Air Idaho Rescue returns to Yellowstone National Park for summer

The following is a news release and photo from Air Methods.

WEST YELLOWSTONE — For the eleventh year, Air Idaho Rescue opened the doors to its seasonal air medical base at Yellowstone Airport on Tuesday, April 15. This base brings lifesaving helicopter transport and advanced medical care to Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding region during the park’s busiest months.

Each year, from May through September, Yellowstone National Park sees a significant increase in the number of visitors, which also means more people experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and injuries. Popular activities in the park such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding may take visitors far from populated areas and reaching them for medical care can be difficult without a helicopter.

“Many remote parts of the park are inaccessible by ground ambulance, so when people are injured or have a medical emergency in these areas, they rely on this vital resource,” said Corey Ellis, area manager with Air Methods.

Air Idaho Rescue’s A-Star 350 helicopter is perfect for Yellowstone National Park, Hebgen Basin, and the surrounding areas thanks to its ability to perform at high altitudes and in hot weather. It carries a team of industry-leading trauma clinicians, along with the equipment and medications needed to save lives in emergency situations. With whole blood on board the aircraft, it can be administered to patients in-flight when there is a risk of severe blood loss or hemorrhagic shock resulting from falls, car accidents, animal attacks, or other causes of traumatic injuries.

“We are thrilled to have Air Idaho Rescue back in the area,” said Hebgen Basin Fire Chief Shane Grube. “It is a vital resource and a valuable service.”