Will Begin 24/7/365 Operations May 23

Air Methods has announced that its air medical helicopter base serving the greater Yellowstone region is reopening, and expanding to a year-round operation.

The Air Idaho Rescue Program will extend to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Gallatin National Forest and the Madison River valley, and will be a 24/7/365 operation as of May 23.

The base had previously been a seasonal operation, flying between May and September in 2014. The West Yellowstone News reports that the base will be staffed by Air Idaho Rescue personnel, and create 15 new jobs in the region.

Air Methods Regional Business Manager Michael Jenkins told the paper that the company wants to serve the community year-round. "We think we can do a lot of good by being here," he said.

The helicopter assigned to the new base is equipped with advanced medical equipment, night vision goggles, and advance cockpit technologies. The company has additional fixed- and rotary-wing assets in the region.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.airmethods.com