Residents and visitors within 150 miles of Evanston, Wyoming, who need emergency medical services face better odds for survival thanks to the launch of a Wyoming Life Flight helicopter base at the cityโs hospital. Wyoming Life Flight Account Executive Erik Bornemeier said parent company Air Methods recently added the base in addition to its Casper location to enhance services in southwest Wyoming. The decision followed a study of the EMS needs of the region.
โSouthwest Wyoming has struggled and continues to struggle in regard to EMS,โ he said. โBecause of the research we did and in meeting with community leaders, it was a great place to put a helicopter service because we can get to people faster and sooner.โ And when it comes to heart attacks, strokes, and severe trauma โ time is critical.
โWith a helicopter base located at Evanston Regional Hospital, patients and families in our community are less likely to wait for transport when advanced critical care is vital to improved patient outcomes,โ said Shelley Green, spokesperson for the hospital. Bornemeier said the helicopterโs primary service area will cover 150 miles in any direction, meaning they could service Dubois to the northeast, southern Idaho to the northwest, Vernal Utah to the south and Rawlins to the west.
โThis aircraft will best be used in that southwest corner,โ he said. โPeople like to recreate and get broken up on the north side of the Uintas there, so Kings Peak.โ He said ground EMS sometimes struggle to reach the area โ taking two hours or more on the ground. The helicopter can reach people in the area in 15 minutes.
