BY KAREN BOSSICK

Beginning this morning the Wood River Valley will gain another permanent resident.

An Air St. Luke’s medical transport helicopter and specialty medical team will be stationed at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center on a permanent basis beginning today—Saturday, Aug. 9.

The addition will enhance rapid response capabilities and critical care transport for the Wood River Valley and surrounding communities.

“We are proud to bring this air ambulance resource directly to our local community to enhance our ability to respond to time-sensitive emergencies like heart attacks, strokes and trauma,” said Almita Nunnelee, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer at St. Luke's Wood River.

“This critical addition strengthens our commitment to providing rapid, high-quality care when every second counts,” she added. “I’m thrilled about the impact this will have as we continue to serve our friends, neighbors and visitors with the compassion and excellence they deserve.”

Air St. Luke’s pilots, flight nurses and paramedics have partnered with St. Luke’s hospitals across southern Idaho, regional EMS agencies and first responders for more than two decades. Until now, they have flown from St. Luke’s hospitals in Boise and Twin Falls when called upon to respond to a medical emergency in the Wood River Valley.

Now, they’ll be waiting on the roof of St. Luke’s Wood River when someone arrives at the hospital needing transport to larger facilities. They will also be ready to respond to emergencies in the backcountry surrounding Sun Valley at a moment’s notice.