Hospital plans new air ambulance helipad

Elmore Medical Center has been reviewing options and developing plans for the relocation of its air ambulance-landing site, currently located in the middle of McKenna Drive behind the hospital.

Hospital Administrator Greg Maurer noted that "earlier this year the FAA closed a number of landing sites in nine rural communities, including Mountain Home, citing safety concerns. Elmore Medical Center with the assistance of Citizens On Patrol providing ground traffic control, received a stay of closure from the FAA while a new landing site is being developed."'

Numerous locations have been reviewed and the preferred location is just south, on hospital property, from the current landing site on McKenna Drive.

Initial estimates to build a new helipad are $45,000-$50,000 and would include not only a 45'x45' concrete pad with special lighting and fencing, but also rework of a walkway to the helipad.

"There have been concerns about the location of the new helipad regarding conflicts with other uses of the area by the hospital and nursing home," Mauer noted, "and we are taking every measure to lessen those impacts.

"It's not ideal, but it's the best option we have and very workable."

The Hospital Foundation is actively soliciting donations to help fund the helipad.

The Foundation's recent Wine Tasting Festival, with the assitance of the Mountain Home Air Force Base Officers' Spouses Club, raised over $2,200 for the helipad.

In addition Air St. Luke's, Life Flight and Idaho Power have already made commitments as well.

The project has received FAA approval and with the completion of final construction plans and permits, Mauer said it is hoped the helipad can be completed this fall.