Will Begin Operations September 1

Life Flight Network is opening a new helicopter base in Bozeman, Montana by September 1, 2017. Located at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the base will make ICU-level care provided by flight nurses, paramedics or respiratory therapists accessible to people anywhere in southern Montana and northern Wyoming.

"Whether a person has suffered a heart attack, stroke, or serious traumatic injury, every minute counts in the fight to save their life," said Life Flight Network's Chief Customer Officer Justin Dillingham. "Opening a base in Bozeman means patients nearby can be flown to higher levels of care in significantly less time." He added, "As an in-network provider for both Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and PacificSource, we are a resource for hospitals and emergency responders to consider when there is a need for the life-saving services we provide."

Life Flight Network currently serves Montana from bases in Butte and Missoula, as well as Idaho. Each helicopter has the ability to respond to locations more than 150 miles from its base, so patients across the state have access to high-quality, fast critical care transport. The addition of a helicopter in Bozeman will further enhance the services available in southern Montana. Communities like Bozeman, Big Sky, Ennis, Ruby Valley, West Yellowstone, Livingston, Big Timber, and White Sulfur Springs will now have access to quality, ICU-level care provided by an air medical service that is in-network for most Montanans covered by commercial insurance.  

A 119Kx 'Koala' helicopter will be stationed at the airport. The 119Kx is an aircraft very capable of safely handling the high altitudes of Montana and the long distances between hospitals. The aircraft also has the ability to transport two patients at once.

Each Life Flight Network base creates about 15 new jobs and contributes more than $1 million annually to the local economy. The base will be staffed 24/7 with an experienced ICU-level nurse, a highly trained paramedic or respiratory therapist, and a skilled pilot. The base will also employ two mechanics.

(Source: Life Flight Network news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.lifeflight.org