Opens New Base In Idaho Falls, ID
National air medical services
provider Omniflight Helicopters announced the introduction this
week of a fixed-wing program in Idaho Falls, ID. The company will
open a new base there in early February 2009.
The service is being launched to augment the company's current
rotor-wing operation in Idaho Falls based at Eastern Idaho Regional
Medical Center (EIRMC). Both programs serve patients throughout
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah.
One PC-12 plane will operate from this base. The single-engine
turboprop is equipped with a cargo door, which allows for the
transport of larger patients and those whose conditions might
prevent them from being loaded into a standard aircraft.
The PC-12 also boasts a spacious cabin for maximum patient
comfort. Omniflight operates spare PC-12s to ensure continuity of
service.
The fixed-wing aircraft will be the only one in the region
dedicated to medical transports. It brings several advantages to
the region including improved availability of service when weather
prohibits the helicopter from being dispatched and the added
capacity to transport neo-natal and high risk obstetrics patients.
Since it is certified for IFR, the PC-12 can fly even when
helicopter service is unavailable.
Omniflight has operated in the region through bases in Kalispell
and Missoula, MT, which were opened in 2004. The company began
service in Idaho Falls, which also services surrounding states in
June 2008, when it acquired Air Idaho Rescue. Air Idaho Rescue was
founded and began serving the market in July 1990, and since that
time, has transported more than 7,000 patients.
"The addition of the fixed wing program, by complementing our
current rotor-wing program in this area, will enhance the
availability of air medical services transports to patients
throughout the Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah region. Our new
fixed-wing program affords the area improved availability and an
ability to fly longer distances than helicopters; thereby providing
patients access to a broader range of facilities," said Robert A.
Peiser, chairman and chief executive officer at Omniflight. "We are
excited to bring these important services to these areas and look
forward to working closely with the region's hospitals and other
medical providers to meet patient's needs."
The new plane will be staffed with a registered nurse and
paramedic, as well as a pilot. This team will be based at the Idaho
Falls airport to ensure rapid response and will be available 24
hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.