Clarinda Regional Health Center’s (CRHC) helipad has been undergoing some renoavation to accommodate the new 24-hour Mercy One – Clarinda medical helicopter service.  Updates include adding an on-site 6,000 gallon fuel tank, running water and electrical service, additional lighting, and fencing around both the helipad and the fuel tank.

These additions are part of a properly equipped location where the helicopter service is based, changing it from the typicall small hospital “helistop” with no refueling or support services to a fully equipped and supported “heliport.”

The Mercy One – Clarinda helicopter has a hangar at the Clarinda Municipal Airport for maintenance and shelter during inclement weather.  The service has been based at the airport during the helipad renovation phase.

Mercy One – Clarinda is a joint venture between Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines, Air Methods, and Clarinda Regional Health Center.  Mercy One – Clarinda is a medical helicopter program servicing a 50-mile radius from Clarinda, IA.  The service typically transports patients from local hospitals in communities such as Maryville, MO, Fairfax, MO, as well as Iowa hospitals located in Shenandoah, Red Oak, Hamburg, Corning, Atlantic, Creston, Mt. Ayr and Clarinda.  Mercy One – Clarinda aslo responds to on-scene accidents for patient transport.  Mercy One – Clarinda transports critical care patients to advanced level critical care facilities and trauma centers in Omaha, NE, Lincoln, NE, Des Moines, IA and St. Joseph, MO.  The service has been in operation since October 15, 2012.