1. Why is air transport necessary?

   To expedite the definitive care and treatment of any patient with a critical or "potentially" critical illness or injury. Many patients transported by A.I.R. are initially stabilized in community hospitals but need care that the outlying facility cannot provide. Due to the rural nature of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, a ground transfer may take 2-4 hours delaying diagnosis and treatment. We are also able to access wilderness areas for "backcountry rescues" which may take hours to days to get out by conventional means of hiking, biking horseback or snowmobile.

2. What is the cost of air transport?

   There is a base fee plus charges for loaded patient miles, equipment, medications and procedures. Flight related charges are generally well covered by insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid based on flight necessity and the rural nature of our area. If there are questions, EIRMC has a customer service representative who is trained to handle billing problems.

   If you are uninsured, EIRMC has social workers, customer service representatives and resource investigators who will make every effort to help you with funding options. No patient will be authorized or denied transport based on ability to pay.

   Most of all if you or your loved one is in need of air transport, the question of money will be better managed when the stress of the illness is not weighing so heavy. Often the time saved in transport will make a big difference in the outcome.

   Judgements as to fly or not to fly should be based on need, weather and availability of an aircraft, not cost.

3. Can I refuse to fly?

   If you are of sound mind, and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as an adult you can refuse any treatment. If there is concern for your mental status due to injury or other influences, you may be flown by "implied" consent which means that you are not of the mind to make those decisions.

4. Can a family member fly with me?

   That will depend on weight and balance. Fuel is the biggest factor. If you want a family member to accompany you, let the staff at the referring agency know as soon as possible. You must tell them your weight and show that you can remain calm.  The crew must be able to focus on care of the patient.

5. Do I have to be transported to Idaho Falls?

   No. A.I.R.’s policy is to transport to the closest "appropriate" facility. If youprefer to fly to a facility that is further, we can do that provided the extra time will not adversely affect your outcome. Your insurance may not be willing to pay for the extra mileage and you may be responsible for that.

   Who decides when air transport is necessary?

6. There are several avenues in which we may be dispatched. We may be calledby a physician at a smaller hospital who has evaluated you or your loved one and consulted with one of our physicians in the Emergency Department or a Specialist at EIRMC. An ambulance or QRU who responds to the scene of an accident or illness and recognizes the "potential" need for advanced life support and rapid transport may call us. We may be called by Law Enforcement, Park Officials or numerous other agencies who are trained in helicopter utilization, safety and LZ set-up. We often will transport patients that "appear" to be stable, however, the mechanism of injury involved tells us that there is a "potential’ for serious injury that is not yet diagnosed. The outlying personnel are educated on not only treating the "known" injuries but when to recognize "potential" injuries and illness. We all work together to deliver the best care for all those involved.

7. Is it safe to fly?

   There are inherent risks to flying, however, safety is our primary concern. The medical crew undergoes biannual helicopter safety training and annual LZ and helicopter safety classes are given to all agencies within our service area. ALL flights are critiqued for any safety issues or concerns and we have a dedicated safety committee that meets regularly. Two dedicated full-time factory trained mechanics are meticulous about aircraft maintenance and routine checks. Our Pilots are very experienced and highly skilled in mountain flying. Weather minimums are strictly adhered to as mandated by the FAA. We operate by visual flight rules yet as an additional safety net, our pilots maintain currency with instruments and our helicopter is instrument rated.

    

8. What are your flight times?

Here are some general flight times to EIRMC. The actual time may vary depending on winds and exact location.