Sanford AirMed helicopter service to launch in Bismarck

Sanford AirMed consists of a highly trained team of flight paramedics, flight nurses, pilots and mechanics chosen for their expertise in their fields. A flight paramedic, flight nurse and pilot will be on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Sanford AirMed service can be activated by hospitals and first responders, such as the local ambulance service, fire department or law enforcement. It will transport patients to the facility of their choice or to the nearest appropriate medical facility. The helicopter can travel up to 165 miles per hour and has range of two hours and 30 minutes. This will typically serve patients within central and western North Dakota, including parts of South Dakota and Montana.

“This service is another example of Sanford Health delivering on its promise to enhance health care in central and western North Dakota,” said Craig Lambrecht, MD, president of the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. “Air medical care is vital in rural areas such as ours to deliver life-saving care quickly when needed.”

Sanford AirMed operates a fleet of four helicopters and four airplanes from bases in Bismarck, Fargo, Sioux Falls and Bemidji. With a dedicated Communications Center in Sioux Falls, Sanford AirMed can launch a helicopter within 10 minutes of accepting the flight from the referring hospital or first responder unit. Current plans are for the service to be operational in mid to late June.