, a critical care flight medic, and a critical care flight nurse – as well as an on-site mechanic.

The new base will complement Intermountain’s growing use of telemedicine

According to Intermountain Healthcare, Classic Air Medical’s presence at Cassia Regional Hospital will complement their growing use of telehealth technology, offering easier, ‘faster air transport’ for ‘high-acuity patients in need of more specialized care.’.

“Joining with Intermountain Cassia Regional is complimentary to the outstanding care patients already receive there, and we will work seamlessly with the outreach services, telehealth and digital solutions developed by Intermountain to better serve patients,” said Tony Henderson, CEO of Classic Air Medical.

Under the new operations, Classic Air Medical have said that they will continue to honor memberships and vouchers from the Life Flight Network and Air St Luke’s.

“This will be a great service for residents of the Mini-Cassia area to ensure they continue to have access to high quality care and affordable care,” said Eric Liston, Administrator of Intermountain Healthcare’s Telehealth, Connect Care, Outreach, and Life Flight Services.