Portneuf Medical Center is pleased to announce that we are partnering with a new air ambulance provider on April 1, 2015. We have contracted with Air Methods, an air ambulance service based in Englewood, CO. At present, they have more than 300 bases of operations serving 48 states; including service to both Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls and the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Portneuf’s legacy for providing quality air transportation to those who unexpectedly find themselves threated by life’s unforeseen situations dates back to 1983; Portneuf Medical Center via Bannock Regional started the first air ambulance service in the state of Idaho. Since its inception in 1983, Portneuf has flown thousands of flights within Idaho, Wyoming and Utah, responding to emergencies in various terrains, weather and critical situations.

The new partnership comes on the heels of a few factors. In 2014, the Idaho Legislature approved a plan to develop a Time Sensitive Emergency system for the state. PMC is the designated lead hospital in the southeast region — one of six regions in the state. The state-wide system of care will focus on three of the top five causes of death in Idaho — trauma, stroke and heart attack — and will address public education and prevention, 911 access, response coordination, hospital care and rehabilitation among other issues. In addition, PMC was verified in 2014 as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons. We know that the best trauma care is given by Centers that have the best systems in place and our new partner in the air will provide a continuum of care that will work well and represents a stronger strategic fit.

Air Methods has built its reputation on a commitment to quality patient care and safety in aviation operations. Since 1980, they have been dedicated to air medical transport and have grown to become the most experienced air medical operator in the industry. Transcending three decades, Air Methods continues to maintain the industry-leading position and their hospital-based model provides air medical transportation services to hospital customers nationwide. Under this unique service model, PMC and Air Methods each bring their individual strengths to form a great partnership.

At Portneuf, we are dedicated to ensuring patients get our full expertise, resources and focus to preserve and enhance lives. Forming partnerships to enrich and positively impact our services is at the heart of what we do. While Portneuf Medical Center is committed to providing quality care in the air and in our emergency department, we are also committed to achieving a continuity of excellence in emergency care from the minute 911 is called until that individual is admitted to our emergency department.