posted May 25, 2016

(DENVER, Colorado, May 25, 2016) – Air Methods announces the reopening of the air medical helicopter base serving the greater Yellowstone, Wyoming region. In conjunction with Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC), the Air Idaho Rescue program extends care to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Gallatin National Forest and the Madison River valley. The seasonal base officially commenced year round operations on May 23, with service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We are honored to have a base at America’s first national park, and to bring our air medical resources to the residents and visitors of the greater Yellowstone region,” said Christina Brodsly, Air Methods spokesperson. “A majority of the call volume is tourist-related within the park, which includes trauma from traffic accidents and animal incidents.”

The year-round air medical base will be staffed by Air Idaho Rescue personnel, including flight nurses, flight paramedics, emergency medical services (EMS) pilots and mechanics, creating 15 new jobs. The helicopter is equipped with a variety of critical care supplies and medications found in a hospital emergency room or intensive care unit (ICU). These include items such as oxygen, airway resuscitation equipment, heart monitor/defibrillator, suction, IV pump and fluids, specialized monitor/testing equipment, ventilators, and emergency medications.

Air Methods has additional fixed wing and rotor wing air ambulances throughout the region – including one airplane in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and helicopters in surrounding markets. The aircraft are fully outfitted with night vision goggle technology, which enhances visibility during night transports so crews can better detect hazards and obstructions and have greater situational awareness. Further, the aircraft have a standard suite of advanced cockpit technologies to keep crews and patients safe and enhance the safety of operations.

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About Air Methods Corporation
Air Methods Corporation is America’s largest air medical provider, delivering lifesaving care to more than 100,000 people every year. The Air Medical Services Division is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. United Rotorcraft is the Company’s products division specializing in the design and manufacture of aeromedical and aerospace technology. Air Methods’ fleet of owned, leased or maintained aircraft features more than 450 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.