Portneuf Air Rescue unveils “Rio”: A new Airbus H-130 named by local 5-year-old

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A new life-saving helicopter is taking flight in southeast Idaho. On Thursday, May 7, Portneuf Air Rescue —a partnership between Global Medical Response (GMR) and Portneuf Medical Center— officially unveiled its new Airbus H-130 helicopter that will help critical patients get the care they need faster.

The hospital says the helicopter is equipped with advanced medical technology designed to transport critically ill or injured patients to care quickly.

The highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the announcement of the helicopter’s new name: Rio.

The name was selected following a statewide youth contest held in April. Out of dozens of entries from children across Idaho, a committee chose the submission by five-year-old Ellie F. of Pocatello.

Ellie chose the name Rio because it's Spanish for river, and the hospital is named Portneuf after the river that flows through our community. 

"Having the aircraft named by a local child also reflects the community’s connection to the program and the role it plays in the region’s emergency response," said Matt Strauss, regional director for Global Medical Response.

To celebrate the win, Ellie and her entire class from Mother Goose Daycare were invited to the helipad to cheer for their classmate, tour the aircraft, and take home custom PAR t-shirts emblazoned with the name "Rio."

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