Emergency Helicopter Returns to Yellowstone Just in Time for Busy Season
A special medical helicopter is back at Yellowstone National Park to help save lives during the busy summer months. Air Idaho Rescue opened its seasonal base at Yellowstone Airport on April 15. This is the eleventh year they have provided this important service to the park and nearby areas.
From May through September, millions of visitors come to Yellowstone National Park, as EastIdahoNews.com writes in their recent report. With more people, there are more medical emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, and injuries from activities like hiking and horseback riding.
Remote parts
“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.
The helicopter used is an A-Star 350, which works well in high mountain areas and hot weather. It carries medical experts and all the equipment needed for emergencies, including whole blood for patients who have lost a lot of blood from accidents or animal attacks.
Vital resource
The local fire chief is happy about the return of this service. “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.”
This emergency helicopter service will remain at Yellowstone until the end of the busy tourist season in September.
