Medical helicopter moving from EIRMC to Driggs

An air medical transportation service is moving its base from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to Driggs.

Air Methods Corporation said in a news release Thursday it would move its Air Idaho helicopter operations to Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport. Its airplane would stay in Idaho Falls.

EIRMC hailed the move as one that would benefit patients, as the helicopter is most often sent to the Driggs service area.

“Placing the helicopter in Driggs is a move that will save lives. Response time to traumas in areas where most of our transports occur — this part of Idaho, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park — will be dramatically reduced. Our partners in trauma care, including Air Idaho Rescue, EMS providers serving the region, and hospitals like Teton Valley Hospital, St. John’s Medical Center, Star Valley Medical Center, Sublette County Rural Health Care District, and Madison Memorial, are continually seeking ways to improve outcomes for our patients. This is a huge step forward,” said Doug Crabtree, CEO of EIRMC.

We are looking into this story and will bring you more as it becomes available.