{"id":39648,"date":"2025-12-25T13:16:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T18:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/air-medical-program-is-flying-higher-with-upgraded-aircraft\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T13:16:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T18:16:13","slug":"air-medical-program-is-flying-higher-with-upgraded-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/air-medical-program-is-flying-higher-with-upgraded-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Medical Program is flying higher with upgraded aircraft"},"content":{"rendered":"
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RAPID CITY \u2013 Santa brought an early Christmas gift to Black Hills Life Flight air medical service\u2014an upgraded PC-12\/47 NG fixed wing plane! Based in Rapid City, the crew will use this asset to transport patients needing to go farther distances for higher-level medical care or in weather conditions unsuitable for the program\u2019s helicopters in Rapid City and Hot Springs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe PC-12 is known for its short field takeoff and landing capabilities, high cruise speed, and good fuel economy which allows for a greater range,\u201d said Black Hills Life Flight Lead Pilot Charles Laws. \u201cThe large cargo door in back is also perfect for EMS.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additional benefits of the new aircraft include updated avionics, an upgraded engine that allows for better climb rates and a higher cruising speed, and a quieter five-blade propeller. Most importantly, the aircraft can take off with more weight, meaning the crew can transport heavier patients, a family member, more medical equipment, more fuel, or a combination of these.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is a very versatile aircraft, known for its reliability and performance,\u201d said Air Methods Account Executive Brody Jorensen. \u201cThe spacious interior makes it easier and more efficient to load specialty equipment and devices, and offers a more functional space for flight crews and specialty teams to provide critical care to severely ill and injured patients.\u201d<\/p>\n

Black Hills Life Flight is part of Air Methods, the country\u2019s leading air medical provider, which is transitioning much of its nation-wide fixed wing fleet to the PC-12 to allow pilots to serve various bases as needed and to have a higher volume of aircraft parts on hand for rapid repairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis aircraft is crucial for transporting patients longer distances for specialty care and will allow us to serve even more people with a wider range of medical needs,\u201d said Air Methods Area Manager Vince Freeborn. \u201cAlong with our sister bases in Wyoming and Nebraska, we are proud to provide a network of care that serves local communities as well as patients across the region and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n

Equipped as a flying ICU, the Black Hills Life Flight fixed-wing team provides lifesaving care for neonatal, pediatric, high-risk obstetric, and adult patients with cardiac, stroke, trauma, and other critical care needs. They recently added a Zoll AutoPulse CPR device to their list of industry leading medical equipment, allowing for in-flight mechanical CPR. They also carry whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss and at risk of hemorrhagic shock.<\/p>\n

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across South Dakota and beyond. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services. Patients do not need a membership to be transported by any air medical company.<\/p>\n

About Air Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n

Black Hills Life Flight is part of Air Methods (airmethods.com), the nation\u2019s leading air medical service delivering lifesaving care to approximately 100,000 people every year. With 45 years of experience, Air Methods is the preferred partner for hospitals and one of the largest community-based providers of air medical services. Air Methods Ascend is the company\u2019s clinical education program, allowing critical care nurses and paramedics best-in-class training opportunities using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality, and cadaver labs.<\/p>\n

The post Air Medical Program is flying higher with upgraded aircraft<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 RAPID CITY \u2013 Santa brought an early Christmas gift to Black Hills Life Flight air medical service\u2014an upgraded PC-12\/47 NG fixed wing plane! Based in Rapid City, the crew will use this asset to transport patients needing to go farther distances for higher-level medical care or in weather conditions <\/p>\n

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Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> December 25, 2025<\/p>\n

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