Air Rescue: America's only air medical hoist operation

Modeled after Swiss Air-Rescue Rega in Switzerland, Utah’s Intermountain Life Flight isn’t like your typical air ambulance program in the U.S. Its hoisting program is a vital tool used to pick adventure-seekers out of trouble as they explore the state’s vast and rugged landscape. Intermountain Life Flight currently operates nine Leonardo AW109SPs helicopters powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207C engines, the AW109SP has a maximum cruising speed of 283 kilometers per hour (153 knots true airspeed). Designed for EMS and SAR missions, its cabin can be configured to include single or dual stretchers with up to four seats for medical attendants or up to six seats for medevacs. The interior can also accommodate a range of emergency medical equipment.
Video by Shawn Adams
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[@groggysword33]

I currently live in St. George and work across the street from the hospital. It takes off directly over us. It’s the perfect platform for our environment, and based off its flight data, is a necessity for our region.

[@trob0914]

Fly Safe, Brothers and Sisters!

[@flyingrotorphoto]

I used to live in Cedar City, Utah and Intermountain Life Flight had a heli at the hospital. N261HC, and the AW109SP Grand-New is my favorite twin-turbine Helicopter. Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW-207C engines rated at 572 horsepower.

[@Keaton0801]

This title inaccurate. It may be the only private hoist air medical operation. However, there are many fire departments, and even police departments around the United States that do hoist life flight operations. Miami-Dade FD, LAFD, LACoFD are some of the fire departments that do it. The states of Maryland and New Jersey do it as well with their state police helicopters, as well as the U.S. Park Police. They can hoist up patients into their helicopters, and provide ALS care in flight to trauma centers. The Maryland State Police Helicopter known as “Trooper 3”, which served the Frederick Area of Maryland, gets called out to do hoist life flight operations the most out of the ones mentioned in the Mid-Atlantic region. This is because Trooper 3 is the go to, and their flight jurisdiction includes parts of the Appalachian Trail, and injured hikers get hoisted into the helicopter and flown to the hospital, as some do the area they may be, are too remote for immediate access and care by ground units. The U.S. Park Police, hoisted a pew pew victim, during the Navy Yard Mass Pew Pew event, and flew them to Shock Trauma University of Maryland Hospital, in Baltimore, MD.

[@JohnAnderson-kt4mb]

Seen these guys in my backyard, live in Salt lake area, it’s interesting to see the Utah public safety helicopter with the giant spotlight on the side of the mountain, then right beside it is life flight picking an injured hiker off the mountain via hoist… these guys are as skilled as they come that’s for sure!

[@jasonholland8731]

Anyone know how makes the red Lift Flight shell/jacket seen at 1:25 in the video? I work in the field and would like to find that shell for my work use.

[@777PROJEKT]

Beautiful images and doc !! keep up the good work

[@Verticalmagmedia]

Thanks!