posted August 27, 2024

Emergency air medical service hosts special event to recognize its anniversary of service to the people of Lemhi County and beyond.  

Salmon, ID – Aug. 26, 2024 – Recognizing the importance of emergency air medical care, the Salmon community joined the Air Idaho Rescue crew for a special gathering at the Salmon City Park on Thursday, Aug. 22 to mark the base’s fifth anniversary. Guests included representatives from Steele Memorial Hospital, Challis Area Health Center, Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office, Lemhi County EMS, Salmon Search and Rescue, Lemhi County Fire Protection District, and Lemhi County Probation.  

“Five years ago, we sat down and looked at a map and said, ‘Where can we do the most good?’ Salmon was one of those areas where we thought we could help the most people, and it has definitely been proven that our services are needed,” said Mike Jenkins, area manager for the Air Idaho Rescue program. “We really appreciate the partnerships we have built and the way you’ve welcomed us into your community.” 

Among the many guests who spoke at the celebration was Lemhi County Sheriff Steve Penner, who talked about Air Idaho Rescue’s role in the EMS community and the impact the program has had on the emergency care residents receive. 

“They have really acclimated well and became part of the first responder family and are part of the community,” said Penner. “But more importantly, there have been a few times when their [fast] response time really benefitted the outcome of the patient, if not saved their life, and that is what it is all about.”  

CEO of Challis Area Health Center Steve Rembelski remarked on the program’s value to the people of Lemhi County given the remote nature of the area and the distance to higher levels of medical care.  

“When we talk about time sensitive emergencies, minutes truly make a difference,” said Rembelski. “Prior to Air Idaho being in Salmon, it could take up to an hour and thirty minutes to get an aircraft to our facility, and I have truly seen patients on their knees praying for every minute. Now, we’ve had Air Idaho show up in 28 minutes. They are an amazing crew, always put safety first, they are skilled, kind, caring, and compassionate.”     

Approximately 40 guests enjoyed a casual lunch as the Air Idaho Rescue crew from West Yellowstone, MT flew in for the event so attendees could take an up-close look at the helicopter while the aircraft serving Salmon was out on a call. Family members of former patients expressed their appreciation, and Lenny Skunberg and Ilona McCarty, who lease the hangar and crew quarters to Air Idaho, shared their gratitude for the program. 

Not only are residents thankful to have Air Idaho Rescue in their backyard, but the crew is grateful to be part of such a warm and welcoming community and is proud to offer the highest level of emergency air medical care. 

“Our clinicians really are amazing at their jobs,” said Alex Waldron, a pilot with Air Idaho Rescue. “They love to do it, love to fly, love to help the community, and it is awesome to watch someone that is so good at their job. I’m lucky to work here, and the community is lucky to have the nurses and the medics working for Air Idaho here.” 

Air Idaho Rescue is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical provider in the United States. It is equipped with an AS 350 helicopter ideally suited for the climate and elevation of Lemhi County and the surrounding areas. This flying ICU carries the equipment and medications needed to save lives in emergency situations, along with industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, high-risk obstetric emergencies, and more. They carry whole blood on board and can administer it in flight to patients suffering from severe blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and their visitors and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance or the state they may be visiting from, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.