Medical Transport Nonprofit Will Strengthen Emergency Response, Officials Say
By Mark Dee
A pair of air ambulance providers are expanding emergency operations in the Wood River Valley, boosting the valley’s full-time fleet of medical transport helicopters from zero to two.
Air St. Luke’s began stationing a helicopter and crew at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center in Ketchum on Aug. 9. And Life Flight Network, a non-profit air ambulance provider, plans to open a new base in Hailey, the organization announced this month.
“We’re humbled by the opportunity to expand our presence in Idaho with a new base in Hailey,” Ben Clayton, chief executive officer at Life Flight Network, said in a statement. “Our vision is to ensure every community has access to lifesaving care. By reducing transport times and delivering ICU-level care from the moment we arrive at a patient’s side we can improve survivability and outcomes across south-central Idaho.”
Life Flight plans to station a “mobile intensive care unit” at the site, with a crew of pilots, flight nurses, paramedics and mechanics operating and maintaining a specialized Bell 407GXi helicopter. Life Flight’s team can perform “highly skilled medical functions,” including blood transfusions, midflight, the organization states.
The Hailey base is the conclusion of discussions between the non-profit, health care providers, first responders and local public officials, who saw a need for “dedicated air medical resources in the region.”
“Blaine County is experiencing increasing demand for fast and reliable emergency medical transport,” said Blaine County EMS Medical Director Dr. Malie Koplin. “Having a dedicated air ambulance based locally will strengthen our response to time-sensitive emergencies and improve patient outcomes.”
Founded in 1978, Life Flight partners with hospitals in Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho. Here, they work with Saint Alphonsus in Boise, a Level II trauma center that commonly accepts Blaine County’s most severe cases.
“We are incredibly excited about our partnership with Life Flight Network and what it means for our community,” Blaine County Sheriff Morgan Ballis said in a statement. “Having a critical care air ambulance stationed locally will increase patient access to timely medical intervention, leading to more lives saved.”
Air St. Luke’s has operated with in Blaine County for more than two decades, in recent years landing on the roof of St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center; its helicopters were previously based in Boise and Twin Falls, according to the hospital network’s website.
“We are proud to bring this air ambulance resource directly to our local community to enhance our ability to respond to time-sensitive emergencies like heart attacks, strokes and trauma,” Almita Nunnelee, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer at St. Luke’s Wood River said in a statement. “This critical addition strengthens our commitment to providing rapid, high-quality care when every second counts. I’m thrilled about the impact this will have as we continue to serve our friends, neighbors and visitors with the compassion and excellence they deserve.”
Life Flight picked Hailey because of the region’s “growing year-round population” and popularity as a recreation destination, the organization said. Hailey’s base will be Life Flight’s fifth in Idaho, joining Boise, Burley, Lewiston, Couer d’Alene and Sandpoint.
Blaine County Commissioner Angenie McCleary said she was “thrilled” to options for medical transport enter the valley.
“Having a helicopter based here will greatly enhance patient care and improve our medical response capabilities,” she said.
