Medivac Services
FAQ
Alyssa Edwards Flight RN, BSN, CCRN, CEP
Regional PR Representative, Classic Air Medical
What emergencies require medivac?
Medivac is typically utilized for time-sensitive emergencies. There is a broad spectrum of the specific emergencies transported via this service. Rural areas tend to have a lack or resources or significant distance to definitive care. Medivac is utilized to get these time-sensitive emergencies (Heat attack, Stroke, Trauma, etc) to definitive care and allow access to these resources in a timely and effective manner. Classic specifically offers services related to search and rescue, as the rescue process can be lengthy and delay much needed care. There are times that we simply utilize our service to assist in the rescue process, even if the patient does not require transport via helicopter.
What number do we call? Dispatch? 911? Direct?
To request our services, the best way to contact would be through your 911 dispatch centers. We have worked closely with these dispatch centers throughout the state and they are well versed on the matter. Classic Also has a direct line that you can call to request services if you choose. The direct number for Classic Dispatch is 801-800-444-9223.
​Is there a membership requirement for service or coverage?
We do not offer a membership at Classic Air Medical.
​What if dispatch calls another service provider? (If we have a Classic Air membership)
Classic has discontinued their membership, but if you would like to request Classic specifically I would recommend using the direct line for requesting Medivac.
​How many medivac service providers serve the Boulder and Grand Staircase / Dixie National Forest / Glen Canyon NRA?
In your specific region there are multiple options.
Classic Air Medical has 3 helicopters that service the area. Richfield, UT, Moab, UT, and Page AZ all have a rotor wing aircraft and Page does have a fixed wing aircraft which is beneficial with weather restrictions. The fixed wing aircraft can rendezvous with ground crews at the airport or private landing strips (with permissions) to assist in patient transport.
Life flight is located in ST George, UT, Cedar city, UT and Provo, UT these locations are rotor wing bases; in addition to the availability of a fixed wing in St. George. These locations surround your area and allow for quicker response times when an asset is requested.
Would it help for us to have a designated and accessible heli landing? If so, what kind of space is needed? 50x50 open flat? No surrounding poles/wires?
Our helicopter pilots are trained to land in remote areas. Due to this, a designation is not required, but it can be helpful at times. The lot you described would be a great rendezvous spot for our crews, designated LZs can reduce risk and promotes safety. It is preferred to have a 100 x 100 area. Classic aircraft are smaller than the life flight aircraft and can land in smaller spaces. We try not to land on a slope >10 degrees. State roads and highways are great for this, because they are typically <8 degrees. When designating an LZ it is important to let the pilot and/or dispatch centers know of any obstructions (telephone wires, poles, fences, trees, etc.) We would love to arrange an LZ training with your teams to further discuss this.​
What about alternate landing spots in neighborhoods or areas along main roads? Or in the monument?
We have landed in many different types of Landing zones. We can land in a cul-de-sac of a neighborhood, main roads and city highways are great, with these types of landings we like to request the road is blocked to improve safety, PD is usually great about assisting with this, however, it is not required.
​How long does it take for the heli to get to Boulder town proper?
Richfield is 61 NM from Boulder town, this is approximately 30 mins (depending on winds and weather)
​How long does it take to get to Richfield? Panguitch? St. George? Salt Lake?
Richfield 61 Nm approx 30 mins
Panguitch 48nm approx 24 mins
Cedar city 79 nm approx 40 mins
St. George 113 nm approx 55 mins
Salt Lake City (IMC) 166 nm approx 82 mins
Provo (Utah valley hospital) 141 nm approx 70
​Is there an insurance clause that covers medivac regardless of carrier?
I believe Serenity was going to help you with this question, please let me know if you need me to discuss this further.
​Boulder does not currently have an ambulance or active EMT Crew. We rely on Escalante for services and if the patient wants to go to Richfield we transfer in Torrey to the Wayne County EMS service.
We do not require a ground crew for patient transfer. we have worked and trained with Escalante as well as Wayne county and appreciate their collaboration. They have amazing crews! We are here to support your community, however that may look for you. Classic also offers a free search and rescue service (up to one take of fuel, approximately two hours) We do not only offer transfers, in fact, some only need assistance getting out of the elements (i.e. altitude, harsh weather, minor injuries, etc.) in some of these instances we have picked up and taken the induvial to a trail head or vehicle rather than the hospital.
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Alyssa Edwards Flight RN, BSN, CCRN, CEP
Regional PR Representative, Classic Air Medical
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